E.R.D Paving — Blyth, Northumberland
Fencing That Stands Up
to North East Weather
in Blyth & Northumberland
Fence panels that don't blow down in the first storm, set in concrete posts that stay vertical for decades — installed with proper depth foundations, not hammered into soft ground with a mallet.
20+
Years Experience
100%
Fully Insured
Concrete
Post Options
24hr
Quote Response
What Proper Fence Installation Looks Like
Fencing serves three functions: privacy, security, and boundary definition. The right fence type depends on which of these matters most to you, the exposure level of your property, and your budget. At E.R.D Paving, we install close board (feather edge), lap panel, hit-and-miss, picket, and post-and-rail fencing to suit every requirement.
The critical difference between fencing that lasts and fencing that fails is what happens below ground. Posts must be set at the correct depth — typically one-third of the total post length buried in a concrete foundation. In exposed locations across Blyth, Whitley Bay, and coastal Northumberland, wind loading on fence panels generates enormous leverage forces on posts. Shallow foundations simply cannot resist these forces.
We offer timber posts (tanalised for rot resistance) and concrete posts (virtually maintenance-free). Concrete posts with concrete gravel boards eliminate the two most common failure points — rotting posts at ground level and rotting bottom rails from ground contact. For properties in exposed locations, concrete posts are the clear long-term choice.
This service is for homeowners across the North East who need boundary fencing that actually performs. Whether you're replacing storm-damaged panels, installing new fencing for a garden renovation, or upgrading from basic panel fencing to close board for better privacy and wind resistance, we handle every aspect from post setting to finishing.
Close Board Fencing Installation
Close board (feather edge) fencing provides maximum privacy and superior wind resistance compared to standard panels. Each board is nailed individually, allowing the fence to flex in high winds rather than catching the full force as a solid panel. This installation features pressure-treated timber on concrete posts with concrete gravel boards.
Panel Fencing with Concrete Posts
Standard panel fencing with concrete posts and concrete gravel boards eliminates the two most common failure points — rotting posts at ground level and rotting bottom rails from ground contact. This installation shows properly spaced concrete posts with larch lap panels and post caps.
Garden Boundary Fencing
A well-installed boundary fence defines your property, provides security, and adds privacy. We install fencing that's built to withstand the North East's coastal winds with deep concrete foundations and quality materials throughout.
Why Fences Fail — and the Real Cost of Getting It Wrong
The North East coast gets some of the strongest sustained winds in England. Blyth, Whitley Bay, and North Shields are particularly exposed. Standard 6ft panel fencing acts as a solid sail in high winds, and the force transfers directly to the posts and foundations. If those foundations aren't deep enough or the concrete hasn't been mixed correctly, the post snaps or lifts — and your fence is in your neighbour's garden.
Rot is the second biggest killer. Timber posts rot from the bottom up, starting at ground level where moisture is constant. Standard dipped posts (the green-tinged timber from most builders' merchants) have a typical lifespan of 5–8 years before the base rots through. Pressure-treated (tanalised) posts last 15–20 years. Concrete posts don't rot at all.
Bottom rails that sit in contact with the ground absorb moisture continuously and rot within 3–5 years, even if pressure-treated. Concrete gravel boards lift the timber panels off the ground, eliminating this contact point entirely. They also prevent animals from digging under the fence.
Many homeowners replace fence panels repeatedly without addressing the real problem — failed posts. Screwing new panels to rotting posts is a temporary fix that costs you money every few years. A full post and panel replacement with concrete posts costs more initially but eliminates recurring repair costs for 25+ years.
How We Install Fencing
Site Survey & Boundary Check
We measure the run, identify obstacles (trees, slopes, existing structures), confirm the boundary line, and discuss post type, panel style, and height requirements.
Fixed-Price Quote
A clear quote covering posts, panels, gravel boards, concrete, and labour. Itemised so you can see exactly what you're paying for. No hidden extras.
Post Setting
Posts are set in postcrete or mixed concrete at the correct spacing and depth. Each post is levelled individually and braced while the concrete cures. Post positions are checked against the boundary line throughout.
Panel & Gravel Board Installation
Gravel boards are fitted first, then panels are secured to posts with appropriate fixings. Close board fencing is built in-situ — rails fixed to posts, then feather edge boards nailed individually with stainless steel nails.
Finishing & Clean-Up
Post caps are fitted, any gaps beneath panels are addressed, and the site is cleared of all waste. We check every post for plumb and every panel for level before leaving.
Why Our Fencing Lasts Longer
Deep Foundations
Every post is set at minimum one-third depth in concrete. For 6ft fences, that's a minimum 600mm below ground. We don't use spike post supports — they can't resist the wind loading in exposed North East locations.
Concrete Post Option
Concrete posts eliminate rot entirely. Combined with concrete gravel boards, the only timber in the fence is the panels themselves — easily replaced when needed without touching the structural elements.
Wind-Rated Specifications
In exposed locations, we recommend hit-and-miss panels that allow wind to pass through, or close board fencing that flexes with individual boards rather than catching wind as a solid panel.
