Fixing Panels & Posts

All Future Fence brackets come with powdercoated aluminium self-drilling screws. These screws allow you to fix through your brackets into aluminium posts without drilling a pilot hole. To fix these screws, you will need a Hex Head Driver Bit in either 5/16" or 3/8", depending on the brackets you're using.

When fixing panels to hardwood posts, make sure to pre-drill holes to prevent the hardwood from splitting. Use Hex Head Type 17 12g x 50mm timber screws (not supplied but available from Bunnings) to secure the panels. You will need a 5/16" Hex Head Driver Bit for these screws.

For fixing panels to blockwork and brick, use a 7mm Masonry Bit with a Hammer Drill. Add a tape line or mark at 50mm on the drill bit to ensure the correct depth. Drill holes straight and level, then vacuum or blow out the holes. Use Hex Head Type 17 12g x 50mm screws (not supplied but available from Bunnings) with 7mm Green Spaghetti (wall plugs) to anchor in concrete, stone, solid brick, and solid block. You will need a 5/16" Hex Head Driver Bit to fix these screws.

When fixing flanged posts to a slab, use your flanged base as a template to mark your holes. Use a Hammer Drill with an 8mm Masonry Bit, adding a tape line or mark at 90mm on the bit as a depth guide. Drill the holes and vacuum them out.

Use a hammer or mallet to knock in M8 x 80 Hex Head Dynabolts (available here), then tighten them with a shifter, compatible wrench, or socket bit. Hex bolts have six-sided heads, so use a 13mm hex socket bit to tighten.

When installing flanged posts over decking, you may need to add timber blocks under your deck to provide additional support for your fixings. Pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the timber. Use 14g x 100mm Bugle Batten Screws (not supplied but available from Bunnings) to fix flanged posts to a timber deck with blocks underneath. The head size on these screws is sufficient to catch the flanged base without requiring washers.

Note: Future Fence panels and posts have not been tested for balustrade use and are only recommended where the deck is less than 1m above ground level.

To fix posts to a block wall or brick, measure and mark three fixing points on the inside of your aluminium post (the side facing the gate). Place the top and bottom fixings 150mm from the ends of the post, with the third fixing centered between them. Pre-drill a 25mm hole on the inside of the post (the 'big hole'), then use this hole to drill an 10mm hole on the other side of the post that meets the block wall (the 'little hole').

Mark the 'little hole' on the block wall and use a Hammer Drill with an 8mm Masonry Bit to drill through the 'little hole' mark on the block wall, adding a tape line or mark at 130mm on the bit as a guide. Drill and vacuum out the holes. Insert 8mm Blue Spaghetti (wall plugs) to anchor in concrete, stone, solid brick, and solid block. Line up the post with the holes, insert Timber Washer Head 16G x 125mm Screws (not supplied but available from Bunnings) through the big hole on the outside of the post, and fix through the little hole.

Note that this approach may require an extension bit. Plug the holes with white or black plastic plugs, available here.