Fences, Deck Boards and Railway Sleepers - Blog - AVS Fencing Supplies

Need a new field gate?

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:11:00 GMT

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we stock a variety of field gates, suitable for different purposes. For livestock, metal field gates are the most popular, as they are less likely to be damaged by animals. Some horses will chew timber and cattle will lean and scratch on gates, causing damage. If you would still prefer to use a timber gate for livestock, consider protecting it with electric tape.

A self locking catch is an easy option for metal field gates, and these can be padlocked if necessary. If a public bridle path runs through your land, an equestrian latch is ideal as it makes it easier for riders to open and close the gates, meaning it is less likely to get left open. For sheep and other small livestock, a five bar gate with a mesh bottom prevents animals from trying to squeeze through the rails.

Timber field gates are more attractive than their metal counterparts and make excellent general farm gates, where contact with livestock is minimal. Our timber field gates are also popular as rustic driveway gates, adding a rural charm to any home. The Somerset and Estate gates are available in softwood or hardwood and right hand or left hand to suit the situation.

Don’t forget to purchase the necessary field gate hinges, the pre-packed options come with all fixings included to make fitting easy. If you are using gates in a pair, a drop bolt, or garage door bolt as it is otherwise known, will be a useful purchase.

Call or visit your nearest branch for more information about any type of gates and their fittings.

Garden Gates!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:45:00 GMT

An easy way of improving the appearance of your home is by having an attractive garden gate to welcome visitors. Low level front garden gates can add character and originality to the entrance of your home in a rural or town situation. AVS Fencing stocks a variety of low level timber and metal gates. Our ranges of black metal gates are available in a variety of decorative designs and heights, to suit all specifications.

If you prefer a more rustic appearance for your garden, choose from one of our timber gates, which will blend in with the natural surroundings. For side path gates, tall closeboard or lap gates are ideal and will match the panel fencing equivalent.

When measuring the size of the gate you need remember to allow for a tolerance between the gate and the post. This is normally about 15 – 20mm overall to ensure the gate will open and close easily. If you need the gate to be attached to a wall than use a wall plate, purchasable from AVS Fencing.

For more information on gate fittings, call your nearest branch for helpful and friendly advice.

Eco Ideas for your Garden in 2012!

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:44:00 GMT

It’s easy to make a few adjustments to your garden to make it more eco friendly for 2012. The easiest way to improve your eco friendliness is to start growing your own herbs and vegetables. A small raised bed kit for herbs won’t take up much space in your garden and you will soon reap the rewards. If you have more space for a larger raised bed you can grow a variety of organic foods, such as potatoes, broccoli and root vegetables, as well as herbs. A major benefit of growing your own food is that you know exactly what’s gone into it. This means no harsh pesticides or other chemicals, just healthy home grown, organic food.

Another easy and inexpensive option is to purchase a compost bin. This gives you a place to dispose of all your biodegradable waste efficiently and will provide essential nutrients for your garden. This kind of waste would otherwise end up in a landfill, where air cannot get to the organic waste. This means that when the waste breaks down it releases methane, which is damaging to the atmosphere. When the same material is broken down in a home compost bin, oxygen causes it to decompose aerobically, greatly reducing the amount of methane that is produced. Here at AVS Fencing we stock timber pressure treated compost bins in small, medium and large sizes, so there is a size suitable for most space allowances. So why not grow your own vegetables or recycle your green waste and do your bit for the environment in 2012?!

Are you building a new deck for spring?

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:24:00 GMT

Are you are planning on building a deck ready for the spring? If so we have put together some helpful advice on things you may need to consider for your decking project.

- Plan and design the deck carefully before you buy your materials. This is essential to help reduce wastage and save you money.

- Buy geotextile membrane to prevent weeds growing up through the deck boards. This not only maintains the appearance of the decking, but protects it from damage caused by more aggressive foliage.

- You should use handrails if the deck is going to be more than 600mm raised off the ground.

- Double check that the decking frame is rigid and level before you fit the boards, as it will easier to make adjustments before you do add them.

- Treat any cut ends with a suitable timber treatment to ensure durability.

- If you are using hardwood decking boards, you will need to pre drill holes for fixing. A process that isn’t necessary for softwood boards.

We offer a variety of balustrade styles and deck panels in wood and metal. This can add an individual appearance to your garden, and there is something to suit all tastes.

For more decking ideas and decking materials, view our project centre on the website or visit your local branch.

Burglars Flee With Two Miles of Fencing

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 14:19:00 GMT

Police are appealing for any information that may help with their investigation into a burglary at our Stansted Park branch. The burglary happened at around midnight on Wednesday 21^st December 2011.

The thieves got away with approximately 11 tonnes of horse fencing, which would have taken several people considerable time to load. Either a large vehicle or a number of trips would have been needed to remove the materials. For this reason it is thought the thieves are probably local to the area. The haul consisted of machine round wooden fence posts, half round rails and rolls of 1.2m high horse fence. The newly launched X net horse fence product has been specifically designed with a special X shaped knot to prevent injuries to horses and foals.

The Stansted Sawmill site is located close to the West Sussex border between Emsworth and Rowlands Castle. Lorna Purse and her team have worked incredibly hard to make this branch a success since it was re-opened by AVS Fencing in the spring. The X net horse fence is a new product to the market and is not widely available in the area. Any information regarding the possible whereabouts of this fencing would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Lorna on 02392 412445, or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111, if you think you can help.

Has your fence been damaged by high winds?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:19:00 GMT

Recent high winds across the South East of England, has been the cause of many home owners despair. With high winds reported, many have been left with damage to their fencing. The high winds have attributed to split fence posts, broken arris rails and broken and twisted garden fence panels. If your fence has suffered damage of this extent, fixing the damage does not need to be expensive. AVS Fencing stock a number of items for repairing fences, preventing the need to replace sections altogether.

If you have broken arris rails, simply use an arris rail repair bracket, which is easily screwed or nailed into place. For posts that have broken at the bottom, use a metpost repair spur or a concrete repair spur to support the damaged post.

If the wind has damaged parts of your garden fence beyond repair, we have great offers on garden fence panels this month. The offer includes pressure treated closeboard and lap panels, as well as the dip treated closeboard and lap panel alternatives, so there is a panel to suit all budgets and needs. Remember, when purchasing panels for the future, that closeboard style fences are the strongest and are therefore less likely to be damaged by strong wind.

For more experienced DIY enthusiasts, consider erecting hit and miss fencing. Hit and miss fencing is perfect for exposed, windy locations as it lets the wind pass through the fence and retains your gardens privacy. To construct hit and miss fencing you will need to use timber palisade and rails between your fence posts. Pictured above is an example of hit and miss fencing.

For expert advice on repairing your fence, contact your nearest AVS Fencing supplies branch today.

Government Summit on Energy Prompts Efficient Heating for Homes

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 12:03:00 GMT

Recently the government held a summit, where the managing director of British Gas said that “more price rises are inevitable”.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid
9617000/9617313.stm

As the discussion regarding rising energy prices continues, more and more people are turning to alternative energy sources to heat their homes.

You can stay warm in your home this winter, without increasing the cost of your heating bill. Stocking up on hardwood logs means you can cut down on the time spent heating your home. Here at AVS Fencing we stock a large selection of hardwood logs and kindling ready for the cold winter weather. Our selection of logs has been specifically chosen for their suitability to be used for indoor fireplaces, reducing spitting and giving you longer burning times.

Snow has played a part in many Britons lives over the past years. So before the snow sets in, consider grabbing some winter essentials to help make life more comfortable. Stock up on grit for your paths and driveways, when the weather turns icy, and be ready with a snow shovel so you don’t get stuck!

For these and more winter weather essentials, visit one of our eight branches or shop online today.

Make over your garden with AVS Fencing Supplies decorative aggregates

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 16:32:00 GMT

Have you considered using decorative aggregates to quickly and easily give your garden a new look, that will last throughout all the seasons? Well, decorative aggregates from AVS Fencing can help you achieve a new garden look, whilst being easy to maintain.

Our cobbles and stones can be used for a variety of applications. They are ideal for water features or ponds, but can also be used for borders and edging, as an alternative to boards or bricks. Stones also make a great, easy alternative to slabs for patio areas or decking. A smaller stone, such as Cotswold Buff is excellent for driveways and paths, and will give a new look to your home.

As well as standard stones and cobbles, AVS Fencing also stock more decorative, coloured aggregates, which can add vibrancy to your garden. Choose from blue, green or plum to add colour and interest to your flower beds. Or perhaps use the aggregate as a ground cover with plant pots on top. Not only will it last for many years, it’s easy to manage and extremely versatile!

Visit one of our eight branches today or shop online to see our full range of decorative aggregates.

Enhance your decking with AVS deck panels and screw fix panels

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:09:00 GMT

A great decking idea for new decking or to enhance your existing deck is to use deck panels to surround the decking. All of our metal deck panels will add style to your garden, as well as providing practical railing. We stock two main types of metal panels, those which are suitable for fixing to a metal bolt down post and those which can be screwed to timber posts and hand rails. There is a selection of different styles to suit all tastes!

The screw fix panels are available in two elegant designs and come in a pack of four 280mm wide pieces, which will create an 1130 (W) x 770mm panel when fixed to the timber posts. The bolt down panels, which are available in three stylish designs, come in one piece that measures 1130 (W) x 813mm.

All of these panels are zinc plated, powder coated and are available in black and silver. For more decking ideas and expert advice visit our project centre or one of our eight branches today.

Add extra security to your home with Prikka-Strip!

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:54:00 GMT

Prikka Strip is a low cost way of deterring intruders from your property and is designed to cause maximum discomfort, with minimum harm! Its hinged design makes it easy to apply to angled surfaces and it fixes easily to your garden fence, pipes, window sills, walls and more! It’s a non-obtrusive neutral greyish polypropylene that is reusable, durable, and recyclable.

Bear in mind with Prikka Strip that many glues and adhesives will not adhere to polypropylene, so fixing with nails or screws is recommended. However, if you do still want to use adhesives, the ones that work best are external quality butyl and solvent based sealants/adhesives. Silicone, bitumen, acrylic and water soluble adhesives are not recommended when using this product.

Alternatively, if you need greater security for your property or business premises, we also supply barbed wire and steel palisade fencing. Barbed wire can be added to your garden fence, wall or other surface area with the use of special barb wire extensions. We can also offer bespoke palisade and mesh security fence systems for larger business premises, where security is a concern.

Great Deals on Fence Panels!

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:01:00 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies have some great offers on fence panels this November. Whether you need to replace one or two panels, or need to erect a whole new perimeter, AVS Fencing Supplies has the right fence panels for you. To help you choose the perfect fence panel, here is a quick guide to the panels on offer.

Lap panels are a great all round fence panel which look attractive in any garden. We have reduced prices on 6’x6’ and 6’x5’ dip treated and pressure treated lap panels. Remember that pressure treated fence panels will, on average, give a longer life than the dip treated version. With this in mind, you may want to consider the long term cost of your panels as opposed to the immediate expenditure.

Alternatively, we also have our closeboard panels on offer, which are another popular fence panel choice. Closeboard panels are substantially stronger than lap panels, making them ideal for erecting in more exposed locations. They are easy to erect and, combined with slotted concrete posts, will last for years to come.

Closeboard panels are available both dip treated and pressure treated. If you choose to purchase closeboard panels, consider the matching closeboard gate to complete your garden fence, also available on offer throughout November.

Hurry, as these offers end 30^th November 2011. To order your fence panels visit one of our eight branches or buy online today for fast, free delivery^*.

*Free delivery subject to minimum order value. Some restrictions apply.

Don’t neglect your garden this winter!

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMT

As the weather becomes cold and wet and the evenings draw darker it’s easy to neglect your garden. However, preparing some vegetable beds or water features now means everything will be ready for you to enjoy when the spring comes in.

Railway sleepers are excellent for flower and vegetable beds, ponds, water features, decking steps, furniture, edging and borders. When using railway sleepers for raised beds remember the importance of membrane and good drainage, as well as choosing non creosoted sleepers for any area in which you wish to grow vegetation. 2.4M 100 x 200mm softwood railway sleepers are ideal for use with plant borders and raised beds. If you prepare the beds during winter, by spring you will already have plants growing ready for the summer months.

There are some plants excellent for winter months that will keep your garden looking cheerful all year round. Holly, Christmas Rose, Dogwood, Viburnum and Wintersweet are all examples of great winter plants to consider adding to your garden.

The winter is also a good time to make new edging round heavy clay soil, as frost can help to break the soil down, making it easier to dig and manage. AVS Fencing Supplies have a great range of shovels and digging spades to help you with your garden projects.

For the full range of railway sleepers, visit your local branch or shop online.

Rock Salt Now Available at AVS Branches!

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:17:00 GMT

As we settle into the colder months of the year, it’s important to prepare for the inevitable forthcoming snow and ice. AVS Fencing is proud to be stocking more than just fences and is a useful resource when it comes to pretecting yourself against snow and ice.

In recent years, council stockpiles of grit for the roads has been noticeably low and when the extreme weather hits, many of our smaller roads are left untouched, creating a hazardous environment. Even if the council do get round to gritting your road, they won' t touch the pavements or your driveway, so these areas will remain dangerous to walk on.

To ensure you stay safe this winter, the solution is to stock up on rock salt or Enviro-Thaw. Rock salt is the traditional action against icy surfaces, melting the ice and preventing slippery situations, however, if you are more environmentally conscience we also stock Enviro-Thaw as an eco-friendly alternative.

Visit your local branch or our website to buy either of these great products and keep your self safe this winter!

AVS Harlow Moves to Braintree

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:46:00 GMT

Great news! AVS Fencing Supplies branch at Harlow has now moved to Braintree. This allows us to deliver our vast range of garden fencing products and more, to a wider area than ever before. We are able to deliver further into Suffolk than was previously possible and can now include Ipswich.

Some of the areas we now deliver to include Alsford, Parts of North London, Chelmsford, Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

Remember, delivery is FREE for orders over £120. Simply use our postcode finder to check if we deliver in your area. Alternatively you can call your local branch for more information regarding delivery.

So if you are looking for Fencing Supplies in Ipswich or Suffolk, call our Braintree branch today or visit us in store. To find out exactly where our new branch is located, visit the Braintree page on our website.

Great Decking Ideas

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:49:00 GMT

Have you wanted to build a great looking deck recently?

Decking makes a great outdoor area for entertaining guests, meals alfresco and more. However, sometimes we need some inspiration and ideas for making decking eye-catching.

Have you considered alternating a reversible deck like the Canterbury boards (pictured below). Here you can see a fantastic example of how this smooth and grooved alternation can give depth and texture to your decking.

Why not add a bit of practicality to your decking with the new anti slip decking strip. This great little strip provides extra grip in wet and frosty weather. It fits neatly into the grooves of our Canterbury deckboard and is great on stairs and ramps.

Finally, to provide that finishing touch and to prevent people from falling off the edge of raised decks, why not add some Decking Hand Rails. AVS Fencing stock Newal Posts and Spindles, which come in both a classic and contemporary range, to suit anyone' s tastes.

For more decking products and decking ideas, visit our decking section online or pop in to your local branch.

Protect your garden fence for winter with timber stain

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:47:00 GMT

At AVS Fencing Supplies, we always want to ensure that your garden is suitable for the current season and Winter can be a very tricky season for your fences. With heavy wind and rain the norm in Britain along with snow, it' s time to ask yourself if your garden fence is protected from the elements!

If you answered NO to that question, it' s time to do something about it before it' s too late. AVS Fencing recommends you treat your fences to protect them from weathering. Although the effects of the weather may be temporary, some effects may well be more permanent.

Most commonly in timber fencing, you will see ' shakes' , which are cracks running with the grain of the the fence posts. This is often caused by the timber drying out.

You may also see warping in the fences which can be a far more permanent and costly effect of the weather than ' shakes' .

So what can you do to protect your fences against these and other weathering effects? Well, AVS Fencing Supplies recommends using timber stain. Staining timber reduces it' s porosity, slowing down the water intake and drying out cycles.

For timber stain and wood protector visit us in branch or see our timber stain section online.

Logs and Kindling now in stock at AVS

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:13:00 GMT

As Winter closes in on us, we are all starting to think about how to keep warm when the cold months and dark nights draw in. What better way to do this than sitting by a roaring fire!

That is why AVS Fencing Supplies have stocked up on seasoned firewood logs and bags of kindling to help keep your fires burning and keep you warm this winter.

Our bulk bags of seasoned logs are excellent value with a mixture of Oak, Beech, Ash, Birch and Cherry. This eclectic mix of seasoned logs helps to reduce spitting and smells great when burning.

For those of you that don' t know why you need both logs and kindling, heres a brief breakdown:

It' s difficult to start a fire with thick logs, they don' t set alight quickly, so it' s essential to have some other, smaller chunks of wood to light. These are called kindling. Once lit, they provide an excellent base for a fire and will heat up your main logs to create the perfect fire!
Although the Kindling is perfect for starting a fire, it won' t burn for very long, due to it' s small size. You therefore need some larger logs to burn to keep your fire roaring for a prolonged period of time. AVS fencing Supplies' seasoned logs have been left to dry since last year, so they will produce excellent energy value when burnt.

Visit our logs and kindling pages now or pop in to your local branch to get your logs today.

Why Use New Oak Sleepers?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:57:00 GMT

New Oak Sleepers are just one of a wide-range of sleepers AVS Fencing Supplies offer, but what are they useful for?

Well, AVS Fencing Hardwood Oak Sleepers are perfect for a large range of landscaping applications. We have listed just a few uses below:

Decking - building a deck out of Hardwood Oak Sleepers never fails as a popular choice with AVS Fencing Supplies' customers.

Bordering - does your patio area need a boundary? Use HOS to border the patio! Perhaps you need to keep your soil in a particular area, use HOS for soil retention.

Indoors - our HOS need not be restricted to use in the garden, they can be used indoors to build furniture like benches, coffee tables, dining tables and fireplaces.