Stainless Steel Fixings
All nails and screws are stainless steel. Standard mild steel fixings rust, stain the timber, and weaken within 5 years. Stainless fixings last the life of the fence.
Proper Spacing
Post centres are set to match panel width exactly. Over-spaced posts mean panels are stretched or shimmed — under-spaced posts mean panels are forced in and bow. Precision matters.
Clean Removal of Old Fencing
We remove and dispose of all old fencing, posts, and concrete as part of the quoted price. Your garden is left clear and clean, ready for the new installation.
Fence Types, Materials & Specifications for North East Properties
Close board (feather edge) fencing is the strongest panel fence type. Individual vertical boards are nailed to horizontal rails with an overlap, creating a solid, flexible fence that moves with the wind rather than resisting it. Close board can be built to any height and curved to follow boundaries. It provides excellent privacy and security, and individual boards can be replaced without affecting the rest of the fence.
Lap panel fencing uses pre-made panels of overlapping horizontal slats. It's the most cost-effective option and provides good privacy, but panels act as solid sails in wind. Standard lap panels have a lifespan of 5–10 years in exposed locations. Heavyweight lap panels with thicker frames last longer but are still less durable than close board construction.
Hit-and-miss fencing uses horizontal boards fixed alternately to each side of the rails, creating a semi-transparent fence that allows wind to pass through. This dramatically reduces wind loading on the posts while still providing privacy when viewed at an angle. It's the best option for very exposed coastal properties.
Post materials fall into three categories. Standard dipped posts have the shortest lifespan (5–8 years). Pressure-treated tanalised posts last 15–20 years and are the most common choice. Concrete posts are effectively permanent — they don't rot, don't warp, and resist impact damage. Concrete posts cost roughly 50% more than timber but eliminate the most common cause of fence failure.
Gravel boards sit at ground level between posts, lifting the bottom of the fence panels off the soil. Timber gravel boards eventually rot but are cheap to replace. Concrete gravel boards are effectively permanent and prevent any timber-to-ground contact. They also deter animals from digging under the fence. We recommend concrete gravel boards with all installations.
For boundary fencing, it's essential to confirm the exact boundary line before installation. We recommend checking your property's title plan (available from the Land Registry) and discussing the proposed line with your neighbour before work begins. Fence posts should be set on or inside your boundary — never over it. We advise on boundary considerations during the survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does new fencing cost per metre?
Standard lap panel fencing with concrete posts and gravel boards costs approximately £80–£100 per metre run installed. Close board fencing ranges from £100–£130 per metre. Premium close board with concrete posts, concrete gravel boards, and capping boards runs £120–£150 per metre. We provide exact fixed-price quotes after survey.
How long does fence installation take?
A typical garden boundary (20–30 metres) takes 2–3 working days. Longer runs or difficult access can take 3–5 days. We confirm the schedule in your quote.
Do I need my neighbour's permission to replace the fence?
If the fence is on your boundary and is your fence, you don't need permission but it's good practice to inform your neighbour. If the fence sits on the boundary line or belongs to your neighbour, you should agree the replacement before proceeding. We can advise on boundary considerations during the survey.
Concrete posts or timber posts — which is better?
For long-term value, concrete posts. They don't rot, don't warp, and effectively last forever. The initial cost is roughly 50% more than timber, but you never need to replace them. Timber posts are suitable where budget is tight and the location isn't heavily exposed.
Can you install fencing on a slope?
Yes. We step panels on gradual slopes (each panel set at a slightly different height) or rack close board fencing to follow the gradient smoothly. The method depends on the slope angle and your aesthetic preference.
What fence height can I install without planning permission?
In most cases, 2 metres (approximately 6ft 6in) for rear boundaries and 1 metre (approximately 3ft 3in) for front boundaries adjacent to a highway. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have different restrictions. We check this during the survey.
How long will my new fence last?
With concrete posts and concrete gravel boards, you'll only need to replace the timber panels — typically every 10–15 years for pressure-treated panels. The posts and gravel boards will last 30+ years. A fully timber fence lasts 15–20 years with pressure-treated posts, less with standard dipped posts.
Do you repair existing fences?
We can replace individual posts, panels, and gravel boards where the remaining structure is sound. However, if multiple posts have rotted or the fence is generally deteriorating, a complete replacement is usually more cost-effective than piecemeal repairs.
Can you install fence-mounted trellis?
Yes. Trellis extensions add height for privacy and plant support. However, the total fence and trellis height must stay within planning limits (typically 2 metres for rear boundaries). We fit trellis to both timber and concrete posts.
What areas do you cover for fencing?
We cover the entire North East from our base in Blyth — including Newcastle, Cramlington, Bedlington, Whitley Bay, North Shields, Wallsend, and Longbenton. Travel is included in all quotes for these areas.
Fencing Across the North East
Local fencing specialists covering Blyth, Northumberland and the wider North Tyneside region.
Get Fencing That Stays Standing
Free site survey, concrete post options, and a fixed-price quote. Built for North East weather by a team that's been doing this for over 20 years.