Concrete posts and gravel boards.

Why this is the fleet upgrade in Broadstairs

Almost every fence we replace in Broadstairs fails at the same place: the bottom 200mm of the timber post at ground level, and the bottom 100mm of the panel or closeboard timber. Both fail because they are in contact with ground moisture year-round, and the salt air accelerates the rot. Concrete slot posts and gravel boards fix both problems: the post is not timber and cannot rot, and the gravel board holds the fence timber clear of the ground by 150mm.

What a concrete slot post is

A cast concrete post, 100mm x 100mm cross-section, with mortice slots down two of the four faces. The slot accepts the arris rail (on closeboard) or the fence panel edge (on panel fencing). Standard heights 8ft, 9ft and 10ft for 6ft fence: rest goes below ground. Corner and end posts have slots on the appropriate faces only.

What a gravel board is

A concrete slab, 150mm tall, 50mm thick, sitting on edge in a groove at the bottom of the two adjacent posts. It closes the gap between the ground and the bottom of the fence panels or closeboard, so the fence timber never touches soil. Alternative material is a timber gravel board, tanalised, cheaper but rots faster: we always recommend concrete on the coastal belt.

Retrofit vs new build

Concrete posts and gravel boards can be retrofitted to an existing timber fence if the panels or closeboard are still sound. We take the panels out, dig out the old timber posts, set concrete posts on the same line, drop the panels back in, and fit gravel boards. Roughly 40% cheaper than a full new fence if the timber above the posts is still usable.

Pricing

Concrete posts £45 to £75 each fitted, depending on height and access. Gravel boards £15 to £25 per linear metre. Full retrofit (concrete posts and gravel boards across a 15m run) is typically £450 to £750. Fixed price after a photo-quote via WhatsApp.