These sleepers are a natural wood product, therefore any projects you undertake using them will take on a unique finish that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Just remember that as a natural wood product, they may show signs of splitting if they dry out.

Come in and visit us in branch or view our products online to see how affordable these fantastic Sleepers are.

Is your fence ready for winter?

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:46:00 GMT

With Summer almost at an end and Autumn nearly upon us, many of us will be checking the Winter essentials; boilers, radiators, etc. but you need to add one more item to your list, Fences!

With strong October winds becoming second nature to UK residents, we should all know by now how costly the smallest weakness in your fence can be.

Most basic home insurance policies do not cover damage to your fences due to adverse weather, something which is not noted by many, but is an extremely vital point, a point which should make you ensure that you give your fences a health check this winter.

If you are only going to check one thing about your fences, let it be your fence posts. They are imperative to the strength of your fences in adverse weather so follow our quick pointers to make sure they are fit for the winter winds.

If your fence posts are split or rotted at the base, it is time to replace them. If you don' t, it will only take one strong gust of wind to bring down the entire fence. Not just the panels adjacent to the offending post either, it could cause panels further down the run to twist and damage.

If you do find youself with damaged fences, AVS Fencing Supplies offers a wide range of garden fencing repair items to help you out, such as concrete repair spurs for your posts and repair brackets for broken arris rails.

If you are concerned about your fence and need to make a repair, visit AVS online or call into one of our 8 branches and we will be happy to help you prepare for the winter weather.

The Malvern Autumn Show 24th – 25th September 2011

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 16:53:00 GMT

This September plays host to the Malvern Autumn Show. On the 24th and 25th September, the Three Counties Showground in Worcester will host the Malvern Autumn Show, a show celebrating the best of natures harvest. Famous faces lend their expertise and their name to the cause of ' Growing your own food' .

Watch out for the Landscaping Live exhibit where a number of experts host their favourite landscaping projects. You get to watch a project under construction and get completed live and much more. Visit our project gallery for more inspirational landscaping ideas.

Whatever your experience, if you wish to start your own ' grow your own' or landscaping project, visit AVS Fencing Supplies, online or in branch, our helpful staff will guide you through what you need to get going!

Let's talk garden design

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 12:15:00 GMT

On the 16th September 2011, Andy Sturgeon, Cleve West and Tom Hoblyn (medal winners at RHS Chelsea) will be discussing new and innovative ideas on garden design at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. If you can get yourself along to this event we highly recommend it.

To go alongside this talk on garden design, AVS Fencing recognises that you need to have great looking fences to compliment that fantastic new design and AVS has a wide range of fencing to suit different styles.

Our Grange Elite Panels have a continental feel to them and look stunning whereas our Closeboard Fencing has a subtletly that does not detract from the main spectacle of the garden. Closeboard fencing looks great and can be enhanced with the addition of decorative post caps.

Rural gardens can really benefit from our Picket Fencing and Pedestrian gates and our Hurdles can be great for screening or traditional fencing.

So when you next re-design your garden, give your fence some thought. And make that thought, AVS Fencing Supplies!

AVS Launches E-Newsletter

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:51:00 GMT

AVS Fencing has launched an e-newsletter for customers who want to keep up to date with the latest news, offers and expert advice on a range of garden fencing, decking and railway sleepers. So now you don' t have to remember to visit, we will bring our news to you.

Customers who have signed up to the e-newsletter can expect a fortnightly email from AVS Fencing Supplies.

As well as the great advice and company news, there will also be the opportunity to get exclusive discounts from AVS Fencing Supplies.

How do I subscribe?
It is simple really. All you need to do is enter your details into the box on the right hand side of our homepage. Hit the sign up button and you will be ready to start recieving updates from AVS Fencing.

So if you are interested in keeping up-to-date with the latest garden fencing, decking, railway sleepers and landscaping products, as well as receiving exclusive discounts. Sign up to the AVS E-Newsletter now.

School Holiday Madness

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:54:00 GMT

Ok, so you' re kids are off school and are taking up all your time! You feel like you' ve got no time to look after your garden, which is really frustrating as it' s the one time of year when the weather will allow you to!!! Sound familiar?

This no longer needs to be an issue with AVS Fencing Supplies' range of Garden Fence Panels which are designed to make erecting your new garden fence quicker and easier than before!

We have put together a recipe for getting your new Fences this summer with AVS Fences, if you follow this, you will have plenty of time spare to take the kids out for the day!

Choose your Fence Panel - Lap Panels and Closeboard Panels are simple to install.
Get yourself a Post Hole Digger. This tool is perfect for digging holes for your fence posts and saves you time and effort.
We recommend using Concrete slotted posts, that way there are no nails to struggle with and replacing panels in the future is made so much easier! Make sure to check you have the right length post for your panel though!!!
Use ready mix post fix. AVS Fencing suggests that you use 1 ½ bags per post.
As an optional extra why not add some Gravelboards to your fence; they could save you money in the future as we discussed last week! Don' t forget to add the height of the gravel board to your fence when choosing your fence post!!!

There you have it then, 5 easy steps to achieve new garden fences during the summer holidays - garden fences made easy with AVS Fencing Supplies. Come and see us in branch or view our products online.

Why should I use Gravelboards with my new fence?

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:04:00 GMT

When people see Gravelboards on AVS Fencing Supplies website and in their branches, they all seem to ask the same question; Why should I use Gravelboards with my new fence? Well, we thought it was about time we put something in writing to explain just how important Gravelboards can be!

First of all, although costing an initial extra amount of money when erecting fences, they will save you lots of money in the future! However, the amount you will end up saving vastly depends on the amount you are willing to outlay in the first place:

Timber Gravelboards are low cost and can easily be replaced, but they don' t last as long, whereas Concrete Gravelboards have a far more superior lifespan, but at a higher cost.

Right, so why do you need Gravelboards? They are their primarily to protect your Fence Panels! By using Gravelboards, you prevent your fences from touching the ground and therefore preventing damage, damp and soil from affecting the strength of the panel.

Secondly, Gravelboards are excellent when your fences are stepped as you can use the Gravelboards to fill in the gaps underneath the panels to create a far more aesthetic look.

Finally, Gravelboards can be used for soil retention by creating a barrier or wall around the containing area, perfect!

In any case, if you are putting up fences, Gravelboards are a necessity, so check out our range online or visit us in branch.

A Garden Fence to Suit

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 09:43:00 GMT

At AVS Fencing Supplies, there is always something to suit your garden fencing needs. No matter what your budget, AVS has something for you!

If you are on a tight budget, Lap Panels are a great budget option with AVS Fencing offering good quality lap panels at low cost.

So what if you have a bit more money to spend? Our Closeboard Panels are an excellent choice for those mid-range budgets; Closeboard is stronger than Lap panels and well suited to more exposed areas.

Obviously, the more you spend, the better the end result, and although our Lap and Closeboard Panels are brilliant quality, they just don' t compare to our Grange Elite Panel range. These are the premium Garden Fence Panel and are highly practical as well as looking great, so if you have a little bit extra to spend, we highly recommend our Grange Elite Panels to give your garden that finishing touch.

Can' t make your mind up? Come in and visit AVS Fencing at any one of our 8 branches to check out our vast range of fence panels and really get a feel for what will look good in your garden!

Trend Setting Railway Sleepers

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:02:00 GMT

Did you know AVS Fencing Supplies are also specialists in railway sleepers and not just garden fencing, decking and landscaping? At AVS Fencing, we stock a massive range of railway sleepers and our staff have expert knowledge of sleepers. Helping you choose the right sleeper for your needs!

AVS’s range consists of Soft and Hardwood railway sleepers in both new and used condition. Additionally, if these more traditional sleepers don’t interest you, we have other ranges including our Mini Sleepers, New Grange Jigsaw sleepers and Oak Planks which are 2011 trend setters.

For those of you that aren' t sure what you can use railway sleepers for, here is a small list of examples:

Soil Retention
Raised Beds
Bridge Building
Decking
Furniture
Edging
many others uses.

Bet you didn' t know how many things you could use railway sleepers for did you? Well now you do, you might as well look at AVS Fencing Supplies fantastic range to see how they can be of use to you.

So if you are looking to make tracks with your railway sleeper project, but you are still undecided what sleepers you need? Make sure you check out AVS’s affordable range of railway sleepers either online, or in one of their 8 branches today.

Leading Supplier of Garden Fencing

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:51:00 GMT

AVS Fencing are happy to state that we are one of, if not the leading garden fencing supplier in the South-East.

Why are we the leading supplier I hear you ask? Well, we stock such a wide range of garden fencing from traditional panels such as Lap and Closeboard to our Grange Decorative panels ranging from St Michel, St Cyprien, St Lunairs, Eyecatcher, St Esprit, St Jacut, St Carne and the St Meloir Panel.

The Traditional & Grange Panels not only both look great, you also get the added benefit from their treatments which give them a beautiful colour and a longer life.

So if you are looking for a reputable garden fencing suppliers, look no further! AVS have an extensive range of fence panels ready to for you to buy online, and better still if your order is over £120.00 you classify for FREE delivery!

If you don' t fancy buying online though, why not pop in and see us at any one of our 8 branches across the South East, you won' t be disappointed!

Taking advantage of the weather

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:49:00 GMT

Wasn’t the weather in the last weekend of June absolutely fabulous? We hope you got out

After the drizzly weather we’ve continuously had throughout the month of June, this was a very welcome change. It was reported on the news that some parts of England were actually hotter than the Caribbean!

With July now upon us, and it statistically being one of the hottest months, we can be confident that there will be more beautiful weekends to go out and enjoy your garden.

So now’s the time to get your garden ready for the rest of July and August by taking advantage of AVS Fencing Supplies July web offers.

We have Lap Panel Kits with Timber Posts, Dip Treated Lap Panels, Closeboard Panels (both pressure and dip treated), Winchester Deckboards and many more fantastic offers available.

You will find these great July offers online today, or if buying online is not your thing, come and view these offer products in the flesh, at one of our 8 branches across the south east.

School Garden Goes Public

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 10:34:00 GMT

There was an interesting article in the Fencing & Landscaping June 2011 edition. St John of Beverly Roman Catholic Primary School, Yorkshire has embraced gardening fully into their curriculum and from this, an Organic Vegetable Garden has been developed.

This school is trying to encourage enthusiasm of the younger generation to

grow and learn in an outdoor environment and this enthusiasm was rewarded with the Gold award for educational endeavour. The head teacher of St Johns stated:

“Gardening has brought so many benefits including encouraging pupils to work together.”

This is a brilliant example of how gardening can be beneficial in all environments so why not get involved today! AVS has all the tools and materials you need to get started so come in and visit us in branch or view our range online.

The benefits of gardening have become clear to see for so many people and AVS can help you get involved with their stock Raised Beds. These Raised beds are not only perfect for growing your vegetables in, it’s better for the environment and can save you money.

So what are you waiting for? Come and start reaping the benefits of spending more time gardening and enjoying your new tasty vegetables!

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 12:41:00 GMT

Did you know that Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the ultimate experience for passionate gardeners and those looking to start their own home-grown garden?

Well if not, this year you will not want to miss:

- The RHS Edible Garden, for everything you want to know about growing your own

- The fabulous Wonderland of Roses

- Inspirational show and small gardens, conceptual and English Poet’s Gardens

- A Swinging Sixties floristry and fashion show.

Adding to all this, when you need time to relax there are areas that you can sit down in one of the many dining areas and enjoy some live music.

AVS Fencing are still proud of the fact that in 2009 they supplied decking and timber posts for use on a absolutely fantastic display at the Flower Show.

To be chosen to provide a display at such a prestigious event demonstrates the quality of AVS Fencing Supplies products and proves just why you should come to us for all your garden fence panels, posts, decking, railway sleepers and landscaping.

So if you see yourself as a passionate gardener come and view AVS’s exciting range of products online or in branch today!

Why should you buy from AVS Fencing Supplies?

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:46:00 GMT

When spending money on house/garden repairs and maintenance, many people want to know why they should buy from a particular company or provider. Well we' re here to tell you exactly why AVS Fencing Supplies is the company you should choose!

Did you know that AVS fencing supplies have been an established specialist fencing, decking, railway sleeper and landscaping company since 1987? Thats just shy of 25 years in the trade, and it' s this experience which makes us the number one supplier of such garden supplies.

Just to keep you up-to-date, AVS now have eight fully stocked outlets in Henfield, Guildford, Rudgwick, Lewes, Wokingham, Harlow, Stansted and Peterborough delivering to clients in Sussex, Surrey, Essex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and parts of London.

However, its not just that AVS Fencing Supplies delivers to and caters for such a wide area that’s great! It’s also the knowledgeable and helpful staff that are employed by AVS that gives us the edge.

Each branch has staff dedicated to each aspect of the operation such as the sales office offering you competitive prices, the manufacturing who make sure your products are made to the highest quality and the distribution using our free delivery service on all orders over £120.00.

So what are you waiting for? With AVS Fencing Supplies industry experience and operational capacity, make sure when purchasing your fencing, decking, railway sleepers and landscaping materials you check out our website first!

Come to AVS for the best decking in town!

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:58:00 GMT

So are you looking for the best high quality and affordable decking available? Look no further than AVS Fencing Supplies.

AVS Fencing Supplies have been an established decking supplier since 1987 and this specialist supplier is illustrated by the huge variety of Hardwood and Softwood decking stocked.

Currently our most popular softwood decking ranges are Winchester and Canterbury decking, as they look great and are at outstanding prices. However our Hardwood AVS deck range is worth a look as it’s made from Balau hardwood which is also popular for its reliability when exposed to the damp and sunlight.

So if you are looking forward to the summer months and want the best decking in town, you will need to come to AVS Fencing Supplies who are proud to offer you the following:

Competitive Decking Prices
High Quality Decking
An industry leading free delivery service on all orders over £120.00!

With all these superb reasons to buy decking from AVS Fencing Supplies, what are you waiting for? Contact us today or come visit us at one of our 8 branches.

Lap & Closeboard Fence Panels Offers

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 10:07:00 GMT

Did you know AVS Fencing Supplies stock a wide range of Lap & Closeboard Fence panels? Well if you didn’t, visit one of our branches today and view our Lap and Closeboard panels. Our panels are fantastic as they don’t just provide stability, they look great too.

Our Lap & Closeboard panels consist of Lap Panels Dip Treated, Lap Panels Pressure Treated, Closeboard Dip Treated and also the Closeboard Pressure Treated.

AVS Fencing supply lap panels in 4 different sizes, each Lap Panel is 6 feet wide with heights that vary between 3, 4, 5 and 6 feet. They are also available in 3 colours - light beige, orange-brown and darker brown - but bear in mind that posts come in only two colours - light brown or dark brown - so our TOP TIP is to choose your colours carefully!

While we' re on the subject of posts, AVS Fencing Supplies provide a range of fence posts from Timber, Concrete and Steel styles, with ALL Timber posts coming with an incredible 15 year guarantee.

So go on what are you waiting for? Now is the time to come and check out our online and in branch Lap and Closeboard offers today, to make sure you get your hands on our fantastic panels at competitive prices!

High Quality and Affordable Railway Sleepers

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 16:47:00 GMT

Have you always craved inspiration to start that dream railway sleeper project? Well if you have, AVS Fencing Supplies now has the answer as our inspiration centre is fully packed with sleeper projects. These projects are perfect to help inspire you towards that dream railway sleeper project.

Once again the sleeper projects highlight the versatility of railway sleepers and are great guide, as they show the different stages of construction. Better still, the project pictures show off the eye catching looks from railway sleepers.

There are 4 projects to choose from including using Railway Sleepers as patio walls to creating innovative ponds. Check them out now.

So if your desire is to make a retaining wall, garden path, raised beds, steps etc from railway sleepers, make sure you view AVS Fencing Supplies inspiration centre before starting your project. The inspiration centre will not only show the huge variety of stocked New & Reclaimed sleepers, but also competitive prices currently on offer.

Get your Garden Decking for the Summer Today!

Mon, 23 May 2011 11:34:00 GMT

Unfortunately this bank holiday weekend is not looking as sunny as the previous bank holidays in 2011. Can you remember just a few weeks back, sitting outside with the family, enjoying the weather and relaxing? Well come to think of it, summer weekends are not too far away as June is just around the corner. So now is the time to prepare your garden, to maximise your summer experience.

The first step is to purchase some decking materials to create the perfect decking structure. Did you know that AVS Fencing Supplies stock a wide variety of deck boards consisting of Hardwood and Softwood and this ranges from; AVS Deckboards, Winchester Deckboards, Canterbury Decking and Hardwood Deckboards.

AVS Fencing Supplies are 100% confident that our Decking Boards ranges are ideal to create the perfect dream garden. So what are you waiting for? Come and purchase high quality garden decking all at affordable prices today in one of eight branches, or online on our brilliant user friendly website!

Dig for Victory and Join In

Fri, 13 May 2011 16:04:00 GMT

There is an interesting article in the Eastwood & Kimberley Advertiser regarding the transformation of the outside play area at Underwood Primary School. This school was the proud beneficiary of a £2,000 grant so they decided to transform their outside area and purchased some Railways Sleepers to create vegetables beds to encourage children to grow their own produce.

The transformation in this area had such a huge knock-on effect, there were posters put up across the county which read ‘Dig For Victory’, to tie in with the world war two rationing morale. The head teacher at Underwood Primary School said: “It' s all about teaching the pupils about self–sufficiency and it will give them a better understanding of where produce comes from, so they know it doesn’t grow at the supermarket!”

Once again this magnificent story highlights the effect of transforming a garden can do for so many people. So what are you waiting for? Come and join the wave of opportunism, by viewing AVS Fencing Supplies fantastic ‘Grow your own range’, which consist of a variety of raised vegetables beds that will not only save money, but mean you will have the best tasting vegetables in town!

AVS Once Again Offering High Quality Garden Fencing

Fri, 6 May 2011 09:15:00 GMT

Did you know that AVS Fencing Supplies provide a high quality range of Grange Elite Garden Fencing?

