Common Questions About Fence & Gate Installation

Installation time depends on fence length and site conditions. A typical residential fence (20–30 meters) usually takes 2–4 days with proper site preparation, post setting, and panel fitting. Coastal areas like Jūrmala may require extra time for ground conditions and weather sealing.

It's definitely possible as a DIY project if you're comfortable with basic carpentry tools and have time to learn the process. The critical parts are getting posts perfectly vertical and level, and ensuring panels are properly aligned—mistakes here show quickly. If you're unsure about foundations or your site has challenging terrain, professional help saves time and frustration.

Coastal salt air and moisture are the main culprits. Start with quality wood (cedar or larch handle it better), seal or stain the wood before installation, and maintain it every 2–3 years. Good drainage around posts and regular checks for rot in shaded areas make a real difference. Don't skip the underside of panels—that's where damage often starts.

Usually it's a hinge problem or the gate frame isn't plumb (perfectly vertical). Check that all hinges are tight and properly aligned—a loose hinge will cause drift. If the frame is twisted, you may need to adjust the hinge position or add a diagonal brace. A small test: open the gate halfway and release it—it shouldn't move either way.

Posts take the most stress, so wood quality matters. Look for heartwood (inner, denser part of the tree) rather than sapwood, and species that resist rot like larch, cedar, or pressure-treated timber. Diameter should match your panel weight—typically 100×100mm or larger for residential panels. In Jūrmala's climate, posts also need proper ground-level sealing to prevent water damage.

A common rule is one-third of the post length in the ground. For a 1.8-meter fence, set posts about 60cm deep. Sandy or loose soil (common in coastal areas) may need deeper setting or concrete footings. Frost depth in Jūrmala is typically around 50–70cm, so you want posts below the frost line to prevent frost heave pushing them up over winter.