Info & Advice

Nothing makes a garden look messy like a broken-down, old fence panel. But there are only so many times you can nail a fence panel back up. Here's how to get that fence replaced properly so it looks great and lasts for a long time.Step 1Use a crowbar or hammer to prise away the old panel. This can be a dangerous job so it's best if you get someone to help you. Step 2Dig out the old post, including the concrete at the bottom too. Ensure the hole is 45cm deep so your new post stays secure. …

Your garden fence is an important part of your home: it marks out, protects and secures your garden. The good news is you can erect your own garden fence panels with a bit of help, the right tools and our step-by-step guide. Here's how to get it right first time.Step 1Remove any old fencing and also any plants that are along your boundary line; you can always re-plant them once the fence is up. Then use a string line to determine where your fence will go, hanging it between the two en …

Raised sleeper beds create a focal point full of colour and foliage in any garden and are relatively easy to make. Find out if a raised bed is right for your garden with our lowdown, then follow our step-by-step guide..1. Work out where you want your sleeper bed or beds to sit in your garden, dependant on what you're planting: does it need to be in the sun or the shade? 2. Next, measure the space of the sleeper bed out. Stepping into the bed to tend your plants is a no-no so ensure you can …

If you're about to put up a fence for the first time, it's easy to become confused by the technical phrases used. Our handy glossary of the most popular terms will help you to identity which components you'll need to see your project through. Closeboard fencing – sturdy timber fencing constructed from individual boards, ‘closeboard’ is one of those fencing terms you’ll hear again and again. As the name suggests, there are no gaps in closeboard fencing, making it a perfect choice for pr …

Wondering where your fence boundary is? Find out who has responsibility for your fence, hedge or wall with our useful guide. Want to find out who's responsible for painting the fence, maintaining the wall or cutting the hedge between you and your neighbour's properties? Our first and best piece of advice is to talk over any issues with your neighbour calmly rather than argue. But it does help to know who owns a fence between houses beforehand so you can both have all the information y …

When erected properly, closeboard fencing will last for years. Just ensure that you follow the tips and steps below properly. Find out all you need to know about closeboard fencing first, then start planning your perfect fence.  There are many questions you will need to answer before erecting your own fence: how long will it be? How tall? What's your budget? What materials suit your needs and style? Once you've answered all those questions and chosen the fence for you, th …

Closeboard fencing remains the most cost-effective way to build a solid boundary that will stand the test of time. Call it ship lap, feather board but it's still classic, versatile closeboard fencing. What do I need to know? It's important to bear in mind what size fence you want to erect as it may require planning permission. 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 …

Whether your outside space seems a little lacklustre after the winter months, or your brand new fence is just lacking flair, check out our tips for a fencing makeover that'll give your garden a boost.Fence post capsPaying some attention to your posts is probably the quickest way to make a wooden fence look more finished. Multi-tasking post caps instantly add interest to your fence and protect your posts from potentially damaging moisture. Post caps come in a variety of shapes and finis …

When you're investing in new fencing, outdoor furniture or a garden structure, it pays to understand where your wood comes from. Here's ten facts you need to know. 1. At AVS, we know where all our wood comes from. We know the forest the tree was grown in, when it was cut down and also the sawmill which cut it into timber. We even know the person who cut the tree down. 2. We prefer to use the best, home-grown wood so 90% of all AVS timber is grown in the UK and Ireland.3. All our wood …

Want the look and feel of a natural-looking lawn all year round with none of the maintenance? Then our new range of artificial grass could be for you. Check out our guide to laying artificial grass here. Q: What's it all about?A: There's a good reason why artificial grass sales are going through the roof. Forget the hard, fake-looking bright green grass you used to see in greengrocers; artificial grass now feels and looks both natural and realistic and is also long-lasting and …

Trellis and screening panels offer a simple, and great-value, way to get privacy, and grow flourishing plants, in your garden while still allowing light and air to flow in...There are two basic types of trellis and screening you should consider: the simplest square-shaped pattern of trellis panels or the more decorative, diamond-shaped design of lattice panels. The effect of both is pretty, practical and suited for training climbing plants and vines. Or you may wish to opt for hurdle …

Whatever the size of your plot, artificial grass is a cost-effective, durable and easy-to-maintain alternative to a natural lawn. Half of artificial lawn owners lay it themselves so read on for tips on doing it right... Step 1 In square metres, calculate the size of the area you want to lay with artificial grass. Then use these measurements to help you work out how many rolls of artificial grass you’ll need, allowing extra for a small amount of wastage depending on the design of y …