Grange Elite Garden Fencing is perfect to us for both boundary and division fencing and is very easy to erect, thus making it perfect to DIY!

Here at AVS Fencing, we offer a wide selection of high quality grange fence panels from our most popular items such as St Michel Fence Panels and St Meloir Fence Panels to our more deluxe panels such as Eye Catcher Panel and St Esprit Panels.

So if you want attractive eye catching garden fencing, come and view our grange fence panels online today, or if you want to see their beauty at first hand, pop into one of our 8 fully stocked branches who are ready to help!

Extensive Range of Railway Sleepers

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:38:00 GMT

Have you seen the extensive range of railway sleepers that AVS provide? We provide New Softwood Railway Sleepers, New Oak Railway Sleepers, Second Hand Hardwood Sleepers and our exciting Mini Railway Sleepers.

Railway Sleepers can be used for an endless range of things from path edging to raised vegetable beds and retaining walls. They can be recycled or new & unused.

New Railway Sleepers are very popular as they are not creosote treated which means that they are suitable for many more uses in the garden such as flower beds and ponds.

Second Hand Railway Sleepers are normally used for ground contact work and used where there is not the risk of frequent skin contact. AVS Fencing Supplies Railway Sleepers come in a range of section sizes and lengths so you can be assured we have exactly what you need!

So what are you waiting for start exploring the uses of eye catching railway sleepers by either buying online today or coming to visit us at one of 8 branches across the south east!

Let’s make the most of the Extended Easter Break

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:12:00 GMT

With 4 bank holidays in the space of two weeks, this means there is more time off to be at home either enjoying the break or getting the garden ready for the summer period.

So where do we start? There is an interesting article in the Times which highlights the top ten garden jobs to do over the bank holiday period, which has been prioritised to use this time to get your garden ready for the summer months. These include checking you have the required tools to do the job you require and looking after your grown-your-own section.

So if you are deciding to use this time off to get your garden ready for the summer, make sure you come and choose AVS fencing Supplies as we supply a wide range of garden fencing, railway sleepers, decking and landscaping material all at affordable prices with free delivery!

Summer Time

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:37:00 GMT

British summer time is finally here, which means that we all get an extra hour of daylight in the evenings!

With this extra hour of daylight we now can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and our gardens. With this is mind, now is the time to act and to get your garden up to scratch by choosing AVS Fencing Supplies who stock a comprehensive range of garden fencing, decking, railway sleepers and landscaping materials.

So if you want to take advantage of this extra hour, come and buy online and view our outstanding April offers, which are complimented by our free delivery service on orders over £120!

Chestnut Coppice Products

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 09:26:00 GMT

With increased interest being shown by our customers in our chestnut products, we thought we would tell you a little more about them and the history of Chestnut Fencing.

Below you will find three interesting facts about chestnut coppice products -

1. The production of Chestnut coppice products is a key part of the rural economy and many of the products are produced using traditional ways of life. So every time you buy chestnut products you are supporting the rural economy.

2. Chestnut coppicing is a sustainable simple natural principle of nature. The constant cycle of harvesting chestnut coppice every 15-20 years ensures that all the tree stems are maintained and never die, so in many respects Chestnut products are very green and friendly to the environment.

3. Some of the main areas for growing and harvesting Chestnut products are Kent, Sussex and Hampshire. As such if you are purchasing chestnut products and live in these areas or close by, there are a number of positive environmental benefits as the carbon emissions associated with the supply of these products are fairly low.

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we love our Chestnut products and as such are taking advantage of the endless benefits that coppicing chestnut products provide. With 6 branches currently located in coppicing areas we have decided to stock a huge variety of chestnut products and this includes, Chestnut pales, Chestnut border panels, Chestnut fence posts & Chestnut rails as well as many more.

So what are you waiting for? If you would like to buy some Chestnut products or find out more about them, please come and view our fantastic selection of chestnut products online or pop into one of 8 branches.

Garden Spring Clean

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 14:31:00 GMT

With spring finally upon on us and the sun now out, it' s a great time to get into your garden and get it ready for use during the spring and summer months. To get the most out of your garden you should ensure that your garden fencing is both attractive and secure and you could also take this opportunity to consider some landscaping improvements. Perhaps this is the year where you could introduce a new decking area or perhaps you could construct some raised beds using railway sleepers to really help enhance your flower arrangements.

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we offer a great range of products that can help you get your garden in tip top shape. If for example you decide you need new garden fence panels then we offer a large range, including lap fence panels, sturdier closeboard fence panels and even grange elite fence panels for those of you looking for that extra special finish.

However, if you are more inclined to introduce some landscaping improvements to your garden than lets us help you by selecting from our decking materials or railway sleeper products. Our range includes quality Winchester decking, Canterbury decking, new railway sleepers and reclaimed railway sleepers amongst many others!

So if you have a garden project on the horizon and you need any garden fencing or landscaping products come and view our fantastic online selection or come into one of our 8 branches across the south east, all of which will offer you outstanding customer service and free delivery options.

Grow your own and get a life

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:06:00 GMT

How many times have we said to ourselves, ' if only we had more time I could do this and that' ? Well AVS Fencing can help!

The grow your own initiative is rife at the moment as people are getting ready for the summer months and with weather now allowing us to get out in our gardens, now is the time to start planting your vegetables.

But what if you haven' t got the time to grow your own vegetables? Well, there is an interesting article in the Telegraph which highlights it is possible to get involved in grow you initiatives, without toiling from dawn to dusk. So there you have it, you don' t need much time, just the right guidance, so get involved!

They recommend choosing the right raised bed, sticking with the firm favourites of vegetables and choosing the correct compost for perfect vegetation. They also simply keeping the vegetables watered and then let nature take its natural course.

So, all you need to do is get in touch with AVS fences or come and see us. We can talk you through the best raised beds for your garden and voila, you are ready to create your perfect vegetable patch. Come to AVS Fencing to save you that much needed time!

Generous gardeners prepare allotment plots

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:13:00 GMT

There was an interesting news article in The Press news which highlights the excellence of community minded gardeners who have worked with local companies to make the perfect garden for children with disabilities to visit.

The pair have constructed raised vegetable beds and they commented on the positives they bring:

"We have been able to transform the plot and it looks absolutely wonderful"

This article highlights the importance of being in the garden and what better way to enjoy your garden than by creating a raised bed to grow your own vegetables.

So if you feel inspired by this example, then why not choose AVS fencing as your ideal supplier, as we now offer a brand new range of raised beds from beginners to premium and raised vegetable beds all of which can be viewed and bought online.

So what are you waiting for? Join the community spirit and get planting!

Landscaping your garden

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:58:00 GMT

Landscaping is the perfect spring project and with the weather constantly improving, now is the time to think about it. Whether you want practical, picturesque or child friendly space - AVS Fencing can help get your garden ready for summer.

Landscaping, or even just sprucing your garden up, can be daunting and a time consuming task. So with the met office claiming this has been the coldest winter in 30 years, now’s the time to give your garden some tender loving care by choosing AVS fencing supplies extensive range landscaping products.

Our landscaping range consists of new, second hand and mini railway sleepers which are the perfect landscaping product when creating a retaining wall or raised beds. Or how about viewing our decorative fence panels range? These are perfect to add character to any landscaping project.

So what are you waiting for? Come and view our vast range of landscaping products at any of our branches or send us an email for more information. All of our products are available with outstanding quality at affordable prices and even better, we offer a free delivery service!

Garden Fencing

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 15:20:00 GMT

Have you heard lately that AVS fencing offer an extensive range of garden fencing? No? Well...

With the spring slowly creeping up on us, now is the time to explore AVS fencing’s extensive range of garden fencing products which consist of garden fence panels, fence posts, decorative fence panels, security panels and many more.

Fence panel fences are what most people immediately think of when they think of garden fencing. A fence panel fence is constructed using fence panels and either timber fence posts or concrete fence posts set at approximately 6 feet apart, a fence panel fence tends to be the quickest fence to erect and requires perhaps the least experience as the garden fence panel is ready made there is a limited amount of construction work to do on site.

So if you have a garden project on the horizon and you need any garden fencing products come and view our fantastic online selection or come in to one of our 8 branches across the south east, offering outstanding customer service and free delivery.

Your 15 Year Post Guarantee at AVS Fencing Supplies

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 15:58:00 GMT

One of the most essential things you require when you purchase something is piece of mind. And fence posts are no different. You want to make sure that your posts last.

To that end, at AVS Fencing we can guarantee you that piece of mind by offering a 15 year guarantee on our sawn timber posts.

Timber Fence Posts from AVS come in a wide range of styles to suit different fencing applications and panels and at AVS Fencing Supplies, we believe that achieving a deep penetration of treatment into our posts is the single most important factor for long life expectancy; that' s why all of our sawn timber posts now have this treatment.

For even more piece of mind, we will replace any post which fails due to fungal decay within the period of 15 years, starting from the date of the sales invoice. (See terms and conditions for more information)

So what are you waiting for? This outstanding 15 year post guarantee gives you great piece of mind, which makes your decision of where to buy posts from, just that little bit easier!

To take advantage of this offer, come and see us at any of our branches or send us an email. Remember, you also get 5% off all orders of £500 or more.

Grow Your Own and Save Money!

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:31:00 GMT

AVS Fencing Suppliers is proud to announce our brand new ‘Grow Your Own’ category on our fantastic website.

This new ‘Grown you own initiative’ is sweeping Britain and according to a study by legal & general, the recession has meant more and more people are trying to save money by deciding to grow their own fruit and veg. http://www.legalandgeneralmediacentre.com/Press-Releases/Sweeping-changes-planned-as-economic-downturn-hits-home-1cf.aspx

So if you would like to start growing your own produce, choose AVS fencing Supplies as your supplier. We can provide an extensive range of vegetable beds, including beginners, premium and even a raised bed which is constructed with a base and is situated off the ground.

So if you are interested in saving money in these tough times, by growing your own veg, or if you just want to use a vegetable beds to add colourful flowers to your garden, choose AVS Fencing as your supplier .View all the options online or give us a call for further information.

You know what the experts say, you can’t beat home grown veg!

Top Story is AVS Garden Fencing Ranges

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:51:00 GMT

Hear all about it!

Have you heard that AVS fencing have an extensive range of garden fence panels that will suit all your fencing needs?

Their garden fence range consists of Grange Fence Panels, Closeboard Dipped Fence Panels, Closeboard Treated Fence Panels, Lap Treated Fence Panels and Lap Dipped Fence Panels, which are all available in different sizes and various prices to accommodate all budgets.

With eight fully stocked branches across the south, AVS Fencing is the perfect choice to provide you with high quality materials at an affordable price!

The AVS fencing staff are knowledgeable and helpful and you will find them friendly and approachable. They also hold a good range of products in stock to ensure they can service your order quickly.

AVS can be found at Henfield, Lewes, Rudgwick, Guildford, Peterborough, Wokingham, Harlow and Stansted. Why not pop in to see them to see how they can make your garden fences look good again!

Choosing to act in winter will benefit your garden in spring

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 10:07:00 GMT

It may sound slightly ironic to get your garden ready for the early spring during the winter months, however, by choosing this method, it takes all the pressure off you to get the garden ready in record time. We can already see that the evenings are getting lighter and the way time flies, spring will be on us in no time.

So if you need fencing, railway sleepers, decking or any other landscaping items, AVS Fencing should be your first choice as we have an experienced team, a large stock profile at all our eight branches and last but not least free delivery options!

With all garden design being so fashionable, it is interesting to see the origins of modern garden design. This week, we look at garden decking.

So where did garden decking spring from (no pun intended!)

Decking used to be considered a luxury as it was expensive, so only the rich and opulent were fortunate enough to have it. It was also used on piers and viewing galleries overlooking the glorious British countryside.

Times changed for the better and now decking is becoming much more affordable, so decking is gracing British gardens up and down the country.

So, why have Garden Decking?

Decking is great for extending the sitting area of your house, or perhaps marking out the corner of your garden for a nice tranquil quiet zone. Decking does add value to your house which one can' t complain about – especially in an economic crisis! We need all the help we can get.

Can I build a Decking area myself?

Yes, if you have good DIY esperience and knowledge of building complicated wooden structures. It needs to be very safe as it will be well used. You can find out more about decking by clicking here, and remember to ask our experts as they have a wealth of knowledge in these areas and can guide you to buy the right product.

So go on, now is the time to get that garden project on the move ready to reap the rewards of a spectacular garden, in the spring and the summer months.

St Melior Fence Panel Product Launch

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:30:00 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies are proud to introduce our new St Melior Fence Panel!

We are stocking this exciting eye-catching item in two sizes: 1.8M x 1.8M and 1.8M x 1.05M.

This exciting addition to our Grange Fencing range means it now compliments our already fantastic St Melior Lattice which is already a classic Grange product, due to its high quality and affordable price.

A little bit about lattice design

Lattice design is prominent in Asia and can be made from wood, stone or metal. Lattice design can be used as window or room divider. Lattice design windows are good for letting a mixture of sunlight and cool air enter a room, and at the same time casting lovely intricate patterned shadows.

Lattice design can even be edible, in the form of pastry lattice design on the top of your tarts using strips of dough. You can even buy lattice pastry cutters.

If you can' t afford to get to Asia to see some lovely lattice design. Then AVS Fencing will bring a little Asia to you in the form of our St Melior Lattice. Now you can reduce your carbon footprint at the same time!

So what are you waiting for? View or buy this brand new addition to our Grange Fence panel range on either our easy to use website, over the phone, or in one of our eight branches who are already serving our huge customer base across the south east.

New AVS Stansted Branch!

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:25:00 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies are proud to introduce our new AVS Stansted Branch!

The new branch is located at Stansted, and is superbly situated on the West Sussex/Hampshire border, which now means we can serve and deliver to even more customers in Sussex, Hampshire and Parts of Dorset.

You may be wondering what’s so good about the new branch, well;

Firstly we have recruited experienced members of staff who are ready to help you with all your fencing, decking and landscaping needs.
We have set up AVS Stansted with our usual large stock profile that contains only the best quality products including; Fence Panels, Fence Posts, Railway Sleepers, Decking and other new items such as Raised Beds and Garden Mirrors.
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius covering: Hampshire, West Sussex and parts of Dorset will be offered by AVS Stansted, on orders over £120.
So with the branch offering a fully stocked range of products you can come in and purchase the products in store, over the phone or online.

Come along and see for yourself, exactly what AVS Fencing Supplies can do for you!

Address: Stansted Sawmill, Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire, PO9 6DU.

Phone Number:02392 412445

Fax Number: 02392 412835

Proud introduction of Garden Composters

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:59:00 GMT

AVS Fencing supplies is proud to announce we have added new products to the website. These products are the Small Garden Composter, Medium Garden Composter and the Large Garden Composter. These Grange Garden Composters are a revolutionary new product as they have outstanding eye catching looks combined with functionality.

So why should you compost?

Composting is an inexpensive, natural process. Composting transforms your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient rich food for your garden.

Did you know that 30 million eggs are eaten in the UK each year? Why not crush your shells and put them in the composter? Think how planet-friendly you will be because you will be reducing fuel and packaging by not driving to garden centres to buy a large bag of compost!

You can put your potato peelings in the composter too! That will make you feel less guilty about eating chips and you will be reducing the waste that goes to our landfill sites.

If this hasn' t convinced you, then visit the RycleNow website to see more good reasons to compost.

So where do I go to view the Garden Composters?

Firstly you can view them on our fantastic website by clicking here or if you need more information give one of our sales team a call to discuss our brand new range of Grange Garden Composters, which are perfect for adding character and personality to your garden.

So go on treat yourself by purchasing a Garden Composter which will enable you to store all your garden waste products to ultimately create that rich nutrient soil ready for next years garden projects.

No Need to Look Elsewhere for Fence Panels!

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:23:00 GMT

There are numerous companies offering garden fencing panels which can make it difficult to choose a company offering quality Fence Panels at an affordable price. So, how do you choose the best company?

It' s easy. The team at AVS Fencing Supplies are confident that we are a leading supplier of fence panels, with our fantastic selection of Lap Fence Panels, Closeboard Fence Panels, Grange Fence Panels, Featheredge and Security Fence panels.

As well as our growing selection of fencing supplies, our staff are knowledgeable and helpful and you will find them friendly and approachable. A good range of products are held in stock and these are held in quantity to ensure we can service your order quickly. If you have any queries, we have experts who guide you to choose the right products for your needs.

Each branch has staff dedicated to each aspect of the operation such as Sales Office, Yard, Manufacturing and Distribution. We have approximately 10 vehicles carrying out deliveries for customers each day across our delivery areas.

There is no need to look elsewhere, as AVS Fencing Supplies offer an entire fence panel range under one roof. So what are you waiting for? Act now and get your perfect fence panels up and ready for spring, by either viewing our selection online or phoning and talking to one of our sales team in one of our eight branches!

Discover a Wide Variety of Fencing at AVS Fencing Supplies

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:33:00 GMT

Did you know AVS Fencing Supplies are specialists in all kinds of fencing? As well as traditional garden fencing we are also specialists in Security Fencing, Livestock Fencing and Electric Garden Fencing, all available at affordable prices.

So if you are a farmer looking for livestock fencing, you can choose from our wide range which includes; Chestnut Post & Rail, Stock Fencing, Deer Fencing and Electric Fencing. Or maybe you are a customer who is looking for some wire mesh to protect your raised vegetable beds from Pests?

Whatever your Fencing requirement is, AVS has the solution. It seems that the only fencing that AVS doesn' t deal with is fencing classes! As in the sport fencing. Fencing (the sport) provides a unique mix of physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation. Unlike many other sports it' s very sociable and still carries notions of honour, chivalry and nobility. Many of history' s most famous people have studied the art of fencing. A certain amount of dedication is required but apparently, it' s worth it!

