The shed that sits against the boundary
In a compact Handsworth garden it is tempting to push the shed hard against the fence to save floor space. The trouble is that the fence then has nothing behind it you can reach. Timber needs air and occasional treatment, and a panel that is jammed against a shed wall will stay damp, rot sooner and cannot be repaired without moving the shed.
A gap of a hand's width or more is a sensible minimum, and a bit wider is better if you can spare it. Where a shed already sits tight, we can often fit panels or boards so they can be lifted out, or leave the shed wall to act as part of the boundary. Tell us what you have and we will suggest what is workable.
Where posts can and cannot go
Posts need solid ground, ideally in line with the fence and at regular spacing. A shed base, a concrete slab or paving may be in exactly the spot where a post should go. Sometimes a post can sit just beside the hard surface, sometimes a section of slab has to be cut away, and sometimes a bolt-down fixing is the sensible answer.
Plans change once we see the ground. Underneath a patio edge there may be a drain, a cable or a footing that stops us digging. On narrow terraced plots that matters, because there is little room to move a post sideways. Show us the layout, or send photos, and we can work out the post positions before any digging starts.
Panels that stop at the patio
A fence does not always run unbroken from one end to the other. Where a patio or a run of decking meets the boundary, panels may have to stop short, step down or finish against a post beside the edge. Done neatly, this looks deliberate, and there is no awkward gap for rain, pets or small children to get through.
Leave some thought for maintenance, too. Decking boards need lifting for cleaning, and a patio needs sweeping right up to its edge. If a panel is fixed tightly over the top, those jobs get harder. A short run of panel with a gravel board below usually keeps things tidy while leaving room to work. For ownership or height questions, check your deeds or ask the council.
Quick tips
- Leave at least a hand's width between shed walls and the fence so air can move and you can reach the timber.
- Send photos of any shed base, slab or decking edge before the visit, because they decide where posts can go.
- Ask for a gravel board where panels meet paving, so the timber stays clear of damp ground and splashing.
- Mark any drain covers or buried pipes near the boundary, and tell the fencer before holes are dug.
If you are in Handsworth, in the B20 or B21 area, and have a shed, patio or decking to fence around, call us or send a photo with the fence location. We also work in Perry Barr and Smethwick, and we are glad to talk it through, no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should I leave between my shed and the fence?
A gap of a hand's width or more is a sensible minimum, and a little wider is better. Timber needs air and occasional treatment, and a panel jammed against a shed wall stays damp and rots sooner. In small Handsworth gardens, every bit helps.
What if there is a patio edge or slab where a post should go?
Sometimes a post can sit just beside the hard surface, sometimes a section of slab has to be cut away, and sometimes a bolt-down fixing is the answer. Send photos of the layout, and we can work out the post positions before any digging starts.
Garden fencing installers in Handsworth · All advice guides