Building a fence is more than just marking boundaries; it's about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home, and your neighbours at the same time, while improving your privacy and security. A Good Neighbour® Fence, made from Colorbond steel, ticks all these boxes. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of installing a Stratco Good Neighbour® Fence, showcasing the Wavelok profile and the innovative Alumawall stackable retaining wall plinth.
Introduction to Good Neighbour® Fencing
Good Neighbour® Fencing is designed to look great from both sides, ensuring both you and your neighbour enjoy the view, without compromising on privacy or security. One of the standout options is the Good Neighbour® Wavelok profile, which brings a unique aesthetic to your boundaries. We have a range of profiles in our Good Neighbour® fencing range to suit any backyard. This guide will not only take you through the installation process but will also introduce you to the concept of using aluminium plinths, specifically the Alumawall stackable sleeper system, to enhance the base of your fence or even create a retaining wall system.
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Preparing for Your Good Neighbour® Fence Installation
Before diving into your project, it’s crucial to have the right information and tools at hand. Stratco offers comprehensive literature, including an Install Guide and a Design Guide, covering everything from post spacing to footing details for various soil types. For our project, we're working on a sandy clay base, aiming for holes approximately 700mm deep and 200mm wide, with each hole requiring around two bags of concrete.
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Safety First
Ensure you have all appropriate safety gear before starting. For this project, you'll need a broad-brim hat, sunscreen, gloves for cutting and drilling, and goggles to protect your eyes.
Marking and Digging Your Good Neighbour® Post Holes
Using garden stakes and string lines in conjunction with the Good Neighbour® fence tracks, that come with your fence or can be purchased separately, you'll accurately mark where to dig your post holes. Remember, the spacing from the outside of one panel to the outside of the next should be 2350mm, or your desired width. With your holes marked, dig them to the specified depth and width using a post-hole digger or shovel, keeping the string line in place for alignment.
Assembling and Installing the Good Neighbour® Post & Track System
The post and track system of a Good Neighbour® Fence is designed for straightforward assembly. The track sits snugly inside the post, secured with Tek screws. It's also time to cut your Alumawall plinth to fit; this can be done with a hacksaw, circular saw, or drop saw, depending on your preference. Cut the plinth to the same width as your panel, so it sits just inside the posts.
Erecting the Good Neighbour® Fence Panels
With your frames built and plinths cut to size, it’s time to stand up the Good Neighbour® posts in the prepared holes. Once in place, use the provided Tek screws to join the posts and track together to form the skeleton of a panel. It's crucial to ensure everything is level at this point.
Final Steps: Levelling and Concreting
After all the posts and tracks are screwed together and aligned, it’s time to concrete them in. Ensure everything is level for a professional finish. It’s recommended to let the concrete set overnight without the wind load of the Good Neighbour® fence sheets in place.
The Importance of the Alumawall Plinth
An aluminium plinth, such as the Alumawall, offers several advantages. It’s lightweight, pre-coloured, and when used with Good Neighbour® Fencing, it’s best installed before concreting the posts. This approach protects the bottom track by preventing direct contact with the soil, extending the lifespan of your fence. We also have several concrete and other retaining wall options for your projects.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the concrete has set, sheets can be added to the frame, being locked in with the top track, completing your Good Neighbour® Fence. Choosing the Wavelok profile adds a contemporary flair, but we offer a variety of profiles to suit any taste.
Installing a Stratco Good Neighbour® Fence is a rewarding project that not only enhances your property’s appeal but also strengthens neighbourly ties while adding privacy and security. By following this step-by-step guide, from preparation to the finishing touches, you’ll achieve a professional-quality fence that stands the test of time. Whether you choose the Wavelok profile, with its unique aesthetic, or incorporate the innovative Alumawall retaining wall plinth for added functionality and style, your new fence will be the talk of the neighbourhood.