The sport sounds like it will give you as much emotional stimulation as AVS Fencing Supplies does! If you do need help with erecting your garden fences, we have expert help on hand. Click here to find out more ...

Either view our range online or visit one of our eight fully stocked branches, who will be ready to provide you with all the Fencing products, you will ever need!

New Year, New Garden!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:54:00 GMT

If all you want for Christmas is a smart looking outdoor living space, then you are going to need to come to AVS Fencing Supplies. With the New Year bringing with it a feeling of out with the old and in with the new, 2011 makes the perfect year to secure the garden of your dreams.

It can seem quite ironic to think of revamping the garden in the middle of winter, but the reality is this is the time to evaluate your outdoor space. We all too often decide to do this during high temperatures and suddenly the pressure is on to get the garden done in record time.

So why not plan your garden for next year in order to give your self time to choose the correct Garden Fence, Decking, Railway Sleepers or Landscaping products you need.

And when you are ready to purchase, either buy online or phone one of our eight branches, where our staff will be happy to help you secure your goods.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From AVS Fencing Supplies!

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:52:00 GMT

It’s been an exciting year for AVS Fencing Supplies with fantastic developments to our website, the addition of new products and the introduction of our new branch at Harlow, Essex.

So what is your new years resolution? Well we know ours; we are going to release our new look www.sleeper-supplies.co.uk website, continue to develop our existing AVS Fencing website to make it even better and last but by no means least, open our new branch at Stansted covering West Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset Areas.

So with all these exciting developments to look forward to next year, AVS Fencing Supplies want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2011.

Keeping Warm this Winter

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:46:00 GMT

The country has had to deal with some severe weather in the last month and the reports suggest the cold weather is going to carry on. Incredibly in the south east we had according to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11883714 nearly 30cm of snow.

So to keep you warm this winter why not try AVS’s 0.73 cubic metres Bulk Bags of seasoned Firewood logs which are ready to burn. Seasoned firewood logs means they have been left to dry since last year which therefore create a better burning efficiency, which doesn’t only save energy, but also you money.

So what you waiting for? Come and either collect your Bulk bags from our Henfield, Guildford and Rudgwick branches or take advantage of our fantastic free delivery service which will bring Bulk Bag Logs straight to your door.

It’s Blowing a Gale Outside

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:11:00 GMT

Now is the time when we look outside and think that winter has arrived! At least with cold weather, we are free from shark attacks around the UK coastline! However, the cold, blustery weather means it is a good idea to make sure all your Garden Fencing is in the best position to get through the blustery winter period.

If you feel that your garden fence needs repairing, AVS Fencing supplies offers a fantastic Garden Fencing repair range. This includes our concrete repair spurs and repair brackets which are perfect for adding extra sturdiness to your garden fence!

So act now before it’s too late, by either visiting our website, calling us or popping into one of our seven branches and talking directly to one of our knowledgeable branch advisors, who will be more than happy to help.

When you shop with AVS Garden Supplies, you can be sure that your garden fences will be ' jaw' droppingly fantastic!

Gardening once again leading the way

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 09:23:00 GMT

According to www.thisisnottingham.co.uk, Sue Thompson is a resident of Lark Hill Retirement Village, and she is quite right to feel proud of her award-winning winter garden in this year' s East midlands neighbourhood category of Nottingham in Bloom.

Sue and a group of residents worked together to create this award-winning garden, which in turn helped to make the residential home a better place to live. Mrs Thompson explained “The gardens have helped break down barriers and were a conversation starter”.

What makes a winter garden special?

Any garden can be winter garden if it appears to stand out and look beautiful at a time when everything else in the winter landscape is dull, plain and brown is outstanding alone. If you want your property to be up there with the elite, in the height of winter as well as in summer, now is the time to get working on it.

So come and choose AVS Fencing Supplies who are proud specialist suppliers of Garden Fencing, Decking, Railway Sleepers and landscaping products all of high quality, at affordable prices!

Envirothaw The Revolutionary De-Icer!

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Do you remember last winter when the snow and ice brought the country to a standstill? Well if you do, AVS Fencing Supplies are pleased to announce that we have a solution as we now stock Envirothaw!

Ok, so what is Envirothaw? Envirothaw is offered as an alternative to rock salt and is designed to eliminate damage caused by the traditional methods of melting ice and snow. Additionally Envirothaw is fast acting, economical, environmentally friendly and very effective for clearing areas affected by ice and snow.

So how does it work? It depresses the freezing point of water so that it remains in the liquid state at temperatures below zero, while also generating heat on contact with the ice.

So what are the benefits of me buying Envirothaw? Firstly it acts much faster than salt; secondly it can clear a square metre with less volume than with salt, and thirdly it works on ice at temperatures below the freezing point of Salt Grit which stops working at -21oc!

So what are you waiting for? It’s faster, more environmental, pet safe, leaves no dirty residue, its economical and it can be used on any paving surface. So act now and buy Envirothaw either at one of our seven branches, over the phone or on our fantastic easy to use website.

Winter Garden Railway Sleeper Promotion

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:34:00 GMT

Although much of the country is covered with snow – it doesn' t stop you from planning your raised bed or retaining wall! Sleepers are becoming one of the most sought after garden fashion accessories of the year and this is not just down to their eye-catching looks but also their outstanding functionality.

AVS Fencing Supplies is proud to introduce its Sleeper winter offers on Second Hand Hardwoods, New Softwoods and New Mini Railway Sleepers! This winter Railway Sleeper promotion offers fantastic value for money.

So what are you waiting for? Act now and take advantage of our fantastic railway sleeper winter offers; either in one of our seven branches, on our excellent website or over the phone with one of our sales team. If you need some inspiration, you can visit our web page packed with inspiring ideas and expert help.

Keeping your gardens winter fit

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:35:00 GMT

According to our friends UK Net guide “Taking good care of a garden is key to enjoying it and a bit of do-it-yourself (DIY) is enough to keep it in tip top form”. So we are calling upon gardeners and householders to make preparations for the cold spell and get their gardens ' winter fit' to keep them in good shape over the cold months!

So do you want to keep your garden fence, decking or furniture protected this winter? Well if you do, come and see our fantastic ranges of Timber Stains which includes; Protek Safe and natural, Protek Wood Protector and Creosotes which are all perfect wood treatments.

So what are you waiting for? Come and see our fantastic wood treatments that enhance and protect your fence, decking or garden furniture to ensure it is in top condition, ready for next spring!

Come and see our Fantastic Jigsaw Railway Sleepers

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:11:00 GMT

Have you seen our new railway sleepers? No? We' ve got some new eye catching jigsaw railway sleepers. Our Grange jigsaw railway sleepers are a fantastic product that can be erected easily and efficiently. The unique design of these jigsaw sleepers allows them to be easily slotted together. Not only does this practical system look aesthetically pleasing, it allows you to to be creative with your new raised bed or a small retaining well.

Our broad range of railway sleepers are vastly becoming a garden fashion must-have, due to their eye-catching looks, and great functionality. You can see our sleeper ranges on our website or you can touch and feel them at one of our seven branches around Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Bucks and parts of London! Click here to see our branch locations.

We think this new range of railway sleepers adds personality to any garden. What do you think?

Get to grips with your Garden Fencing

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 09:10:00 GMT

Unfortunately, the time has come during the year when plants start to disappear, so according to Shropshire star it has become quite evident “that it is a good time to replace, repair or erect your garden fencing”.

AVS Fencing Supplies understand how hard it has become to choose the correct fence at an affordable price. Well this is where we come in as we have a broad range of Closeboard Fence Panels, Lap Fence Panels and Decorative Fence Panels which are available in different colours and sizes. With this endless stock range of garden fence panels, we are confident that we will stock the perfect fence panel for your garden.

So what are you waiting for? Come and see our fantastic promotions and extensive ranges of Garden Fence Panels, which are of high quality timber, all at an affordable price! Do it now before the weather gets really cold – apparently this winter is looking like it' s going to be another cold one. If you are not sure what to do, and how to do it – we have a team of experts at hand who are ready to help you. Click here to find out more.

Dig for Victory with AVS Fencing Supplies

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:39:00 GMT

A new charity called Gardening Leave, has announced that they are going to help war veterans dig for victory by increasing their participation in more gardening activities. According to Anna Baker Cresswell, the charity’s chief executive: “It is a very simple concept. What the veterans get out of it is that they like to be together, they like to be outside, to have semi-structured activity in a safe, peaceful environment.”

Each passing month, the therapeutic benefits of being in the garden are becoming clearer and clearer. AVS Fencing Supplies want to encourage more people to take advantage of these therapeutic benefits by offering products and services to help you get the most out of your own garden experience. With the spending cuts announced by George Osborne this week, we could all do with a dose of theraputic therapy in our gardens!

Our products vary from railway sleepers, garden fencing and landscaping materials which can all be used to enhance your garden experience and add that spectacular feature to get the most out of your outside living space. Our green-fingered team at AVS Fencing Supplies are confident that you won’t be disappointed and you can start enjoying like others, the therapeutic benefits of being in your garden!

Fantastic Fencing Panel Promotion

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:49:00 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies is proud to announce that we are having a Garden Fence Panel promotion running through the winter months.

Our fantastic promotion consists of our Closeboard Panel promotion which includes our 6x6 Closeboard Panel Pressure Treated (Green) and our 6x6 Closeboard Panel Dipped (Brown). Additionally our promotion includes our Lap Panel promotion on 6x6 Lap Panel Dipped (Brown & Gold) and Our 6x6 Lap Panel Pressure Treated (Green).

This isn’t all, as we have special offers on our Concrete post and Gravel board ranges which will go perfectly with your Closeboard or Lap Panel purchases.

So what are you waiting for? Act now as this is a limited offer which will save you £££….. Get out there and enjoy the last of the sunshine rays!

Pergola and Arbours Now Available!

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:51:00 GMT

AVS are proud to introduce our new Garden Pergola and Arbour ranges. The new product range are made from specially selected FSC timber which is planned and pressure treated for a longer life, with an added benefit of a professional pale green colouring to show the natural beauty of the wood.

So are you a person who wants shelter and comfort from the elements from which to enjoy your garden? Well if you do, come and see AVS’s brand new ranges of Pergolas and Arbours that add distinctive character, space and personality to your garden.

So act now to get your Garden Arbours and Garden Pergolas before your neighbours, to gain those bragging rights and start relaxing by combining architectural elegance with functionality, to enjoy your garden again!

Garden Fencing for the whole of Cambridgeshire!

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:08:00 GMT

Did you know we at AVS Fencing Supplies have a branch in Peterborough? Well if you didn’t, you do now and you should also know we are able to offer Free Delivery over the whole of Cambridgeshire (subject to a minimum order value). The following towns and cities are amongst those we deliver to in Cambridgeshire; Corby, Kettering, Cambridge, Peterborough, Stamford, March, Chatteris, Ely, Newmarket, St Ives, Spalding, Bourne, Histon, Long Sutton, Hobeach, Oakham, Ramsey, Kimbolton, St Neots, Brampton, Soham, Helpston, Sawtry, Witcham, Wisbech, Godmanchester, Stilton, Ferstanton, Rutland, Uppingham, Grantham, Rushden, Cottenham, Boston, Sleaford, Leicester, Raunds, Biggleswade, Ramsey, Potton, Sandy, Sawtry, Warboys, Soham, Thrapston and many more.

With our own fleet of vehicles to undertake your delivery, you can be confident in our fantastic delivery service whether it may be Fence Panels, Railway Sleepers or Decking and Landscaping materials, you can be confident you are in safe hands!

Additionally with our other branches located across the south east of England, it means we can also deliver to areas including; Sussex, Kent, London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Cambridgeshire.

So what are you waiting for? Either come and visit one of our seven fully stocked branches, call our sales team or visit our informative and easy to use website to view our special promotions and fantastic product ranges, with that added extra of piece of mind that delivery is free on orders over £120.

So act now and get your Garden fencing materials, Decking and Railway Sleepers delivered for free!

Fencing ‘can help keep pests out of gardens’

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:13:00 GMT

Gardeners who wish to keep pests away from into their gardens and outdoor areas should consider embarking on a garden fencing project.

It has been suggested by Richard Poffenbauh, who writes for the Mansfield News Journal that wild animals are one of the main culprits for spoiling your prized crop of vegetables and your flower beds.

To overcome this problem, Richard advised purchasing Garden Fencing, which can either be electric fencing to keep the pests out with an intermittent shock, or traditional garden fencing, such as Lap Panels which can be used as a barrier.

Does your garden fall victim to wild animal behaviour?

Well if it does, now’s the time to buy garden fencing from AVS Fencing Supplies, as we have a fantastic range of Garden Fencing products including; Timber Fencing, Metal Fencing and Electric Fencing! If you' ve already got a garden fence – remember to protect it against our wild weather! We have a range of stains and creosotes to make sure your fencing is tough enough to stand up to anything!

With all the UK' s wild weather and wild animals – it' s lucky AVS Fencing is only a click away. So don’t wait, take a look at our range of fences and start geting that garden fence erected now!

Gardening Sharing Scheme Benefits Owners and Helpers

Sat, 2 Oct 2010 17:47:00 GMT

A new project financed by the Climate Challenge Fund has been developed to pair up people who can no longer cope with their plot, with green-fingered residents who have no access to their own space. The www.bbc.co.uk article quotes “The fund tries to match people who can no longer cope with their garden, with a volunteer who is keen for a little patch of green of their own”.

The project is hoping to improve social contact by encouraging more people to get out there and enjoy their garden with others and additionally enhancing the ‘grow your own initiative’, which is designed to help you eat fresh vegetables all year round.

If you are involved in this project, or want to grow your own then why not choose AVS Fencing supplies, who will be more than happy to provide you with all the necessary products. Our Products range from; Railway Sleepers, Garden Fencing, Decking to Landscaping materials, all of which can be used to create vegetable raised beds and fencing to keep out those rabbits!

Go on, get involved and start eating fresh vegetables that have been grown from your own garden

We have expert helpers at hand to inspire you with fresh ideas.

The Eco Friendly Alternative to Nails!

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:54:00 GMT

Are you looking for an eco-friendly alternative system to just using nails? Well if you are then come and a see our fantastic unique fence locks!

Fence Locks are eco-friendly because they are moulded from recycled timber, nut shells and resin and like wood can be painted or finished in any colour, unlike wood however, Fence lock DOESN’T ROT.

This new fantastic product fits 3" timber fence posts and can be used as a more sturdy alternative to just using nails when connecting fence panels to timber fence posts. They can be used throughout the fence line, both during straight runs and for use at corners.

We all know a fence is only as strong as whatever holds it up! So if you are looking for an alternative to nails, which doesn' t split the wood and still creates a sturdy structure, then come to AVS Fencing Supplies and choose our new fence lock range to get the job done!

Our new Fencing Catalogue

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:24:00 GMT

Are you fed up of reading catalogues that are poorly structured and don’t help you find what you want? Well, we at AVS Fencing Supplies are proud to introduce our improved fencing catalogue. The catalogue now has even more eye-catching images and more information to help you make decisions faster and easier.

Our catalogue has added pictures that help you, the customer, get a better feel for the products, including our best sellers. We have highlighted our best seller’s ranges as we realise that so much choice can be a bit daunting. This is why we have introduced a best sellers icon, which is displayed throughout the catalogue to show off our products that have historically been very popular for their exceptional quality and fantastic eye catching looks, all at affordable prices.

Other additions to our updated catalogue are the details for our latest branch, which is in Harlow, Essex. This branch can supply all our high quality products and is run by a fantastic team who will be happy to help you with all your requirements.

You can collect our updated catalogue from one of our seven branches at Henfield, Guildford, Lewes, Rudgwick, Peterborough, Wokingham and Harlow or email us at web@avsfencing.co.uk for a free hard copy.

Lets Start The Fire!

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:00:00 GMT

AVS are proud to announce that we have added a new range to our fantastic website called Firewood and Logs. This category includes our Bulk Bag Seasoned Hardwood Split Logs and Bags of Kindling.

These products are all you need to start your fire and the logs come with the added benefit of being seasoned hardwood, which makes them particularly dry and helps increase burning efficiency.

As an extra benefit logs are delivered in bulk bags which helps reduce mess and both the logs and kindling are available in multi buy options, which ensures you save even more £££’s!

So if you want to snuggle up in front of a roaring fire this winter, AVS is the company for you. We offer quick delivery direct to your home, all at competitive prices!

Be Confident when Buying your dream Garden Fencing.

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:04:00 GMT

AVS fencing supplies are the perfect match to create your dream garden fencing project. We offer an extensive range of garden fencing which includes; Lap Panels Closeboard Fencing, Featheredge, Picket Fencing, Palisade Fencing and much more. There is so much choice, all at affordable prices!

If decorative fencing is what you particularly crave for your garden, how about checking out our Grange decorative Fence Panels, which include our Grange Elite St Michel panel and many more.

As an extra benefit when buying garden fencing from AVS we also offer a 15 year post guaranteed on selected garden fence posts, so you can be confident you are in safe hands, when you buy from us.

So what are you waiting for? Go and get that Garden Fencing you have always desired either by using our easy to use website or over the counter at one of 7 branches across the south east, before those dreaded clocks go back.

Being inspired by others - AVS Fencing add exciting new function on website!

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:36:00 GMT

If you are craving ideas and inspirations for your garden, then AVS fencing Supplies is the website for you. We have added another exceptional part to the website that will inspire you and help you generate ideas from other customer’s projects with pictures and step by step guides.

We are confident you won’t be disappointed, as we have projects ranging from; railway sleeper raised beds and pond projects, to exceptional fencing and gates ideas.

Come on and join the fun on our easy to use website.

Getting your garden on track with Railway Sleepers

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 15:03:00 GMT

Do you need to get your garden back on track this summer with some improvements?

Why not try AVS Fencing Supplies Railway Sleeper ranges. Railway Sleepers have amazing versatility around the garden from raised beds, retaining walls to vegetation beds, the list goes on! With Railway Sleepers becoming more and more of a popular garden fashion asset, it has become important to choose the right Railway Sleeper for the right purpose.

