Is your garden enclosed by a charming low wall, but it’s not high enough to protect you from prying eyes? What if you installed a fence directly on top of it? This way, you keep your original low wall while adding a modern and functional touch to your outdoor space. The good news is that this installation can be done without professional help. The choice of kit and materials to purchase is important, but once made, you will be able to install your future fence on a low wall yourself.
Fence on a Wall or Low Wall: What You Need to Know
Before diving headfirst into the work, take the time to consider your ideal fence. Its height, color, the material used… but also its price or its screening capacity! Finally, the low wall installed beneath your fence is also important when making your choice.
What Type of Low Wall Forms the Base of Your Garden Fence?
The first point is to determine the main material of your low wall, as well as its size, both in height and depth. Whether it is existing or under construction, this will impact the choice of fence and its fixings. There are four main materials: the charming and timeless stone wall, the brick wall with its industrial look, or, more modern, walls made of concrete or cinder blocks.
Also read: Boundary Wall: Tips and Tricks for Delimiting Your Property
Two Ways to Attach the Fence to the Low Wall
Your fence will be supported by posts, fixed at regular intervals. Depending on the type of wall, the height of your fence, and the expected wind resistance, you will choose different fixings.
Base Plate Fixing
This method, which is more traditional and less intrusive for the original wall, involves fixing a post base with a stable plate and suitable screws (studs, to be precise). The post is then inserted into this base. While base plate fixing limits the need for large holes in your wall (which can be beneficial for an old low wall!), it is also easy to do yourself and can be installed on low walls of various thicknesses. However, it is less resistant to strong winds than embedded fixing.
Embedded Fixing
If you live in an area with strong winds or wish to install a tall fence, this type of fixing may sometimes be preferable. It requires digging foundations inside your wall, approximately 40 to 50 centimeters wide and deep. Therefore, not all low walls are suitable due to their size! However, its main advantage lies in the robustness of the installation once completed.
Good to know: The height of your fence depends on your needs, but also on local regulations. Inquire at your local town hall to find out about local regulatory heights and specificities. Also, remember to communicate with your neighbors on this subject to maintain good neighborhood relations!
Opt for a Rigid Fence
Once the base and the method of fixing your fence are defined, you still need to choose its style. Rigid or flexible? While flexible mesh is quick to install, this range of fences is less sturdy and therefore less durable. The ideal solution for a low wall is rigid mesh. Why? Because not only will it better resist winds, but it will also offer you the possibility of complementing it with slats. This is an opportunity to personalize your fence: a timeless style with wooden slats? Or do you prefer more modern PVC slats? And what color?
Good to know: You don’t need to be a pro to install your Districlos fence! Our fences designed for base plate installation are accessible, and you can choose to assemble them yourself. Installing the base plates, fixing the posts and rigid mesh, and installing privacy screens like opaque slats… you can do it!
7 Steps to Install Your Rigid Panel Fence with Base Plates
To assist you in installing your fence, we provide our 7 tips for a professional-quality installation!
So, how do you install a rigid panel fence with base plates?
Before Installation: Necessary Equipment
Verify that you have all the necessary elements and tools for installing your fence. It would be a shame to stop midway due to a missing level or panel!
The Parts of Your Fence
- Rigid panels: adjust the number to the length of the low wall to be covered, based on the panel width.
- Posts: one more than the number of panels to be installed
- Base plates: one base plate per post
- Studs and caps: four of each per base plate
- Tension wedges: four
- Finishing caps: one per post
Good to know: these elements are included in our rigid mesh kits!
- Optional: opaque slats for a decorative and functional touch
Necessary Tools
- A pair of gloves to avoid injury
- A tape measure to position the posts on the low wall
- A level to ensure the posts are correctly positioned
- A marker to indicate where to drill
- A drill with a bit the size of your studs to prepare the holes
- A mallet (and a wooden block to protect it) to insert the base plates into the posts
- A wrench to tighten the studs
- Optional: a finishing spray
Are you missing tools? We have what you need!
Prepare for Installation
Delimit the length of the low wall that will accommodate a fence. Also, check that it is level. Then insert each base plate into a post, carefully following the notches and stabilizers of the base plate. You will then need to drive them in until fully inserted using a mallet and a wooden block to protect it.
Also read: How to Install Your Rigid Panel on Sloping Ground?
Prepare to Install the First Post
Position your first post on the desired end of the low wall. The rounded part should face outwards. Determine the distance between the edge of the low wall and the base plate. Be sure to note this length, as you will need to accurately transfer it for each subsequent post.
Mark the four holes, remove the post, then drill to the diameter of your studs. You can then reposition the post and insert the studs. To do this, use the mallet and then the wrench to finish. Ensure the post is perfectly straight using a level.
Install the First Panel
Once the first post is installed, you can add a fence panel to it. Insert it into the designated notches, making sure the spikes face upwards and the curved part faces outwards. Hold it in place with two tension wedges: one at the top and one at the bottom.
Install the Second Post and Second Panel
The width of the panel indicates where to place your next post. Interlock them and secure everything with two new wedges. Check the spacing from the edge of the low wall, mark the hole locations, shift the post (while keeping it on the panel), drill, reposition the post, and fix it with the studs.
Install Subsequent Sections
You then simply need to repeat the operations as many times as necessary, alternating a post and a panel. Remember to check that the posts are straight as you go.
Pay Attention to the Finishing Touches!
For a neat finish, add the post and bolt caps, remove your tension wedges, and voilà, your fence on a low wall is complete.
Optional: The Opaque Decorative Touch
What if you added opaque slats to your fence on a low wall? Extremely easy to install, they add a personalized touch to your fence and protect you from prying eyes.
To help you choose opaque slats, we offer 10 solutions to screen your fence
Types of low walls, different fixings, mesh rigidity… Fences on low walls hold no more secrets for you. You are now ready to install a fence to your liking on the low wall surrounding your property. You will thus be protected from prying eyes, while enjoying the view of a fence you appreciate. And you can even boast to your amazed friends: you will have installed it yourself!
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