Plan composite fencing by complete bays, not by dividing the boundary length by a board width. Every run needs posts, the correct ground fixing, enough boards to reach the design height and the finishing components for that exact system.
Stonegate currently lists VersaFence-style kits with boards, top boards, posts, mounts or caps, plus separate slatted composite panels. These are different constructions, so establish the chosen system before calculating.
Survey the boundary first
- Measure each straight run separately.
- Mark corners, gates, returns and changes of direction.
- Record ground levels and steps.
- Identify concrete, paving, soil and retaining structures.
- Check access, ownership and any site restrictions with the customer.
A single overall length hides the details that determine post count. Draw every post position on the plan before pricing boards.
Choose the fixing method
Stonegate's catalogue includes in-ground configurations and bolt-down configurations. The choice depends on the site, not preference alone.
- In-ground posts suit appropriate excavated foundations and require the specified embedment and foundation detail.
- Bolt-down mounts need a sound, suitably designed base and the correct compatible fixings.
Do not bolt posts to weak paving or assume an existing wall can accept the loading. Where the base is uncertain, resolve it before ordering a kit.
Set out bays from fixed points
Start with gates, corners and endpoints, then divide the remaining runs into bays that suit the system. Small measuring errors become obvious when the final bay is too narrow.
Check whether the published bay dimension refers to board length, post centres or finished opening. Use the current installation information for the exact range.
Calculate boards by finished height
Composite fence kits may use a stack of boards plus a top finishing board. Board count depends on the system profile and required height. Do not calculate by nominal board height without allowing for the way boards interlock or space.
At a stepped boundary, calculate each bay separately. Cutting every board to follow a slope may not be permitted or may create an untidy finish; stepped bays are often easier to set out and quote.
Count every component
| Component | What decides the quantity |
|---|---|
| Standard posts | Intermediate bay positions |
| End or corner posts | System design and changes of direction |
| Boards | Number of bays multiplied by boards per finished height |
| Top boards or rails | Usually one per bay where the system uses them |
| Caps | Compatible exposed post tops |
| Bolt-down mounts or foundations | One appropriate fixing arrangement per post |
| Gate components | Gate design, weight and dedicated posts |
Allow for corners and gates
A corner is not always two standard posts placed together. The system may use a corner post, channel or particular orientation. Gates introduce their own loads and clearances and should not be improvised from a normal lightweight bay.
Confirm gate hardware, hinge side, opening direction and finished ground clearance before setting the adjacent posts.
Check levels and drainage
Composite boards should not be buried to disguise uneven ground. Plan the bottom detail, gravel board or system clearance so moisture and debris are not trapped. Where levels change, show each step on the drawing.
Set posts plumb and keep bay dimensions controlled as work progresses. A long run can drift even when each individual bay looks close.
Kit or individual components?
A complete kit is useful when the run matches a standard configuration. Stonegate lists multi-bay VersaFence packages that combine board quantities with posts and finishing parts. For a boundary with gates, corners or uneven bays, individual components or more than one kit may produce a better schedule.
Browse the current composite fencing range, then match the product configuration to the surveyed drawing. Keep supplier or backend names out of customer-facing quotations where Stonegate's public range name is available.
Final trade checklist
- Every run, corner and gate shown
- Post centres checked against the exact system
- In-ground or bolt-down method confirmed
- Board count calculated per bay and height
- Top boards, caps and channels included
- Level changes planned
- Access and delivery length checked
- Installation guide issued to the fitting team
Frequently asked questions
Can composite fence boards go into existing concrete posts?
Only with a compatible system or approved channel arrangement. Check dimensions, condition and manufacturer guidance before promising reuse.
Can bolt-down posts be fixed to paving slabs?
Do not assume slabs provide a suitable structural base. The fixing must transfer wind loads into a sound supporting structure.
How many posts do I need?
That depends on the number of bays, endpoints, corners and gates. Draw the post positions rather than relying on a simple length formula.