We at AVS pride ourselves in our consultation services to make sure you have the right product for the right purpose. So don’t hesitate to either call or see our easy to use website for all Railway Sleepers ranges which include New Hardwood, New Softwood, Mini Sleepers and our eye catching rustic looking Second hand sleepers.

Go on, treat yourself this summer and come and see our fantastic deals at AVS and get that garden back on track!

Choosing your fence carefully and installing fences in the right place

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 07:17:00 GMT

The team at AVS have identified a good article on how it’s important for a consumer to choose their fence carefully and also the importance of planting it in the right place. The article can be found at the Canadian fencing newspaper, www.thestar.com, which comments “People set low budget marks for fencing, often consumers budgets is one-third of what’s realistic.” said Lea Bailes, president of Guier Fence. Additionally Funk a Garden designer highlights the need to “Weigh the costs and get the best impact for the money,”

Well AVS Fencing have the solution to all these worries, with our wide range of fencing panels and accessories to keep the cost down, whilst at the same time getting that much needed value for money. As we all know in these difficult times, it can be ever so important to have a budget and the need to get value for your money. So if you are looking for value why not choose AVS Fencing Suppliers as your No 1 value for money Fencing suppliers.

Garden Fencing for East Sussex & Kent Area

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 09:22:00 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies are suppliers of Garden Fencing & Decking materials, we have a great website shop or you can call and order over the telephone. With our broad ranges of products including all types of fencing and gates, wooden fences, fence posts & fence panels, garden fencing & driveway gates, Decking and Railway Sleepers. Delivering to private clients, construction industry and fencing contractors. With the added fantastic free delivery service available for on-line internet shop customers.

Did you know us at AVS have a base near Lewes in East Sussex, and from here we are able to offer Free Delivery over the whole of East Sussex and Kent? (subject to a minimum order value). The following towns are amongst those we deliver to in Kent: Ashford, Aylesford, Bromley, Canterbury, Chatham, Cranbrook, Dartford, Edenbridge, Faversham, Gravesend, Gillingham, Hythe Hawkhurst, Headcorn, Maidstone, New Romney, Orpington, Pembury, Southborough, Rochester, Romney Marsh, Sandwich, Sevenoaks, Sheerness, Sittingbourne, Snodland, Tenterden, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, West Malling & Westerham.

The following towns and City' s are amongst those we deliver to in the East Sussex area are: Battle, Bexhill on Sea, Brighton, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Etchingham, Flimwell, Forest Row, Hailsham, Hartfield, Hastings, Heathfield, Hove, Lewes, Mayfield, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Pevensey, Polegate, Robertsbridge, Rye, Seaford, St Leonards on Sea, Uckfield, Wadhurst & Winchelsea.

Normally AVS Fencing use our own fleet of vehicles to undertake your delivery to retain effective control over your delivery whether it be for Fence Panels or Railway Sleepers, Decking or Gates, you are in safe hands with us!

With our six branches located across the South of England areas we are also able to deliver to areas including Kent, East Sussex & West Sussex, London, Essex, Herts, Bucks, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Cambridgeshire.

Remember for your own peace of mind all sawn Timber Fence Posts from AVS Fencing are covered by our own 15 year Guarantee! However if you would prefer concrete fence posts and concrete gravel boards for your Garden Fencing we have a full range of these fencing materials as well!

Try us out today, let us supply your Garden fencing materials, Decking & Railway Sleepers and gates. Please remember delivery is free.

Adding professional colour to your decking

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:14:00 GMT

Do you have deckboards in your garden; are they starting to look like they need a new coat? Well how about checking out AVS fencing supplies Decking stain ranges. Our ranges vary from New wood treatment, old wood treatment and also decking stains on a range of colours from Dark Oak, Rosewood, Country Pine and Clear.

Our decking stain ranges offer a quality professional finish with that added extra protection for our blustery British weather.

To make things a little easier for you come and view our incredible prices on all our Decking Stains on our AVS website to make sure you can get that professional finish for the late summer months.

Garden Fencing for Essex area

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:04:00 GMT

Did you know AVS Fencing Supplies have a base near Harlow in Essex and from here we are able to offer Free Delivery over the whole of Essex (subject to a minimum order value.) The following towns are amongst those we deliver to. Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Chigwell, Clacton, Colchester, Epping, Grays, Great Dunmow, Harlow, Loughton, Manningtree, Ongar, Rayleigh, Saffron Walden, South Benfleet, Southend, Southminster, Stanford-le-Hope, Tilbury, Waltham Abbey, West Thurrock, Wickford & Witham.

Normally AVS Fencing use our own vehicle to undertake your delivery so as to retain control over your delivery whether it be for Fence Panels or Railway Sleepers, Decking or Gates.

With six branches located across the South of England other areas we are also able to deliver to include London, Herts, Bucks, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Cambridgeshire.

Remember for your own peace of mind all sawn Timber Fence Posts from AVS Fencing are covered by our 15 year Guarantee! However if you would prefer concrete fence posts and concrete gravelboards for your Garden Fencing we have a full range of these as well!

Try us out today let us supply your fencing materials, Decking & Railway Sleepers remember delivery is free.

Ensuring you and your garden make the most of the sunshine hours

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:13:00 GMT

According to our friends at the Met Office (www.metoffice.co.uk), there are 184.1 sunshine hours in August compared to 138.00 in September. This is a difference of 46 hours! Maybe the time has come to make sure you get your Grange elite panels before those sunshine hours start fading away.

Additionally, if we have that much admired Indian summer you can sit back and enjoy your garden with the fantastic eye catching St Lunairs Panel or try the St Michel Panel, which are currently on special offers.

Come and see our fantastic Garden fencing ranges on our easy to use website, where we are confident you will find the perfect Fence Panel, all at affordable prices.

AVS Fencing Supplies have hundreds of garden essentials which will ensure you get the best out of your garden.

Add that extra value onto your property

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:26:00 GMT

It is thanks to Eric Pickles who suspended the Home Information Packs (HIPs) which has prevented a slump in an already fragile housing market. According to Rightmove.co.uk, the new government decision has actually increased 22% of sellers coming into the market. This is therefore having a direct impact on average notional price increases in the housing market.

With this excellent news at our fingertips, now is the time to add some extra value onto your property, by creating that dream garden. Improving your garden can add 10% to the value of your property. AVS Fencing Supplies have a huge range of materials to ' add' that something special.

Why not add some decking, trellising or even some railway sleepers? Railway sleepers also make great raised bed walls. Or perhaps you may want to improve your kerb appeal? Try some of our garden or driveway gates. We have a range of metal gates and timber gates.

Have a browse through our website and discover all of our other garden products.

Gardening makes children happy and teaches new skills

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 14:10:00 GMT

Our good friends at the BBC have written an interesting article about the effects of gardening for children. Their report of 1,300 teachers and 10 schools indicated that children who were involved in gardening were more resilient, confident and most importantly, lived healthier lives. You can see the report by clicking here.

Dr Kroon comments on the importance of the research conclusion and hopes that the new coalition government consider this in their new approach to primary curriculum, by understanding the real benefits of having an ideal garden. The report said: "it encouraged pupils to become more active in solving problems, as well as boosting literacy and numeracy skills."

Perhaps we should also encourage the coalition government to build a garden in the Houses of Parliament to help them figure out how to reduce the deficit in a painless way – although we wouldn' t want the cost being added to their expenses!

Like Dr Kroon, we at AVS want to inspire you to create a garden, whether as a family, or an individual, so you can start to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Our new Railway Sleepers are the ideal product to create a raised bed for vegetation. Or perhaps try or our Decking Ranges to enjoy at the end of the week for some much needed relaxation. Whatever you desire for that dream garden, here at AVS we try to provide you with all you need.

Become a trend setter and get on the big screen!

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:16:00 GMT

AVS offer a range of untraditional fencing for all you individuals out there who want to stand out from the crowd. Using a screen or a screen panel looks great and also makes your property stand out from the uniform standard that is around today. Screening also has a practical purpose and adds privacy if your garden is overlooked, like in the photo below.

AVS Screen panels; are very popular because of their high quality. Therefore, we have added new product lines to the website. Check out our Peeled Reed Screen to see the changes.

Additionally according to our friends from the free online dictionary, a trendsetter is someone who “popularizes a new fashion”. Maybe this is you? So get your screens in to start the trend first and gain that wow factor that your garden really deserves.

Lorrie Barker & AVS Win Gold!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:16:00 GMT

At AVS Fencing we believe in sustaining long and existing partnerships and due to this concept, we decided to assist Contractor Lorrie Barker of Garden Landscapes of Pulborough West Sussex, with his garden display at this years Hampton Court Flower Show. We supplied Lorrie with some of our quality decking which he used as part of his Japense themed Garden and we are very happy to announce that Lorrie won a gold medal for his display!

The garden was inspired by Konpira-san, a mountain and Shinto shrine in Kagawa, Japan. There are 1368 steps leading from the base of the mountain to the shrine above. The ukijima (floating islands) evoke the islands of the Seto sea when viewed from the top of the mountain, which are represented in the garden by our decking.

For those of you who haven’t heard about the Hampton Court Flower Show you should know that the (RHS) Royal Horticultural Society arranges a number of shows including those at Hampton Court and Chelsea, which are well known events now part of the social calendar. Here one can see all the latest trends and gain great design ideas for the garden. These shows also offer a chance for garden designers and landscapers to showcase some of their best work.

There is always the opportunity to meet in person the personalities and garden designers who are well reported, with some great BBC television coverage introduced by presenters Joe Swift and Rachel de Thame.

As well as the decking we supplied for this garden, AVS Fencing Supplies provide much more with a wide range of products available via our comprehensive on-line shop; items include Garden Fence Panels, Garden Decking, Railway Sleepers & Garden Gates and all of this can be purchased online and with the added extra benefit of free delivery! (subject to area & min order value).

Give your Garden some Flower Power with AVS Trellis

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:37:00 GMT

Its time to give them flowers some of that summer power we have all been enjoying in the recent weeks.

Trellis is excellent for growing climbing plants and flowers – whether you are growing vegetables and fruit, or whether you want decorative foliage. It gets better than that! AVS fencing trellis panels are ready-made for easy installation, so now you can start making instant impacts to your garden.

At AVS, we understand the need for persistent perfection as our range of Trellis is so aesthetically finished, which is just perfect for these summer months.

All this for an affordable price and due to the nature of the trellis, it doesn’t steal all your light from your garden, will adding that outstanding beauty with a modern edge.

If you would like further advice on AVS Trellis, click here and leave your details, so one of our experts can call you back.

Railway Sleepers make the ideal vegetable bed retainers!

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:51:00 GMT

With many people enjoying their fruits of their grow your own policy this year, now is the time to get one step ahead and start planning for next summer. By planning for next summer now, you can give yourself the best opportunity to prepare the soil to have the correct nutrients for a successful growth period next summer.

At AVS Fencing Supplies we offer products that will give you a head start in the garden, these include our competitive range of Railway Sleepers which can be used as a low cost way of constructing a flower bed & vegetable planters.

To give you a head start AVS Fencing Supplies are currently offering great deals on New Hardwood Railway Sleepers, Garden Mini Sleepers and our New Softwood Railway Sleepers for a fraction of the usual price. If you would like assistance in choosing the right railway sleeper for your garden, complete our call back form to request a call back.

Introduction of Sleeper Supplies - BRAND NEW WEBSITE!

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 17:21:00 GMT

Everyone is looking to improve and develop aren’t they? Well so are AVS Fencing Supplies. We have recently launched a new Railway Sleeper website with a range of improvements, which can be found at www.sleeper-supplies.co.uk. On this website you can find a range of products including our Second Hand Hardwood and Softwood Railway sleepers, as well as mini garden sleepers, which are priced very competitively.

Commisserate the World Cup disaster with AVS Fencing!

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 21:16:00 GMT

Unfortunately, the World Cup ended rather abruptly for England. Don' t worry though, the good news is that now is a perfect time for you to spend some of that extra spare time outside enjoying your garden. What a perfect way for you to take your mind off the tragic footy.

If your Garden Fencing or garden decking is starting to look untidy and you want to change this before the winter months, you should try AVS Fencing Supplies as your low cost specialist supplier of Garden Fencing Panels, Decking Materials and Railway Sleepers. On the subject of sleepers – how many of you nearly fell asleep watching England playing?

Don' t forget that we offer competitive products including lap fence panels, trellis and new softwood sleepers to name a few.

All of these products are offered at low prices and are available with the added benefit of being able to be brought online! AVS Fencing Suppliers give England something to be proud of – perfect gardens!

It's the perfect time to sort your decking out

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:40:00 GMT

Wow! Summer has finally arrived.

With statistically the hottest month of the year finally upon us, now is time for you to make some changes to your garden Decking. After all, you really want to be able to enjoy the rest of the summer – as it started so late!

See our Garden Decking selection. Our range of decking materials are perfect for being creative with your outside decking! Even if you don' t consider yourself a Picasso, and you are having problems letting your imagination run wild – we can help you. Call our help and advice line.

It won' t be long until you are enjoying the summer in alfresco style with friends and family. If you fancy a new deck why not check out AVS Fencing Supplies current offer on AVS Deckboards!

Learn how to make trellis and gates at AVS Workshops

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:26:00 GMT

The installation of fencing and landscaping products is not a 100% exact science and as such customers all have different requirements. AVS Fe ncing Supplies realise this and we therefore, offer a workshop service on a range of products including the making of gates & trellis, as well as the morticing and topping of fence posts.

Our workshop service has had fantastic feedback and is offered for a small cost, with a slight extension of normal delivery times as we put the products through our on site workshops. For more information please call us to discuss your individual needs 0800 288 8324.

Get your home in tip top condition to sell!

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:02:00 GMT

It' s official! House prices are still rising according to the latest monthly survey from the Nationwide building society.

Therefore, you may think that now is a good time to sell your house. And this means that you should present your home in its best possible light, because you only get one chance to make a first impression. Don' t forget that the outside of your house is as important as the inside – it' s all about kerb appeal!

How is your front garden looking? Is your palisade fencing looking a little worse for wear? Or perhaps your front garden gate?

If your back garden is looking untidy, why not make it look slick by installing some of our low cost fence panels and trellis. Remember you have to spend money to make money!

Celebrate the World Cup in your Garden

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:40:00 GMT

With the football World Cup about to get underway and patriotism running high, now is a great time to bring your friends and family together and show support for your country! With the sun also shining, what better way to do this than to organise a weekend BBQ and watch the big match in the comfort of your own home. To add a little extra magic to the day, you could also install a garden deck before the big game.

Garden decks are a great place to relax and congregate with your friends and with AVS Fencing Supplies currently offering a great deal on Winchester decking, you could create this space for a fraction of the usual price. You can also buy online for extra convenience!

Gates Galore

Mon, 31 May 2010 14:32:00 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies offer our customers a wide selection of gates in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

We offer garden gates, field gates and driveway gates, which means whatever your access issue, we are sure we can help.

Our gates our available in a range of styles and include both softwood and hardwood options.

Even better, if you can' t see what you want on our website, in many instances we will still be able to help as we offer a bespoke service, which means we can make your gate in one of our on site workshops.

Talking of gates, football fever is in the air as it is World Cup time. It' s going to take one mega-sturdy set of gates to last the distance at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. This amazing structure holds a capacity of 66,005 people to be precise. The stadium was completed in 2009. You can read more about this and other World Cup interesting facts at: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup.

Beautify Your Garden

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:37:00 GMT

With summer nearly upon us, now is a great time to spruce up your garden and ensure it looks its best for your enjoyment over the next few months.

Perhaps you could add an attractive trellis to your garden fence line and then trail flowers through this, or perhaps you could add a garden deck, which would both be functional and an attractive addition.

Did you know that trellis dates back to the roman times?

You can see some of the oldest examples of trellis work in the gardens of Pompeii and Herculaneum. They used the trellis to support plants and vines for their wine-making, and to create a seclusion in the gardens with beautifully scented plants – it gave the romans the perfect place to relax and drink their hard-earned wine! Shame they hadn' t quite discovered decking!

Pick A 'Product Pack' from AVS Fencing Supplies

Wed, 12 May 2010 09:43:00 GMT

With the sun starting to shine now is a great time to update your garden and possibly erect a new garden fence.

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we realise that many of our customers like to complete their garden and landscaping work themselves, but sometimes are not sure where to begin.

To offer a helping hand we have created product kits for some of our key items and this includes our lap panel fencing and closeboard fencing.

We know that there is nothing more frustrating than getting home ready to do a spot of DIY only to find that you haven' t got the correct parts you need to get going. Therefore, we have created new product kits which include the main items that you will need to erect your new fence. You can even add additional items to your potential order if you so wish.

Perhaps our new Government is missing a few parts right now, having got in at number 10 after a huge fight and then having to share his glory in a coalition! According to our good friend Wikipedia, the definition of coalition is an alliance among individuals or groups, during which they cooperate in joint action, joining forces together for a common cause.

We like to think of our customers working in coalition with AVS Fencing! We are joining forces with you so you can create a garden of your own design, with our support and guidance.

Look out for more product kits coming soon!

Grow Your Own - AVS Railway Sleepers make the Perfect Growing Bed

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:13:00 GMT

With the economic recession hitting peoples pockets, mixed with the growing demand for organic fruit and veg, the ' Grow your Own' movement continues to increase.

AVS Fencing Supplies are able to supply a wide range of railway sleepers that can be used to form garden beds, that can then be used to grow your own fruit and veg.

We offer a range of new railway sleepers both softwood and hardwood sleepers that would be ideal to create your own garden bed and as we offer home delivery, so you could be growing your own vegetables in no time at all!

Do you know how to make a bed from railway sleepers?

No? Don' t worry, we' ve found a great movie clip from BBC2' s Gardener' s World. Click here to see the full instructions and everything you need to start preparing your raised garden bed with AVS Railway Sleepers.

