10 Steps to Build A Brushwood Fence

10 Steps to Build A Brushwood Fence

Overview

A brushwood fence is constructed using melaleuca brushwood held together by steel wires on steel frames with a timber base. There are two methods of constructing a brushwood fence. Ederra Landscapes has significant experience in both methods. 

Construction Methods

1 - Pre-packed

The first method is using pre-packed brush panels. The advantage of this method is it can be quicker to install and the horizontal wires generally aren't considered climbing points from a pool compliance perspective. Pre-packed brushwood panels limitations are generally around application as they are generally more suitable for standard, more level fence lines. 

2 - Hand-packed

The second, more traditional method is a handpacked brushwood fence which requires bundles of brush to be weaved or thatched by hand on site, a process also known as packing. Hand packing brushwood is a highly specialised skill and not many installers have been taught the technique with the majority of the original brush packers having now retired. In general, this method is more time consuming to install but is the required method if you are seeking to match the section of fence with older brushwood or are looking to have your fence installed in a location with difficult access or custom built with significant changes in level (rakes), custom heights or on land with significant fall.

Installation Process

For the purposes of explaining this installation process we will focus on the hand-packed thatch method as it is our preferred and most commonly used method due to its versatility on all terrains.

Step 1. 

The first step in building a brushwood fence, like any fence, is to determine the location and heights required.

The location factors include the end points as well as the line which may be based on an older fence or surveys. The height factors to consider include whether to step or rake the fence, where these steps should be and how tall the fence should be. 

These decisions can be based on aesthetic preference and practicality based on the topography of the land where the fence is being built. Pool compliance can also be a factor here. 

Step 2.

The second step is for the fencer to mark out the post locations. Generally speaking post spacing is 2400 wide with exceptions being for shorter fence runs, and requirements for steps in the fence due to land topography. 

Step 3. 

The next step is for the brush fencer to dig holes for post footings. If digging into soil isn't possible, other options include installing base plates on the posts or more commonly core drills into masonry, concrete, or rock which will generally attract an additional cost per core hole.  Footing depth is crucial in order to provide stable foundations for your brushwood fence. As a general rule of thumb, posts should be set a minimum of ⅓ the height of the post into the ground. Footing depth is a common area of failure for fences as the weight of a brushwood fence is significant. 

Step 4. 

Once the holes are dug, steel posts can be cut to height and concreted into the post hole, or grouted into the core hole.

Step 5.

The next step is to have your brushwood fencer install the bottom logs and top rails.

The top rail is 20mm NB galvanised steel and runs horizontally around the top of the fence from post to post. It can be fixed to the posts using screws or wire or alternatively can be welded to provide a more rigid frame. The bottom log is generally a 100mm H4 treated pine slab which runs along the ground between the posts and acts to support the brush thatch as well as protecting the bottom of the thatch from moisture exposure from the ground and wayward whipper snippers! The logs are fixed to the posts using galvanised screws.

Step 6. 

Now that the frames are complete, the brush fencer will mark horizontal wire locations on the posts to ensure even spacing. The wires are then run in loops around the run that is going to be packed and tightened to allow the brushwood to be as condensed upon installation as possible. Small ‘c clips’ can be added occasionally along the line to prevent the wires from bulging out when the brushwood is being packed.

Step 7.

Now it is time to pack the thatch. The brush thatch is removed from their bundles one by one and hand weaved underneath the wires to provide the fence barrier. The fencer will intermittently add wire clips into the fence to draw the horizontal wires together causing the brush to tighten and condense. This process of packing and and clipping the brush is continued along the line until completion. 

Step 8. 

Once the brush thatch has been packed, any exposed steel posts also need to be covered. This section of the fence is known as the roll post and involves brush being installed vertically to cover the steel post and tightened to the rest of the fence using the same wire.

Step 9.

Once all the vertical brush has been installed, the ‘fluff’ at the tops and bottoms of the fence need to be cut down by the brushwood fencer to provide a clean top and bottom line. The fronts of the fence should be then be ‘whipped’ or trimmed using a hedgetrimmer to remove any stray brush which is sticking out from the fence.

Step 10. 

The ‘roll top’ is the final element on the fence and is essential to ensure the brushwood fence looks complete. It involves installing brush sticks horizontally by gradually poking into the previous section of roll top before tightening the roll by wrapping and ‘twitching’ wire at approximately 300mm intervals.

At Ederra Landscapes we take pride in offering a transparent installation process where we seek to collaborate with our clients to find the right solution for their needs. Whether this be replacing an old brushwood fence, providing some TLC and repairing, or building a new one from scratch, Ederra can help you provide a solution that ticks all the boxes.

About Ederra Landscapes

Ederra Landscapes is a fencing and landscaping company specialising in brushwood fences in Sydney and Wollongong, namely the Sutherland Shire, St George, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs. 

If you would like to learn more about how Ederra Landscapes can help you with your project, feel free to click the link here.

All information provided on this page is intended for general understanding purposes only. One should consult with a professional directly in order to ensure the information being used applies to the correct situation. Ederra Landscapes is happy to be contacted to discuss specific queries one may have regarding their works. Click here to get in touch with Ederra Landscapes.