Pro Tip: To calculate exactly how many boards you need for your fencing run, use this simple trade formula based on a standard 25mm overlap:

Each 125mm board provides exactly 100mm of flat coverage (125mm – 25mm overlap). Therefore, you need exactly 10 boards per linear meter of fencing. Always add an extra 5% to 10% to your final count to cover on-site trim cuts and natural timber variation!

Fixing Rule: Always use hot-dipped galvanised or stainless steel ring-shank nails (38mm to 50mm long). Drive the nail through the thick shoulder of the front board so it passes cleanly through the thin edge of the board underneath and sinks firmly into the horizontal backing rail behind. Never nail through the double-thick overlap zone, as this will cause the timber to split as it expands and contracts with the weather.

Pro Tip: When setting up your fence line, always fix your 3m gravel board first before nailing on your vertical feather edge boards. Mount a pair of timber framing cleats onto the inside faces of your 3m spaced fence posts, then screw the gravel board flat against them.

Leveling Secret: Use a long spirit level to ensure the gravel board sits completely horizontal. If your garden slopes, do not angle the board; instead, “step” the gravel boards down the slope in clean tiers, letting the board sink slightly into the higher ground soil. Once secured, rest the bottom tips of your vertical featheredge palings flat on top of the gravel board—this guarantees a perfectly straight top-line across your entire property boundary without tedious hand-measuring!