Happy Digging!

Grange Elite Fence Panels

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:20:00 GMT

Waiter, there' s volcanic ash in my soup. I know, it' s a no-fly zone! Oh dear, we couldn' t resist a joke, especially as the worst is now over.

Back to our wonderful fencing supplies. This month we want to tell you about a new trend. AVS Fencing Supplies have seen the popularity soar of our Grange Elite Decorative Fence Panels in Spring.

Grange fencing panels offer a great visual finish to your Garden and are a popular Garden Fencing addition, which has been shown by strong demand in March and April.

If you want to stand out from your neighbours and have a unique fence line then this is the product to buy.

Choose between the St Michel, Eyecatcher, Lunair and Cyprien Fence Panels! Our Grange range come in one colour – light green pressure treated. You will be pleased to know that they don' t come in ' ash' !

PS Don' t forget to purchase your fence posts and post fix when you place your order.

AVS Fencing attends Ideal Home Exhibition 2010

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:35:00 GMT

Everything was ideal for AVS Fencing recently, especially between the weeks of 20th March and 5th April!

Why? Because AVS Fencing Supplies were offered a stand at the Ideal Home Show in London. We jumped at the chance to promote our garden fence products and decking products to general public. Over 300,000 people attended the show!

We had a positive response to our stand, and it was well received by customers. We had lots of enquiries and the feedback was that AVS is a great company to source material for a Garden Spring clean. So now that spring is in the air, it' s time to log on to the AVS Fencing website and get those concrete posts replaced, so you can erect the sexiest fencing panels in the neighbourhood. Your garden will be the talk of the town!

AVS would like to thank customers for visiting us and if you have any questions please get in touch.

Decking

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:42:00 GMT

Summer is finally here! Now is a great time to create a garden decking area for your home!

Not only will this potentially add value to your property, but it will create a great outdoor space for use when having friends and family over, never mind summer BBQ' s!

If you think this is a great idea then AVS Fencing Supplies can offer you all the products you will need, including decking boards, base rail, membrane and decking spindles and newel posts.

What' s more we also currently have some great offers on Winchester decking and Canterbury decking which means you can create your perfect decked area at a fraction of the normal price!

Oh and if you need any advice, our advisors will be happy to help you over the phone, so please feel free to call us.

Extra-long Bank Holiday Weekend – It must be Easter! It's time to get your garden design planned ...

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:19:00 GMT

With the Easter weekend fast approaching now a is a great time to start planning the improvements that you can make to your garden over this extended weekend!

Does your garden fencing need an update or is it time to replace your old garden gate with a new one?

Or are you feeling really adventurous? Perhaps its time to introduce some raised garden beds for your plants or perhaps its time for a new decking area to help you relax through the summer?

What ever project you have mind now is a great time to purchase your materials from AVS Fencing Supplies. We offer a massive product range of fence panels, fence posts, gates, decking boards and railway sleepers and what' s more we currently have some fabulous special offers on concrete fence posts and Canterbury decking.

Please feel free to browse our website to find out more!

Happy Easter from AVS Fencing!

AVS Fencing Supplies are proud to announce a new branch in Harlow, Essex.

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:38:00 GMT

Our brand new Harlow branch is an exciting development for AVS Fencing Supplies and we will increase our products and delivery coverage to customers in Essex, North London and Hertfordshire areas.

Customers looking to purchase fence panels, fence posts, decking materials, railway sleepers or garden gates now have a great new supplier covering their area and as always we will be offering quality value products at competitive prices.

So what are you waiting for? You probably know that the Harlow Leisurezone launch has been delayed by a month or so, so why not get yourself down to AVS in Harlow for landscape materials and give your garden a makeover? Before long, you will have a leisure area all to yourself!

Freefone AVS in Harlow on 0800 804 7590.

It's time to review your Garden Fencing & Garden Landscaping

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 08:53:13 GMT

With the worst of the snow and wind gone now is an ideal time to review your Garden Fencing and Garden Landscaping and either carry out repairs or plan improvements.

While you are tidying your perennials and starting to air the greenhouse, it is also a great opportunity to make sure all your fence panels are fully supported and all your fence posts are safe. Spring is a great time to start planning how you can improve your garden in time for spring and summer period, so when the air heats up, you can enjoy looking at the fruits of your labour.

You may want to include new and improved fencing line, so why not take a look at our new fence panels such as Lap Panels, Closeboard Panels or Grange Elite Fence Panels. It is also a good time to start creating new landscaping features such as new flower beds, which can be created with railway sleepers.

AVS are your fencing experts

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:16:30 GMT

AVS Fencing are at your service with fencing expertise.

We have made even more improvements to our website and now we offer an ' expert' service to our customers. We have recently energised our efforts on the AVS website to include all the necessary tools you may need to erect your garden fencing, such as Lap Panel Fencing & Closeboard Fencing.

You will also be pleased to know that we have added more fencing tools for your convenience and we have also improved our ' search' box to you find what you want quickly and easily. Some of the new tools we have added are: Post Hole Diggers, Hammers, Shovels, Spirit Levels and a Chalk Line.

If you need any help on anything to do with any of our products, you can request a call back via our website.

AVS website goes gold

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:31:15 GMT

2010 has seen great improvements to the AVS Website, so if you haven' t visited us for a while, it' s worth a good look. Due to interest rates being so low, the investment experts say that gold is a good investment these days! And guess what? Some of the new products that have been added to the new improved AVS website are Gold Lap Panels and tools.

AVS also have a new postcode checker so you can find out if we deliver in your area. We also have excellent live monthly offers on a range of products which has resulted in a very positive start to 2010. In fact AVS are celebrating as we have had a 33% increase in visitor numbers and an increase of 172% in sales in January 2010 – even with the snow!

March is just round the corner, so it' s timeto start thinking of getting your garden fences in shape for summer. Visit the AVS website and have a good look at what we' ve got on offer.

Why size matters

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:02:06 GMT

Lots of people want a 6' high (1.80m) Fence and we all know that 6' fence panels are a best seller. However, what happens when you want to put a 6" (150mm) gravelboard underneath the fence panel to prevent it contacting the ground and rotting or holding back a little soil from a neighbouring garden?

The answer is that is the height will increase and you may not want a 6' 6" or 1.95m high fence as you will need a longer more expensive post. Another negative reason for a taller fence is that it will also have more wind resistance making it prone to expensive storm damage, plus it may overshadow your garden.

The good news is that AVS Fencing have increased their range of 5' 6" fence panels and associated accessories, including concrete slotted fence posts which are becoming even more popular because they are long lasting and also the panel can be changed easily by lifting out and slotting in a new one.

Also, our concrete gravelboard is even better than the timber gravelboard, and can also slot snugly under the fence panel keeping it off the ground and holding back a little loose soil at the same time.

Timber Fence posts stay warm in big freeze

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:23:00 GMT

Frozen Britain will soon thaw and it won' t be long until Spring is here. Now is the time to look at upgrading your garden fencing . Good news! AVS have just launched a brand new timber fence post with a lifespan guarantee of at least 15 years.

How is this 15 year guarantee possible?
Because AVS timber fence posts are kiln dried before treatment to reduce moisture content. This treatment combined with us selecting the right species of timber (British Pine - redwood, rather than whitewood), is the secret to our 15 year guarantee. We are proud of our new product as it is the first of its kind in the UK for this type of post and treatment process.

To find out more about our 15 year guarantee timber fence posts, call 01403 740200 or click here.

How do you ensure that non-concreted fence posts stay secure?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:08:58 GMT

In our previous blog tip, we advised you whether you needed to concrete your fence posts. If after reading that post, you decided not to get the concrete out, we suggest that you read the following to find out how you can ensure that your non-concreted fence posts stay secure.

First off, backfill the fence post hole with excavated soil;

You should have a good length of wood (or similar) to use as a rammer;

Ensure you dig the hole big enough to get the rammer all around, which will ensure the fence post gets right down to the bottom of the hole;

Fill the hole very slowly, and stop at frequent intervals to ram the soil down firmly;

Concentrate most on the bottom of the hole and the top of the hole;

Try and get as much soil as possible back into the hole.

There you go, simple. Even if the latest budget hasn' t been your ' Darling' and you can' t afford the concrete. Rest assured, you can still erect a firm, secure fence post!

Do I need to concrete my fence posts?

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 16:59:02 GMT

Do you want to have garden fencing that make the neighbours go green with envy? It is essential to concrete certain types of fence posts into the ground. With others it is a complete waste of time and money. How do you know which are which? Follow these simple rules to ensure your fence panels stand loud and proud throughout the tough British weather.

Rules

If the fence is solid, you need to concrete the posts to withstand wind pressure.
Concrete your fence if it is a picket or palisade fence.
If the fence is chainlink concrete the end and corner posts to support against the tension of the wire.
If the post supports a gate concrete it.
If the ground is soft concrete it.
If the post is made of concrete, concrete it.
If the post hole fills with water when dug,use a dry concrete mix.
If the fence is a livestock fence of post and rail no need to concrete.
If the fence is a livestock fence of stock mesh no need to concrete.
If the fence posts are round normally no need to concrete.
If the post is an intermediate post for a mesh or strained wire fence, there is normally no need to concrete it.
If the fence is a low level trellis fence, it is advisable to concrete it.

If the rules above dictate that you should concrete your fence posts, then click here to log onto the AVS website where you can find all the necessary tools.

Tips for building a deck base

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:22:42 GMT

Why are we talking about building a deck base in this awful British weather? Don' t ask me!

If your garden has not flooded, and you have a weekend spare, then why not prepare you garden for decking. You never know, you may be able to enjoy BBQ next spring. Or perhaps eat your Christmas dinner on the new decking area if you have a nice patio heater, like the Zeus which was recently pitched on Dragons Den.

There is no right or wrong way to build a deck base. The objective is to create a solid level timber structure to fit the decking boards too - simple! What really helps is that the decking base is not seen so it does not matter what it looks like!

Two tools that will help you to do the job properly are:

Landscaping screws will join timber easily and firm:
Joist Hangers to butt joint one timber rail to another (rails are sometimes known as joists).

Both tools are easy to use and fast to use.

Use timber posts concreted into the ground to hold the structure in place.

The decking design will depend on the space you have which is a result of how high above the ground the deck is to be. Where space allows use beams to support joists, for example, if your deck is 3.60m wide and you have created a framework supported with Timber Posts and have fixed in place your 3.60m joists, then set at 450mm centres without additional support. At 3.60m long these joists will be too flexible to support the deck in the centre.

This is where a another larger timber rail (sometimes called a beam), set this immediately under and at 90 degrees to you. Set joists at approx every 1.8m in mid position with posts to support the beam. Without too many additional posts you now have a firm deck structure which you may fix your decking Boards to.

Can anyone dig a fence post hole?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:29:06 GMT

Luckily we are discussing fence posts, and not the Royal Mail' s post or this blog would never of got written!

Back to fence posts, anyone can dig a fence post hole. It is easy but like most tasks you need the right tools.

Contractors use a long handled graft because it has the weight and the length to get into hard compacted soil, so that you do not need to kneel down. The next best thing to do (if you only have a few holes) is to use a garden border spade – the small ones with a blade approx 5-6" wide.

What does a good fence post hole look like?
It is about (2' 6" ) 750mm deep and about 250mm (10") square with straight sides. The size of a fence post will change slightly depending on post size.

How do I get the soil out?
If the hole is big enough (be careful not to make it too big), you will be able to get the soil out with the spade. If you have a lot of holes to dig. it is even easier with a double handled post hole digger, this is what contractors use.

What if the ground is stony or has concrete in it?
The answer is to use a 5' long crowbar or a power tool with a breaker attachment.

Top Tip:
How to dig out an old concrete fence post base:
Dig a hole in the soft soil immediately to one side of the concrete base to the full depth required. Once you have done this spit the concrete with a bar or breaker and lift the big chunks out. Don' t make the same mistake a lot of people do, which is trying to break the concrete straight way. You will be rewarded by little chips of concrete and it will turn out to be a real marathon job.

Are all timber Fence Posts the same Quality?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:49:57 GMT

Did you know that timber fence posts are only as good as the chemical treatment they have received? Please beware! There are some very poorly treated posts on the market although they may look alike – appearances can be deceptive.

What do AVS ensure for you? All our posts are kiln dried prior to treatment to accept the treatment deep into the post. We have launched a range of timber fence posts that have been through a brand new treatment process for longer life. We use carefully selected pine (redwood) posts which have been kiln dried (to around 28% moisture content). The posts are then treated with a special ACQ treatment process to give the fence posts virtually total protection from fungal decay and insect damage. All this means that your Garden fencing will be the envy of all your neighbours.

Here a are a few interesting facts about timber which we sourced from the UK Timber Frame Association.

Did you know that wood is effectively a carbon-neutral material (even if you allow for transport)?

Did you know that 77% of the energy used in the production of wood products comes from wood residues and recovered wood?

Did you know that concrete uses five times as much energy, and steel uses six times more energy to produce than timber?

The beauty of wood is that when it has reach the end of it' s life it can be easily recycled.

There you go, who thought that we ' would' help you with your pub quiz knowledge!

Top tips for wooden fencing

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:17:30 GMT

There are two main types of solid wooden fencing:

Which should I choose?

The pros and cons of fence panels:

Fence panels are not good on slopes because you will get gaps under the panels as panels need to be placed at 90% otherwise the posts will not vertical;
Fence panels are weaker and therefore not so good with our windy British weather;
The life expectancy of a fence panel is shorter for the above reasons;
You will have more holes to dig, as the posts are closer together;
The good news is that fence panels are easier to erect and also they are cheaper!

The pros and cons of Closeboard Fencing:

Closeboard fencing is a little slower to erect;
The initial cost of closeboard fencing is higher;
Closeboard fencing is ideal on sloping ground as you can stagger the fencing to fit the slope.
The design of closeboard fencing can be varied, which allows you to make certain sections stronger on exposed sites;
The lifetime expectancy of closeboard fencing is much longer;
Closeboard fencing is made of small parts which are assembled on site, therefore there are no heavy panels to lift.

Top tips
When replacing an existing fence, there is probably a short section somewhere along the fence line, alter the arrangement of this so that you do not have to dig up all the old concrete fence post foundations you can dig into fresh ground.

Erecting Fence panels
If the ground has a slight slope start at the top and work down. It makes stepping the panels i.e. adjusting to suit ground level a lot easier to get right.

Erecting Closeboard Fencing
Do this in 2 stages stage 1 Posts and rails stage 2 add the gravelboard and clad the fence with featheredge.

Talking of wood, Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones is expected to pay his ex-wife Jo £6.5 million after they were given a ' quick' divorce yesterday (November 11)! It' s lucky that AVS fencing is highly competitively priced – at least Ronnie can afford new fence panels :)

Picket Fence, Panel or Palisade Fencing?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:22:00 GMT

Unless you' re a celebrity wanting complete privacy in your garden – picket and palisade fencing are ideal because you can partially see through them and therefore, they make excellent decorative fencing.

So which fencing should you choose for your garden?

Here' s the main differences between picket fence panels and palisade fencing:

Wooden palisade fencing and picket fence panels look identical – both fences allow vision through and they are often used as a decorative boundary when full privacy is not required. Plus both fences are available with flat, pointed or rounded tops.

The main difference is that palisade fencing is sold in pieces and is constructed on site, where as picket fence panels are sold as as panels. AVS palisade fencing and AVS picket fence panels are both guaranteed for 25 years.

AVS sell ready made panels and separate components that need assembly on site. Separate components do cost slightly more but will produce a longer lasting and slightly studier fence.

Are concrete fence posts a good choice?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:09:11 GMT

Your home boundary needs to be defined to create privacy, improve security and to help shelter your garden from some of the elements. Garden fencing from AVS comes in a great selection of ready-made fence panels and timber and concrete posts.

Ready-made fence panels are a great addition to the DIY enthusiasts, however it takes more than sticking up a few posts and screwing a few panels! If you want your fence to last, as well as look good, it is a good idea to use concrete fence posts because they are much longer lasting than Timber posts.

All AVS fencing panels will fit into the slotted posts. Slotted concrete fence posts are great because if a fence panel gets damaged, you can lift it out and replace it with a new one without any hand tools!

Timber posts still have a 15 year life, and are visually more attractive. However, it is best to extend their life by concreting the timber posts! Who knows what weather we will have in the UK this Winter.

Building a raised bed with railway sleepers

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:22:36 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies are a huge supplier of railway sleepers for garden and landscaping projects. This means you can have great confidence in the product with competitive prices and rapid delivery. Railway sleepers supplied included are both new and recycled in hardwood and treated softwood and are creosote-free.

The advantages of raised beds are:

You can add soil which is suitable for herbs, vegetables or plants you want to grow.
They save you back strain because you don' t have to bend down so far!
They need less watering than containers.

The disadvantage of raised beds is:

You have to design and build them.

We can help to take care of that for you. Here are a few important points to bear in mind:

Remember that raised beds are for the long term, so choose their site carefully. Do your plants want a sunny or shady position?
Don' t make your raised bed wider than you can comfortably reach.
A height of 30 - 60 cm deep is sufficient for most small and medium sized plants.

How to make a wooden raised bed out of AVS railway sleepers.

What you will need:

Four railway sleepers;
eight tree stakes;
saw and hammer

Lay out the railway sleepers on edge in their final positions. Ensure that the best edge uppermost.
Hammer the two tree stakes into the ground, about 4cm from each corner, to hold the corners together.
Cut off ensuring the top of the stakes are flush with the railway sleepers. If you are making the bed on a paved surface use coach bolts to hold the sleepers together.
Fill your brand new sleeper raised bed with a suitable soil or compost. Top tip: If you want to grow herbs, then mix the top soil with grit.

Hitting the Decks - Autumn Decking Ofers

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:29:50 GMT

Autumn may almost be here, but decking is still a popular purchase. We bring to you a great offer. Our 3.6m decking has been reduced from £10.56 to £7.13.

