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A gravel board is a wooden, concrete, or composite board usually around 140-150mm in height. They’re positioned underneath your fence panels and sit on top of the ground to protect your fence against wet soil, debris, and insect damage. Essentially, gravel boards are used to improve the lifespan of your fence.
Should gravel boards touch the ground?
Normally you would leave a 75 – 100 mm gap between the ground and the cladding if no gravel boards are used (generally applies to steel palisade, feather edge and close board fences).
How do you install a gravel board?
How do I install a Gravel Board? Firstly, nail the cleat to the timber fence post at the required depth from the face of the post – we recommend 22mm, but this is down to your preference. Nail the gravel board onto the face of the cleat. Gravel board installation is complete.
Should a fence have a gravel board?
Do Fence Panels Need Gravel Boards? Essentially no, you do not need to fit gravel boards to any form of fencing if you don’t want to. You could just leave an inch or so gap between each panel and the ground to ensure they are kept away from damp and moisture, there are quite a few good reasons to do so.
What are gravel boards made of?
Gravel Boards are usually made out of either concrete or timber; however, we believe that the former material is far superior. This is because concrete lasts far longer and is essentially maintenance-free. Concrete acts as a stronger foundation for your fence panels, as it’s sturdier and more durable in severe weather.
Can you cut concrete gravel boards?
Remember, you can always trim boards if they are too big. They can’t be fixed once they have been cut too short. Unless your fence posts have been spaced unevenly, the boards will all be the same size when cut. You could cut one board, then use it to outline the remaining boards.
Can gravel boards be used for decking?
Many enjoy wooden decking boards for their affordable cost, and they are relatively easy to find. To summarize everything, you can use gravel or concrete as an excellent base for your deck’s foundation.
Can you drill gravel boards?
Yes, you can drill through concrete gravel boards with relative ease when using the correct tools and techniques. Hammer drill, rotary hammer and masonry drill bits are the preferred choice for drilling into concrete. Fencing is a frequently occurring project that requires the use of concrete gravel boards.
How long do gravel boards last?
Pressure-treated gravel boards should last seven or eight years, which offers good value for money when balanced against the cheaper initial outlay.
Can gravel boards be used as a retaining wall?
You can use gravel boards for a retaining wall, but it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. But if you don’t use a strong foundation, then the retaining wall will be very unstable, and it may collapse within a few years.
Are gravel boards worth it?
Installing gravel boards will increase the durability of your fence. So, although they come at an extra cost, they’ll save you money in the long run. By closing any unsightly gaps at the bottom of your fence, gravel boards also help create a neater and cleaner looking fence, while ensuring complete privacy too.
Do gravel boards have steel in them?
Concrete Gravel Boards / Concrete Base Panels Rock face base panel’s have 3 steel reinforcing bars and have a decorative rock faced finish. They come in 2 sizes: 6′ x 1′ or 6′ x 6″.
How long will concrete gravel boards last?
Concrete is a durable building material and can last for around 20 years with minimal maintenance. Sounds promising doesn’t it? Surprisingly, concrete isn’t immune to wear and tear. Excessive wind and rain can cause concrete posts to chip and crack.
Do gravel boards need to be treated?
Due to being in contact with the ground, wooden gravel boards should always be pressure treated to guard against rot. Like with wood fence posts, wooden gravel boards enjoy the natural charm of being a manmade material and suit a traditional style of garden, accordingly.
What are recessed gravel boards?
Recessed concrete gravel boards increase the life expectancy of fencing projects by raising fence panels from the soil to avoid the risk of rot and damp damage. They also prevent soil and gravel from moving under panels. The recessed rectangle design of these boards makes them a great feature in linear-style gardens.
What is the board at the bottom of a fence called?
A rot board, also called a kickboard, is a horizontal board installed along the bottom of the fence panel. Typically a 2×6 or 2×8 piece of wood, it runs along the base of the entire fence panel for a finished look and added protection.
What size are gravel boards?
Available in either six inch or 12 inch heights.
How do you level a gravel board?
pmspinks New Member. If the ground is level then just sit the gravel board on to it, no need at all the sink it into the ground. If the ground isn’t level then just sink one end into the ground to level the board, this though will involve stepping the bay’s as the ground raises.
