Railway Sleepers are ideal for creating garden walls and and retainers as they don't require the same skills involved in building brick walls. They also can produce the end results quicker than bricks due to their size; They can be very heavy to work with and  require two people to move them . Which sleeper to use? Reclaimed Sleepers are the most economical choice and will give your garden a more rustic look. Due to their creosote content and their old fixings they're not suitable f …

Our fences take a lot of flak: from strong winds and rain throughout the winter as well as from children and pets. Fences usually lose stability before they show real signs of damage so supporting the fence post is likely to be the solution so save the time, effort and expense of taking down an entire fence and putting up a new one. How do fence posts get damaged? The most common problem with domestic wooden fences is that timber fence posts begin to rot at ground level. Rain and oth …

Need to stabilise a wobbly fence quickly and effectively? Ensure it's done easily and stays secure for a long time to come by using a concrete repair spur on each post.  1. Getting startedA Concrete Fence Repair Spur means that rather than replacing a whole fence or post you can support it from one side of the fence, thus keeping it solid and secure. First thing to do is clear the space around the wobbly fence post so you have access to the surrounding ground (this could mean …

Whether you're already the proud owner of a shed or are planning on buying a new one, there are plenty of things you can do to put your personal stamp on it and make it a space that works for you... Which style to choose? Before deciding on the interior and exterior look of your shed, you need to consider its function. Is your shed being used as a space to have fun and entertain or will you be making it a quiet sanctuary where you can relax and unwind. Just keeping rusty nails and p …

All you need to know about wood and timber before buying fencing, outdoor furniture or wooden decking.What are the different types of wood? Wood is the best wood to use for most products in the garden, a mixture of spruce and larch, ours comes mainly from Scotland. We know that in the sawmill, this mix gives a clean cut, a better-looking natural finish that is more stable. Other types of timber can produce twisted fencing which won't last as long or look as good.Hardwood is usually mad …

The garden's the place to be this bank holiday. So enjoy longer days outside with our guide to getting the most from your outdoor space. 1. Discover decking Create a special space that sits between your home and garden with a decked area, giving you a place to sunbathe, relax, barbecue and entertain. Just open your back door and step out onto a naturally-beautiful area.  Decking boards are designed to blend in with any style of garden – choose from w …

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 …