AVS decking is tough and durable, just like Eddie Izzard it seems. If you didn' t know this, Eddie Izzard celebrated completing 43 marathons in 52 days! Wow. Eddie raised over £200,000 for Sports Relief. Eddie said to the Guardian newspaper "I feel really good. My legs hurt, my body hurts, I' m very tired. I lost my toenails, had blisters and stuff, but to finish – it' s kind of like science fiction in a way."

Eddie obviously needs to sooth away his aches with the help of a nice glass of something sitting in a lovely decked garden. Therefore, he would be pleased to hear that AVS deckboard is a quality reversible decking board made using more slowly grown imported timber of a 5th grade Scandinavian Redwood quality, for better reliabilty. It is smooth on one side and reeded on the other. The decking is a robust with a healthy thickness of approx 34mm unlike some cheaper decking which is only 28mm thickness. AVS decking helps create a sturdy deck without spending a fortune on timber for the base. Our timber is slow-grown so it is close grained and therefore has less chance of splitting and cracking in the sunshine and rain.

AVS decking is produced in species classified as Redwood meaning it accepts the timber treatment well for greater durability. AVS decking board is produced in the UK specifically for AVS to our own specifciation and design.

So if anyone out there who knows Eddie, point him over here so we can assist him with some ultimate R & R.

Fencing makes good security for your House

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 17:11:42 GMT

Recently, my step-mother' s brand new limited edition Mini-Cooper got stolen from their driveway whilst they are sleeping. If they had installed 6' high timber fencing with good quality gate bolts, they would still have their pride and joy.

The UK planning law says that you need permission for a fence over 2m tall and for 1m tall adjacent to a highway. Normally no notice is normally taken of a trellis added to the top of a 6' fence, so you are most probably safe to do this too.

Tall fences also add privacy and security for children, pets as well as your property.

Building a Railway Sleeper retaining wall

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 15:28:10 GMT

Did you know why sleepers are called sleepers? Are you ready for this? Well ... according to Wiki Answers - when sleepers were added below the railway lines, the trains ran more smoothly and people fell asleep on their journeys.

One would normally build a railway sleeper retaining wall in your garden to support soil when they need to achieve a rapid change in ground levels usually created by forming a level area for a lawn or building.

The height of your railway sleeper retaining wall will be determined by difference in ground levels.

Most people only need to retain up to 600mm of soil so this is an easy task, which often creates an interesting and attractive feature in the garden.

The method you choose for construction will be influenced by the height.

Sleepers laid horizontally
Sleepers can be either stood on edge, which needs fewer sleepers but will need some additional supports or laid flat which is great for raised beds and lower height walls needing less additional support often just landscaping screws to join the railway sleepers.

Sleepers placed vertically
Great for medium height walls of about 1 metre high using hardwood sleepers

Joining Sleepers
Landscaping screws are great for joining sleepers together they are screwed in without needing pre-drilling and hold sleepers very firmly.

Drainage
It is advisable to place shingle behind the railway sleepers, particularly for taller structures. This can aid the life span of the sleeper and assist drainage, ensuring any water drains to the bottom and doesn’t run out between sleepers. Use a membrane on the back of the sleepers if the shingle is likely to spill through any gaps left between the sleepers.

Health & Safety
Sleepers are heavy and care should be taken when handling. Second-hand sleepers are treated with creosote so skin contact should be avoided. Taller structures may collapse if not constructed properly so if in any doubt consult a qualified engineer.

Will my fence survive the winter?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:59:04 GMT

The Met Office have not yet predicted the UK weather for autumn/winter 2009, but even if they did – would we believe them after the barbeque summer we were meant to have? The main threat to your fence is the winter storms which normally begin with gales in October - remember 1997? The taller and more exposed your fence is – the more at risk of damage your fence is.

What can happen to my fence? Normally one of three things ... Your fence posts can break usually at ground level this normally affects timber fence posts or become loose in the ground and sometimes the fence panel can be damaged.

To answer the question, we recommend walking the fence line whilst doing the following:

First, look for signs of rot at the bottom of the fence posts and try wobbling the fence post backwards and forwards. Beware! Some posts may break, but at least you will not get a sudden surprise on a cold wet winters morning. This will also detect posts that are loose in the ground.
Inspect the Fence Panels for signs of rot of damage or if you have closeboard fencing, check the ends of the rails join firmly with the post specially the top rail.

For further information on fencing, please call our sales team on: 01403 740200.

Why is Ready Mix Post Mix so popular?

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:22:40 GMT

Whether your fencing is for domestic or commerical purposes, most fence posts require concreting into the ground to prevent the wind loosening the fence post. Ready mix post mix is dry ready mix concrete in a bag. It is really easy to use, just tip it in the hole around the fence post and add water – job done simple as that! No messing around and no need to premix in the wheelbarrow or on a board.

What’s more the post mix is made from rapid hardening cement that goes off faster than conventional concrete meaning your fence is very soon safe and can’t be damaged by the wind during erection.

What is the other option? Buy ballast (a mix of pebbles and sand) and to mix this up firstly with cement powder and secondly with water to produce concrete which is added wet to the fence post hole.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the Romans invented concrete, which when fused with their engineering expertise, allowed for the creation of villas, temples, towns, baths, walls, roads – the list is endless. So next time you think about Ready Mix Post Mixing your fence post – the Vatican City isn' t that far away!

Met Posts – Love 'em or hate them!

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:03:06 GMT

Met Post is the leading brand of metal fence post bases. The most common style used is a spike which is the type we discuss here. The purpose of these fencing accessories is to secure your timber fence post into the ground without having to dig a hole or using concrete to backfill it. Sounds great doesn’t it, so what are the pro’s and con’s?

Pro’s

Met Posts are easy to install. They are simply bashed into the ground with a large hammer.
There is no fence post hole to dig

Con’s

If the ground is to hard or stony, the Met posts are hard to bash in straight and you would possibly need to dig out any obstructions
If the ground is too soft they give insufficient support to the fence post. Similarly on exposed sites they may not hold the fence post firmly in the ground. Therefore you would need the longer spike.

AVS now stock a direct alternative to the met post called the fencemate. So if you have a new fence to erect, visit our website by clicking here. Don' t forget, we also sell a great range of decking, railway sleepers, gates, mesh wire, ironmongery fixings, and fencing aggregates.

Fencing colour, what’s it all about?

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 17:22:09 GMT

What does the colour of your fence say about you? It says that you care about your wallet and the planet, as well as your fashion sense. Remember the good old days of Ground Force? We can' t promise you Charlie Dimmock, Tommy Walsh or Alan Titchmarsh! However, we can promise that if you go for a coloured treated fence, you will save money as the fence will last for years longer.

Our fences are dipped (immersed) in treatment producing 2 colours. Brown now most popular – gold less popular now – although fashions do change! Our third treatment option is pressure treating. The side effect of this is an attractive natural light brown wood colour. Very now ...

Closeboard fencing, also known as feather edge fencing) is available in two options: brown or green – both are created as part of the pressure treatment process. Brown is a dark brown and
green is actually a light beige brown with (at times) a slight greenish twinge from the copper used in our special treatment.

Fence posts also come in the same treaments and finishes as closeboard fencing.

TOP TIP: Use Green colour if you want to re-treat or paint a different colour.

Be kind to your fence and the planet – USE GRAVELBOARD!

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:40:43 GMT

You don' t have to join The Green Party to help planet earth. You can simply use gravelboard when you are erecting your garden fence! Why? Because then your fences will last longer, and you will be saving lots of trees, as well as saving yourself heaps of money and backbreaking work in the future.

What are Gravelboards?

Gravelboards fit under a fence at ground level. They can be timber gravel boards which are used withTimber Posts or Concrete Gravelboards used with slotted concrete fence posts. These are normally 6”/150mm or 12” / 300mm high.

Whats the purpose of Gravelboards?

Gravelboards keep expensive timber fence panels or fence pales ends off of the damp ground thus protecting from rotting. Timber gravelboards are cheap and easy to replace so can in a way be sacrificed.
Gravelboards are essential for fencing on sloping ground. Fence panels have to be stepped which can leave a gap at ground level – a gravel board can help as one end can be buried into the ground meaning the other end will fill the gap.
Concrete gravelboards (the type used for fence panels and with concrete fence posts), can be used to hold back soil if ground levels on each side of fence different. For example, between your garden and your neighbours garden.

Remember to allow for longer posts to accommodate – sometimes you can use lower panels so the fence does not become too tall. Like Fence Panels, gravelboard is normally fixed between posts rather than on the front face, therefore, wood blocks called cleats are normally used to aid fixing with nails.

Gravelboards can be used anywhere there is garden fencing, not forgetting, commercial sites like factories .

House prices rising! Fix those fences in time for your house sale!

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:56:40 GMT

According to rightmove.co.uk, who represent 90% of the UK housing market, house prices are set to increase towards the end of 2009. So now is the time to start finishing those jobs you' ve been putting off for ages, such as fixing fence panels. The good news is that we have four easy ways to help you fix and improve your garden fencing.

Fixing fence panels is easy, here are four simple methods:

• Nail through the side framing batten into post – use galvanised nails to avoid rust stains – size 65 or 75mm long nail front and back separately using 3-4 nails on each face

• Use Panel Fixing Clips – use 3 clips per side for a 6’ 1.8m high fence panel

• Use Slotted Concrete Fence Posts – no fixings are needed as these are H-shape posts, therefore the panel is located in slot. The advantages of this are that the posts last for years and panels can be lifted out and replaced in minutes

• Always use Decking screws for all fencing panels and trellis, particularly when using our Grange Elite Range of fence panel. The AVS range of Carpenter Mate Decking Screws fix easily with a battery screwdriver without slipping as they have a special square socketed head (driver bit provided) and are coated for maximum corrosion protection. They self-drill through timber without splitting.

AVS Top Tip

Why not use Lap Panels for your garden fencing? They are not only cost effective, they are attractive too.

AVS supply lap panels in 4 different sizes, each Lap Panel is 6 foot wide with heights that vary between 3, 4, 5 and 6 feet (these are 915, 1220, 1525 and 1830mm respectively).
As well as variations in size, a range of colours are on offer, these being either a light beige (our pressure treated lap panels), orange-brown or darker brown.(our dipped panels).
It is important to remember when buying a panel that posts come in only 2 colours, light brown (known as green) or dark brown. This type of fencing is simple to erect making it an excellent choice for your garden fencing.

Beginners guide to Decking

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:42:18 GMT

You are thinking of building a garden decking this summer and are not quite sure where to start. Simple start here with a guide that will help you through the maize that decking. There is nothing easier so read on. What is a garden deck in its simplest form? A garden deck is a platform covered in timber which can be either at low level, near the ground or high level, raised from the ground. There are no real rules about what you can and cannot do with decking as long as the space is firm and strong to support the deck boards then you will have successful decking.

You certainly don’t need to be a master carpenter to create a great garden deck, create the base for the deck out of timber fence posts and timber joists. Typically the fence posts can be 100x100 in size or slightly larger if the deck is raised off the ground by more than a couple of feet. Timber joists typically 150x47mm and 100x47mm can then be used to form a level framework on which to lay the deck boards. The timber support posts are normally connected with a beam and the timber joists can be fixed to the beam using joist hangers, other timber connections between the timber joists can be done using landscape screws, our carpenters mate range of landscape screws are ideal for this.

The look and feel of the finished deck will be influenced by the type of deck board you choose, two main types of decking boards are available from AVS hardwood and softwood treated. The softwood treated decking boards are available in grooved, reeded and smooth options. The best method to fix the decking boards down onto the timber joists is to use AVS Fencing decking screws which avoid splitting the timber and normally avoid the need for pre-drilling, unlike nails can be removed if the boards need to be lifted for any reason.

I believe building a timber decking is a job that most people who are fairly practical can easily do and will make a great addition to your garden. All of the decking materials are available from AVS Fencing for building your garden decking, the first step to your garden decking would, I suggest be sketching out a plan of the size of decking you want. Mark it out in the area you have allocated for it then you can check ground levels and get a feel for what this would look like when it is completed within your garden.

On a final safety note if your decking is going to be raised off the ground you will also need to consider balustrading or timber hand railing to prevent people falling from your deck.

Which is the strongest fence panel?

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:54:49 GMT

With so many fence panels to choose from how do I know which is the strongest fence panel to buy, with so many to choose from with on line shopping. If we ignore decorative panels like the continental and grange elite range the choice of fence panels basically comes down to two, Closeboard fence panels and Lap panels. You can easily tell the difference the closeboard fence panel is constructed from timbers running vertically and the lap panel has horizontal timber slats.

So to answer the question the strongest garden fence panels are the closeboard variety but don’t stop reading because there’s much more than just a fence panel to making a strong fence we should to consider the fixings, the height, how the post is fixed and in what location you are using the fence in.

Let’s just examine the closeboard fence panel for a minute and look at what we mean when we say this is a stronger type of fencing panel. It has strength in two ways the closeboard panel will stand stronger winds than the lap panel before the fence panel blows out between the posts. It is also constructed from heavier weight timber featheredge boards which means that if the fence panel is subjected stress via either a dog or vandals holes are less likely to appear. It is important to fix your fence panel securely to the post. It doesn’t really matter how you fix it, some people use clips and others use nails. If you choose to use met clips you should have a minimum of 6 per fence panel and if you choose to nail through the batten and into the post you should have 4 nails on one side of the batten and 3 nails on the other a total of 7 nails on each side 14 overall.

If your fence panels are in a reasonably exposed location or a windy location and you want to reduce the wind effects on them consider a reduced height panel with a trellis sat above, you can mix any height of trellis with a fence panel instead of a 6ft high panel you could consider a 5ft high panel with 1ft trellis above still giving you a 6ft high fence or even a 4ft fence with a 2ft trellis above. Trellis will reduce the wind resistance of the fence and allow the wind to blow through the trellis and reduce the pressure on the fencing panels.

Having considered your fencing panels next consider the fencing posts, if your timber fencing posts are not securely fixed into the ground and they move around the wind this will weaken the fence because of the movement which will be present in the fence. AVS recommend a fencing post for a 6ft high fence panel should be inserted between 2ft and 2ft. 6ins into the ground. The most secure method of fixing a fence post is to place concrete or use post mix a rapid hardening ready mix cement which comes dry in the bag and you pour into the fence post hole and add water, a very easy way to fix a fence post. Once the post mix has gone off the post will be completely rigid. Overall the aim is to try and stop the fence post moving at all in the ground.

Met post fence post spikes are another option for fixing your fence these are in our opinion only suitable where the ground conditions are favourably and where your fence is not subject to much wind.

Finally are there any locations which are not suitable for fence panels? In our view very exposed locations are best fenced with closeboard fencing which is assembled on site rather than using ready made fence panels, it is generally constructed using larger post sections and strong horizontal rails which can be increased where there is a risk of frequent high winds.

RHS Flower Show 2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:29 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies are pleased to be offering our support to a stand at this years RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (July 7-12).

The Tudor Rose Garden has been created by local garden designer Chris Burns. Chris an MS sufferer, has created this ' senses' garden with less abled people in mind and the stand (D40) will be used to promote three different charities - the MS Society, the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) and the NBCS (National Blind Children’s Society).

The stand itself has been cleverly designed so that it will look like a Tudor rose from above and the display itself uses different techniques so that everyone can enjoy it:

The plants have been specially grown and chosen for their qualities of promoting the senses with scent, texture and sound.
All the labelling is in Braille and has been printed by the RNIB, so even those without sight can experience the plants and read about them.
Special non-slip paint has been used on the walkways and the raised beds show how disabled people can more easily tend plants that are higher off the ground.

AVS Fencing Supplies have been pleased to provide decking and timber posts for use on the display and we are sure the finished result will look fantastic.

For anyone intending to visit the show this year please ensure you pop over to stand D40 to lend your support and experience this great display.

The Best ways to secure your fence posts

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:18:00 GMT

The Best ways to secure your fence posts

In this post we look at ways to secure your fence posts amongst the areas that we will look at are using post mix, met posts, concrete and soil back fill so that next time you are choosing fence panels and want to understand the different methods of fixing the fence post in connection with the erection of your garden fence panel you will be able to make an expert choice.

Post Mix
Post mix comes in a polythene bag and is a ready mixed concrete product made with rapid hardening cement which is poured dry straight from the bag into the post hole to surround the post, water is then added to the top of the post hole and is then absorbed into the post mix allowing the concrete to cure supporting your fence post. It is a product which is growing in popularity as a method of securing fence posts particularly timber fence posts for garden fences.

Best bits - post mix is easy to use and works well it is an inexpensive product.
Worst bits - few.

Met Posts
Met post is a trade name for a popular range of post spikes and bolt down post shoes where a fence post is being erected into normal soil ground a spiked met post is chosen. The met post spike is hammered into the ground using a simple and cheap met post installation tool and once the met post is installed the fence post is inserted into the top of the metal met post fence post spike. The most popular met post grips the post using met posts wedge grip system there is another similar met post post spike product, system 2 which uses 2 nuts and bolts to clamp the to the bottom of the timber post.

Best bits - no hole digging is needed with met post.
Worst bits - met posts may not hold the fence post fully secure in wet windy locations.

Concrete for Fence Posts
This is the most traditional method of holding fence posts firmly into the soil and has been used for many years the fence post hole is dug and the fence post inserted into the hole and surrounded by concrete. Concrete is a mix of sand, shingle and cement normally the sand and the shingle is pre mixed and purchased as a product called ballast. AVS sell ballast in 40kg bags and cement in 25kg bags, the product can then be mixed together on a mixing board or in a wheel burrow by hand using a shovel or in a cement mixer a little water is added to the concrete before it is added to the fence pole hole. The concrete used in erecting fence posts is made to a firm consistency.

Best bits - concrete is cheap to purchase.
Worst bits - ballast and cement needs to be mixed together before use.

