Installing SmartBoard Composite Fencing
Thinking about a new garden fence that looks great and practically takes care of itself? Traditional wooden fences often mean endless painting and repairs. That's where SmartBoard Composite Fencing comes in – combining the classic look of wood with the modern strength of recycled materials. It's built to handle all kinds of weather, from strong winds to bright sun, without losing its charm. Plus, it's made from 90% recycled plastic and wood, making it a smart choice for your garden and the planet.
This guide will walk you through the key steps to installing your own SmartBoard Composite Fence. While it’s designed to be straightforward, remember to contact HBS if you need any assistance.
What You'll Need
The SmartBoard system includes everything you need:
- Composite Fence Boards: These are the main panels.
- Aluminium Top & Bottom Rails: These frame the top and bottom of each panel.
- Steel Inner Posts & Composite Post Sleeves: The strong core and the attractive outer layer for your fence posts.
- Post Caps, Fixing Clips, and Grooved Inserts: Finishing touches and essential connectors.
- Optional Concrete Post Adaptor Sleeve: For fitting into existing concrete posts.
You'll also need some basic tools like safety glasses, a tape measure, spirit level, drill, saw (with a composite-friendly blade), and digging equipment.1
Before You Start: Handle with Care
To ensure your fence looks its best and lasts for years, store your SmartBoard components indoors or in a shady, protected area until you're ready to build. When moving boards on site, always pick them up carefully rather than sliding them, and keep them flat and supported off the ground to prevent any marks or warping.
Simple Steps to a SmartBoard Fence
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the installation process:
Plan and Dig Your Holes:
- Decide exactly where your fence will go. Use a string line to mark a straight path.
- Dig holes for your posts. We recommend holes that are about 30cm wide and 60cm deep. Clear out any rocks or roots.
Set the Steel Posts:
- Place a steel inner post centrally in each hole. Make sure at least 60cm of the post is buried.
- Crucially, ensure the distance between your steel posts is exactly 182.2cm (that’s 1822mm). You can use a pre-cut piece of timber as a spacer.
- Use a spirit level to make sure each post is perfectly straight (plumb). It helps to have an extra pair of hands here!
Concrete Them In:
- Fill the holes with concrete around the steel posts. Keep checking with your spirit level to ensure the posts stay straight while the concrete sets.
- Let the concrete dry for at least 24 hours. Slope the top of the concrete away from the post to help water drain off.
Add the Composite Post Sleeves:
- Once the concrete is dry, slide the composite post sleeves over the steel inner posts. The sleeve should sit on top of the concrete.
- Screw the composite sleeve securely into the steel post.
Build Your Panel:
- First, attach the bottom rail clips inside the grooves of your posts at the desired height, making sure they are level.
- Then, slide the aluminium bottom rail into these clips.
- Now, you can start sliding your composite fence boards down the post grooves, slotting each one neatly into the previous board until you reach your desired fence height (usually 12 boards for a 1.8-metre fence).2
Finish Off:
- Once all boards are in place, attach the capping rail clips to the aluminium top rail and slide it into the top grooves of the posts, ensuring it secures the final board.
- Finally, pop the decorative post caps onto the top of each composite post and secure them.
- If there are any unused grooves in the posts, you can slide in the spare groove inserts for a tidy finish.
Repeat:
- Continue these steps for each fence panel until your entire fence is complete.
Quick Tip: Retrofitting to Concrete Posts
If you already have slotted concrete fence posts, you can still use SmartBoard. Simply use the special aluminium post channel sleeves, cut them to size, and secure them into the concrete post slots with exterior adhesive. Then, slide in your SmartBoard bottom rail, fence boards, and top rail. This is great for sloping ground too!
Installing SmartBoard Composite Fencing is a rewarding project that results in a strong, stylish, and remarkably low-maintenance boundary for your home. Enjoy the lasting beauty without the hassle!