How to Retrofit Composite Fence Panels Into Concrete Posts

Whether you’re building a fence from scratch or looking to retrofit new composite panels into existing infrastructure, you might need to know how to fit fence panels into concrete posts. Concrete posts can make for very sturdy anchors for wooden or composite fencing, and if you already have them installed, it can be a lot of work to remove them. Our composite fence panels fit perfectly with bespoke aluminium posts, but can you put composite fence panels in concrete posts? The good news is that you can easily use existing concrete posts with aluminium channels to ensure a good, secure fit.

Below, we’ll go through everything you need to know about how to install fence panels in existing concrete posts…

Composite Fence Panel Preparation

The first thing to do is make sure that you have the fence panels themselves and special aluminium fence channels and railings – all of which are included with our composite fencing for concrete posts. The fence panels do not touch the concrete posts themselves but rest inside this aluminium substructure to ensure a good and secure fit.

You should check that the panel sizes match the gap between posts. In the UK, fence panels are generally a standard of 6 feet (1.83m), and our composite panels are also designed to fit these dimensions. 

You should also be aware of the amount of space around the fence, the ground conditions and any obstacles that may complicate things. 

How to Fit Composite Fence Panels Into Concrete Posts

If you are using a solid fence panel, you need to position the fence at the top of the posts, gently guide it down, and control the descent all the way to the bottom, keeping it level. Fences can be deceptively heavy, and a heavy fence dropping has the same effect as a guillotine – so make sure that you use more than one person and control the descent!

Dino Decking’s fence panels are composed of modular slots, making it far easier to use this type of composite fence with concrete posts. First, attach the supplied bottom rail at the base and the aluminium channels in the grooves of the concrete posts. Then, simply build up the horizontal boards to the desired height.

How to Fit Composite Fence Panels Into Concrete Posts with Obstacles in the Way

Overhanging Trees

Overgrowing trees are a common problem and may need to be addressed before installing a fence, particularly if using solid fence panels.

There are five easy steps to take to solve this problem:

1. Measure the panel height with a measuring tape or other measuring device.

2. Measure that same height from the top of where the fence panel would be upwards to get the clearance needed to slot in the fence.

3. Mark this height to see how much you need to cut.

4. Trim the tree in the marked clearance area. 

5. Finally, clear the debris away before fitting the fence.  

As Dino Decking’s fence panels are made of individual horizontal fencing boards, overhanging trees are less of a problem. This is because you only need a few inches of clearance to get each panel into the aluminium channels within the concrete posts.

Overhanging Gutters

Gutters are a very important element of the house, but can be inconvenient when trying to install fences, especially if they are quite low down. As with overhanging trees, they can get in the way of solid fence panels you are trying to fit. Fortunately, there are two possible ways to go about solving this issue.

The first thing to try is removing the gutter temporarily. This can be a tricky issue though and the guttering must be reinstalled properly afterwards. Far easier is to use fence panels such as Dino Decking’s, which don’t need much clearance and can be assembled piece by piece as you go.

How to Fix Gap Issues When Fixing Composite Fence Panels to Concrete Posts

Most fence panels in the UK are a standard 6 feet (1,83m) wide, and our composite panels are designed to fit this standard, including space for the aluminium channels. They can be cut to fit smaller spaces, but a more common issue are smaller gaps or differences in the spacing between existing concrete posts. It’s generally best to fit all panels before addressing gaps.

Small Gaps

Sometimes the gap may be too tight for the composite fencing to fit in concrete posts, generally because the post has started to lean. There’s a simple and quite effective solution for this issue: 

1. Get a 6ft 4×2 wall plate, which is a sturdy pressure-treated timber beam of just the right length.

2. Place it on the outer faces of the two fence posts, but not in the grooves where the fence panels go.

3. The timber will be at an angle as the gap is slightly too tight for a 6-foot fence panel or the wall plate. Tap on the higher end with a hammer. The timber should slot in as it gently eases the posts apart.

Large Gaps

You should fit all panels before addressing any gaps as spacing issues will generally balance out. If they do end up with a large gap and the fence panel is loose between the posts, there are some things you can do to help:

1. Cut a batten of wood to the size of the gap.

2. Secure it to the panel edge.

3. Ensure that it’s waterproof. 

4. If needed, paint or treat the wood.

Pro Tips for Fitting Composite Fence Panels Into Concrete Posts

So, can composite fencing be used with concrete posts? It certainly can, but there are a few simple things you can do to make your life easier when retrofitting composite panels into concrete posts:

• Use proper lifting techniques, especially if using solid fence panels. Always have more than one person lifting a solid fence panel, and use two stepladders if necessary.
• Have proper safety equipment, including boots in case the panel is dropped.
• Install the fence in dry weather. Also, ensure that it isn’t too windy when installing solid fence panels, as they can catch the wind like a sail.
• Keep tools organised and within reach.
• Work systematically along the fence line.

Get Quality Composite Fence Panels With Dino Decking

Hopefully we’ve answered the question ‘Do composite fence panels fit in concrete posts?’ It’s important to understand how to secure fence panels in concrete posts, but once you do, it’s a relatively easy job. Wooden panels can sometimes rattle in windy weather due to a loose fit or not being properly attached, but Dino Decking’s fence panels for concrete posts come with aluminium channels that ensure a snug and secure fit.

Dino Decking’s fencing is durable, easy to install and affordable, and, if you don’t want to fit it to concrete posts, you also have the option of installing it with aluminium posts specifically designed for the product. Take a look at our composite fencing options for secure and attractive fences.