Soil backfill for fence posts
What we mean by this is that once the fence post hole has been excavated the arisings that have been dug out of the fence post hole are refilled around the fence post, this needs to be done gradually and the practice is to tamp and firm the soil in stages as the hole is back filled around the fence post. A piece of timber that will fit between the fence post and the edge of the fence post hole is ideal to ram and firm the soil into position, for this method to work the soil must be rammed home really hard this way it will support the fence post firmly.

Best bits – cheapest method for fence post installation.
Worst bits – only suitable for fences without wind resistance such as post and rail fencing not suitable for fence panels.

So in summary you can see there are 4 ways to secure your garden fencing fence post and we have looked at post mix, met posts, concrete for fence posts and soil back fill for fence posts, From he Best bits and Worst bits you will be able to choose the most suitable method for the installation of your own garden fence panels and fence posts.

How to erect a picket fence

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 16:32:26 GMT

Today I am going to talk about erecting a garden picket fence using the easy to erect ready assembled panels of wooden fencing. AVS Fencing also sell a type of loose picket fencing it is listed under palisade fencing in the on line shop.

How much fencing is required?
Measure your fence lines and divide by 1.80m, this will tell you approximately how many panels of picket fencing you will require. Panels can be shortened very easily by cutting if needed.

The Fence Posts
I would recommend erecting the picket fence on 75x75mm AVS Fencing 15 year Guaranteed treated fence posts with 900mm high picket fencing use a 2.4m long post cut into two and for the 1200mm high fencing use a 1.8m long post. When cutting the post make sure that the cut end is situated upper most and not buried in the ground and be sure to treat the tops of the posts with end coat this way you will maintain the AVS Fencing 15 year guarantee on the fence post and the posts will give you a good long life.

When building the picket fence the posts are set behind the panels, the panels are butted up and nailed or screwed to the front face of the post, I found that carpenters mate decking screws were an ideal product to fix the picket fencing panels to the fence posts allow 8 screws per panel.

To cut or not to cut?
If the panels are taken without cutting and are butted together it leaves just the right amount of room for one individual pailing to be fixed over the top of the joint in front of the post while AVS Fencing don’t currently sell matching additional loose fence pailings, you may well have some available from cutting down a panel or choose to purchase an extra panel. However if this is not the case don’t worry because the fencing works just as well when the ends of the picket fence panels rails are trimmed back by approximately 35mm each. This will ensure that the spacings between the panels are just right.

How far out of the ground will the posts be?
It is recommended that you allow 50mm between the ground and the underside of the picket fence panel and is also recommended you stop the post well short of the top of the panel in fact just above the top rail this will mean that for a 900 high picket fencing panel the posts are approximately 800mm above the ground.

The steps to erect a picket fence
Decide if you will be using the picket fencing panels at full length or trimmed back.
Lay the panels on the ground adjacent to the fence line to establish the positions for the posts.
Set up a string line if required to get the fencing straight.
Dig the post holes, concrete the first post into the ground using Post Mix
Fix the picket fencing panel to that first post, support the panel with a block of timber under to get the panel level and concrete in the next post in the right position for the panel and proceed along the fence line fixing one panel at a time.

Picket Fencing Gates
A matching gate for your picket fence can be purchased from the AVS Fencing on line shop the picket fence gate kit comes complete with all the necessary hinges, latch and gate stop, it is recommended that you use a 100mm gate post. The gate post is unlike the fence posts to the full height of the fence so for a 900 high picket fence use a 1.5metre long 100x100 post. The adjacent picket fencing panels will fix to the front face of the gate post and the gate will fix to the rear face of the gate post. Don’t forget to fit the gate stop timber batten to prevent damage to the gate latch.

Getting Your Garden Ready For Summer!

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:15:17 GMT

With the weather starting to improve and summer fast approaching, now is a great time to review your garden and sort out any fencing or landscaping projects that you have in mind.

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we realise that summer never seems long enough, so when it does finally arrive you want to be able to sit back and enjoy it, without worrying about the state of your garden.

To help you create your perfect garden for summer, AVS Fencing Supplies offer a range of great products for sale via our Website & local branches. We offer core products including fence panels, timber fence posts, concrete fence posts, feather edge boards, gravel boards, chestnut paling, as well as a range of landscaping products including new & second hand railway sleepers & multi profile deck boards.

With such a great range of quality garden fencing & landscape products at competitive prices, we are sure that AVS Fencing Supplies can help you find exactly what you need no matter what job you have in mind.

Whether you need to repair a dilapidated fence, want to build a brand new garden fence, create your dream decking area or install some raised flower beds using railway sleepers, we can supply you with what you need.

Search our website now to find the garden fencing or landscaping products that you require and then buy online quickly & securely to get your garden project under way.

New & Improved Homepage Launched!

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 14:06:21 GMT

AVS Fencing Supplies are pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved homepage. This has been designed with you the customer in mind and aims to provide you with a streamlined process when buying your fencing & landscaping products online. Whether you are looking for fencing, decking, railway sleepers or gates our homepage will lead you to exactly what you want.

In addition you now have new and improved access to special online deals in our frequently updated Web Offers Section. These are updated constantly and offer great savings to you on products such as Lap Panels, Featheredge, Railway Sleepers, Concrete Posts & Aggregates.

Finally to ensure you don’t miss out on this seasons must have products, we have launched our ' Top 10 buys of the month' . Here you can see what fencing & landscaping related products our other customers are buying, in order to gain some inspiration and help towards your purchasing decisions.

We hope you like our new website and look forward to doing business with you soon.

Panel Fencing – Part 1

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:55:00 GMT

What is a Panel Fence

A pre-made timber panel, of differing styles and qualities, that are fixed between two posts.

Types of Panel

Panels are available in 3 different colours, a light beige (pressure treated), gold (orange/brown) and dark brown which are dipped. Check stocks for the range at your branch.

The styles can be broken down into:

Lap Panels - A waney edged board, overlapped and fixed horizontally within a batten frame, described as fully framed – meaning they have timber around the outside edge. They also have vertical battens fixed across the face and back of the panel to strengthen the laps.

Close board Panels - A feather edge board, overlapped and fixed vertically on a heavier duty batten formation. Stronger than the lap panel, but not as strong as true closeboarding.

' The above are sold in 6ft widths, starting at 3ft high in 1ft increments, up to 6ft high.'

Continental Panels - A decorative panel, with different designs of infill and tops, with a limited range of heights.

' The above are sold in 1.8m widths and varying heights, these are all in the light beige colour only, fully pressure treated.'

Posts

All panels can either be put on timber posts or concrete slotted posts; it is purely the customer’s personal choice.

On softwood timber posts the options would be: 75 x 75mm 100 x 75mm 100 x 100mm

The panels would be fitted to these via met clips, a U shape bracket, or nails/screws fixed through the side batten, pre drilling is advised. The timber posts can either be concreted into the ground or met posts could be used. If they are being concreted in, the post should go into the ground a minimum of 600mm; if met posts are being used the post will be shorter.

The concrete post has a slot that runs down the complete length of the post, which allows the panel to slot into the post. This is fine on installation, but remember that if a panel needs replacing later on, the panel has to be lifted above the posts and slotted down, e.g. a 6ft high panel would need lifting 6ft in the air to replace.

The options available for slotted posts are: Intermediates Ends Corners

The corners and ends are not handed as the slot is central to the post.

The panels are not actually fixed to the concrete so just sit in the slot; this does mean that they can move around if the panel is thinner than the slot.

Wall Fixing

If the fence is adjoining any walls then a wall plate can be used, either a 100x 47mm or a 75 x 47mm, which is bolted to the wall using suitable fixings, such as thunderbolts, hammer fixings or coach screws; then the panel fixed to this.

Post Tops

The tops of the posts can be left flat, machined or a post cap with or without a finial can be fitted. The finials are commonly acorns or balls, but others are available, these are fitted via a double threaded screw.

Sloping Ground

Remember that if the ground is sloping with the fence line, longer posts will be required to allow for the extra height caused by the panel sitting off the ground. As the panel should always sit level and should never be buried at the high side.

Close Board Fencing - An Introduction

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:50:26 GMT

Close Board fencing remains the most cost effective way to build a solid boundary that will stand the test of time. Close board can also be incorrectly described as ship lap or feather board fencing, but essentially these descriptions refer to the same type of construction.

Due to the versatile nature of the product it is important to bare in mind what size fence you would like to erect and whether you will require planning permission. Generally you can erect a fence of up to 1.95M high without planning permission, except where your fence is adjacent to a public highway. In this instance the fence can only be up to 1M high, before planning permission is required. (We recommend you seek advice from your local council before commencing work)

Whether you are using cant rails, arris rails, timber or concrete posts the basic erection process remains the same.

Installation

Close board fencing is a simple construction of posts, rails, gravel boards and featheredge. Posts should be a minimum of 100x100mm (4 x 4) section and concreted into the ground at a depth of approx 760mm (for taller fence variations) and the distance between the post centres should ideally not exceed 3.0M (10Ft). Rails are then fixed horizontally across the face of the posts; usually two rails are needed on 1.2M (4Ft) high featheredge and below, with three rails used on higher boundaries.

It is recommended but not essential to fit a gravel board at ground level between the posts. This serves to keep the featheredge from making contact with the ground, which will reduce future maintenance costs, because it is cheaper and easier to replace one gravel board rather than a large quantity of featheredge. The featheredge is then fitted vertically on to the front of the rails with a minimum of 25mm (1 inch) overlap.

Tip: To increase the life span of this fence you can erect it using concrete posts and gravel boards. Due to the long life expectancy of these products future costs of replacing the timber components will be considerably lower, because only the rails and featheredge will need replacing.

Versatility & Benefits

Because this particular style of fencing is constructed with individual pieces it is very versatile and offers many benefits.
1. Close board is ideal for constructing a fence on sloping ground because gravel boards and rails can be fixed at an angle and then the featheredge can follow this level as required
2. Close board has the benefit of being easy to repair. Should any featheredge start to show the ravishes of time, it is a quick and inexpensive process to replace the boards
3. All materials that go into making this type of perimeter fencing are pressure treated, so that the longevity of the timber is at an absolute maximum
4. If constructed correctly it is strong and long lasting
5. Close board is commonly found in both green and brown as standard, making it far more versatile than most boundary options
6. Close board can be used to make a fence of virtually any height
7. Close board is suitable for front and back gardens, as well as commercial use

Maintenance

Timber is a living product and given enough time it will degrade. To get the best possible life span from the product it is recommend that the timber is treated every 2 – 3 years. This is best undertaken with a solvent based treatment during the summer months, so that it can soak into the dry wood.

Help & Advice

If you are interested in erecting close board fencing at your property, please get in touch with your local branch. Our specialists will be happy to offer help and advice and can provide you with a free quote for supply of all relevant materials.

Security Fencing – What are your options?

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:45:04 GMT

We are one of the top suppliers of high security fencing for commercial premises. Our extremely high level of technical capability, combined with our unrivalled commitment to customer service ensures that the highest possible levels of customer satisfaction are met.

Our experience means that we can help you decide which option is best for you when securing your site.

Palisade Fencing

Palisade fencing is one of the biggest sellers when it comes to securing a site. Although not always the cheapest option, it is designed to be strong and provides excellent protection against climbing and cut through. The effects of petty damage and vandalism on steel palisade are minimal which in the long term can reduce future maintenance costs.

Depending on the requirements of your site AVS can offer two types of pale profiles. W Pale comes in three thicknesses with 2.0mm being most commonly used for commercial security. Thickness can be increased to 3.0mm which we would use for high security sites such as MOD or Railways. D section pales are also something that we can offer, thickness usually starts at 3.0mm but if you require a lesser thickness we would be able to help. We can offer heights up to 3M for added security.

After selecting your pale profile, you have to decide which type of tops you would like, below are a list of your options.

· Triple Pointed - Normal Security Fence Option.
· Rounded - Suitable for amenity areas.
· Rounded & Notched - Suitable for amenity areas.
· Square - Suitable for amenity areas.
· Pointed - Used less frequently.

Posts

Posts are available with complete with lose fishplates. With choice of either concreted in, or base plated for bolting down. Depending on the level of security you require, the posts can also be vertically extended to take barbed or razor wire.

Gates

Gates are also made to suit individual requirements and with our team of dedicated experts, we will be with you every step of the way to ensure your specification is met.

Specification

Whatever your choice all palisade items are made to BS 1722 pt 12. and galvanised to BS 729. With a range of powder coating options, this will come with a ten year performance guarantee.

Mesh Fencing Systems

Mesh fencing can be a very affordable security fencing option, depending on the type of mesh you decide to buy. Our most cost effective type is V guard. This a rigid panel with integrated profile beams all supplied with correct fittings. Panels will normally come with 2.52M post centres at varying heights, however should you require wider post centres for lighter duty work these are available at 3.02M centres with a choice of 2.0M and 2.4M height panels. These offer excellent value for money and are available in a range of colours to suit your needs.

Another popular choice in mesh panels is Twin Guard fencing. This type of fence has two 8mm horizontal wires sandwiching the verticals and offers a very strong and rigid panel. Excellent for use around schools and commercial sites, it provides excellent visibility and again is available in a wide range of colours.

If you have a site that requires maximum security, AVS would recommend 358 mesh, this is most likely to be seen around prisons and Ministry of Defence sites. Heights are available up to 5M and the gauge of the mesh provides excellent anti climb protection and it can have multiple additional features to aid security. It also works hand in hand with CCTV due to its excellent see through visibility.

As with palisade, mesh gates are also tailored to suit any requirements you may have and all are available in a range of powder coated colours

Summary

Whatever your security requirements, AVS’s dedicated security team will be able to guide you through the choices and help ensure your job runs as smoothly as possible. Call us now on 0800 019 1579.

Post & Rail Fencing

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:28:50 GMT

Post & Rail is a generic term used to describe any fencing system comprising of solid timber post & rails and has three main variations comprising of Cleft, Half-Round & Square Cut.

The system combines a robust and traditional design, with good vision through the fence and also has the added benefit of being able to be used as an attractive option as a livestock barrier.

Points to Consider:

When deciding upon the style and type of Post & Rail Fencing system you wish to install, you should consider the following areas:

Will the fence be suitable for the job required?
How quickly do you want to erect the fence?
What' s Your Budget?
Your Personal Preference (What look do you prefer?)

Additionally if the fence is to be erected to contain stock, then consideration should be given to the number of rails required. This is naturally determined by the size of the stock animal that is to be contained. I.e. For smaller animals more rails per bay of fence are required, unless you intend to add livestock netting to the fence.

Your Options:

Chestnut Cleft –

Cleft is one of AVS' s most popular sellers and the timber we supply is usually sourced and cut locally in Kent or Sussex coppice. This means the timber re-grows for future harvesting and hence is a sustainable and environmentally friendly system.

This variation has many advantages for users. Firstly the manufacturing process of the rail means that it retains a face with bark initially intact and this helps to add to this systems rustic appeal. Secondly this system offers a versatile solution as there is an option to swap the cleft posts with softwood or oak posts, depending on available budget & preference. Finally when the fence is erected the rail can be slotted into a morticed hole within the post, which gives even greater strength to the fence system.

Square Cut Post and Rail –

This refers to any type of post and rail whose rails are sawn along their length creating a rectangular rail. This system is normally cheaper than Cleft and has a cleaner appearance preferred by some.

When the fence is erected the rails are normally nailed to intermediate posts, which are set at 1.8M centres. This is combined with a staggering of the rails joints, to ensure that the fences weight is distributed evenly.

With this variation of fence system it is also possible to have the posts pre-pointed so that they can be driven into the ground during erection. This helps speed the erection process and is a great benefit when undertaking large jobs.

Half Round Post and Rail –

Very similar to the square cut above except that the rails are half round and the posts are either round or half round. Round posts are used when erecting the fence mechanically and also give more strength. Either Peeled and treated (which fluctuate in girth from end to end) or Machine rounded (uniform in section) can be used according to taste and budget. Morticing is not usually an option so rails are nailed into position. Overall this type of system offers a very attractive fence at a modest budget.

Summary

This article should act as a useful starter guide when deciding upon a suitable post & rail fence system for your premises. However before you begin we would recommend you speak to one of AVS’s knowledgeable advisers, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free quote.

Panel Fencing – Part 2

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:22:39 GMT

Gravel Boards

These are not only used for their ability to increase the height of the fence, but they are also used to prevent the panel from coming into contact with the ground; thus helping prolong the life of the panel.

They can also be used to fill the gaps beneath panels caused by steeping and inconsistencies in the ground level.

Timber Gravel Boards

Timber gravel boards are fixed to the timber post using cleats, which means it is unnecessary to use any fixings between the panels and gravel boards. Remember that if continental panels are used, then the standard 6ft gravel board is going to be too long and must be cut prior to installation.

Concrete Gravel Boards

In the instance of concrete gravel boards they can be used to retain light soil, as they are stronger and will not rot like timber; these slot into the concrete post. They are available in both 150mm and 300mm high. If these boards are used with continental panels, fillets would need to be used to increase the width of the panel.

Cutting Panels

As most gardens will not be exactly divisible by the panel width, it may be necessary to cut a panel to fit. It is easily achievable on lap and close board panels, but not so with continental panels, as the framing is jointed in the corners.

To cut a lap panel down, the battens are removed from one end of the panel and fixed into a similar position at the required width; so the cutting of horizontal battens is required. Once fitted the excess laps can be cut off.

Installing Panelled Fence Using Concrete

If concreting in, set the first post and measure out for your second hole and excavate. Once at the desired depth, fix the panel in place and fix the second post to it, checking for level and line. Once happy with the position concrete the second post in and then carry on the process until the fence is complete. Remember depending on the method of concreting used, it may be necessary to put temporary props on the fence to allow the concrete to set.

Note: If the fence is on a slope it is easier to start at the top of the slope, to ensure you get the height of the posts correct.

Help & Advice

For further help & advice please feel free to phone our fencing specialists at your local branch. They will be happy to answer your questions & provide you with a free quote for your materials.