Question 1

Do you offer an installation service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can supply and install the majority of our ranges across the UK from Temporary Fencing and Barriers to Security Fencing and Gates using our Trusted Install Partners. Install is available both online and via our Sales Team by contact us on 01283 512 111.

Question 2

How much does it cost for installation of your fencing?

Accepted Answer

Installation cost is calculated based on a number of factors including product/ground type. Minimum charges apply. Please use our online calculator or call our Sales Team on 01283 512 111.

Question 3

Can you come to our site to review our requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can complete a site visit to review your requirements and provide a quotation for supply and install. Contact our team on 01283 512 111.

Question 4

How do I place an order for Hire?

Accepted Answer

Browse our range of products available to hire here, orders can be placed online or by speaking to our Sales Team on 01283 512 111

Question 5

Can I purchase the fencing I have on hire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, contact our Hire Team on 01283 512 111 or email hire@firstfence.co.uk with your reference number and requirements.

Question 6

Can I extend my Hire period?

Accepted Answer

Yes, contact our Hire Team on 01283 512 111 or email hire@firstfence.co.uk with your reference number and requirements.

Question 7

What notice do I need to give you to collect my fencing?

Accepted Answer

We need 48 hours’ notice to end your hire and collect the goods, speak to our Hire Team and they can arrange.  Please note that this does need to be acknowledged by our Hire Team.

Question 8

How much is the deposit for hiring products?

Accepted Answer

The deposit for hiring products start from as little as £500. Contact our Hire Team on 01283 512 111 for a quote.

Question 9

How do I get my deposit back?

Accepted Answer

Once the hire has been collected and checked for damages and missing items by the depot, the hire team will email you with confirmation of your refund. The refund process will then be started.

Question 10

When do I get my deposit back?

Accepted Answer

Once the hire team has confirmed any damages. Payment should arrive within two weeks. We process payments on Fridays, so please allow a few days from that date for it to reflect in your account.

Question 11

What are the terms and conditions for hiring products?

Accepted Answer

Our standard Terms and Conditions for Hire can be found here. For more information, please give our hire team a call on 01283 512 111.

Question 12

Can I cut my hire short?

Accepted Answer

We need 48 hours’ notice to end your hire and collect the goods, speak to our Hire Team and they can arrange this for you. Please note that this does need to be acknowledged by our Hire Team.

Question 13

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major Credit Cards (excluding American Express), Bank Transfer, PayPal and international payments. All payment methods we offer are secure and comply with the payment card industry data security standard. We also offer Finance for UK Limited businesses through our partnership with iwocaPay.

Question 14

I no longer require my order, can I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you no longer require your order you can cancel. To do this, please contact our Customer Services Team by phone on 01283 512 111, or email customer.services@firstfence.co.uk with your reference number. Please note, your order may be subject to a cancellation fee as per our Terms and Conditions.

Question 15

Can my order be returned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you no longer require your order, you can contact our Customer Services Team on customer.services@firstfence.co.uk with your order reference number.

Please note, some orders may not be eligible for return, and may be subject to a restocking fee as per our Terms and Conditions.

Question 16

What are your standard terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

Our standard Terms & Conditions for both Hire and Sales can be found here.

Question 17

Do you offer Finance Options?

Accepted Answer

We partner with iwocaPay to offer a pay-in-3 finance option. As standard, iwocaPay is available for UK Limited Businesses on orders from £150 to £15,000.

For finance above £15,000, we partner with iwocaPay for loans up to £500,000 offering even more flexibility for funding on successful applications within 24 hours and no early repayment fees. Find out more, and apply online!

Question 18

What RAL colours do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Our products are available in a wide range of RAL colours to suit different environments and preferences. Some of our most popular colour options include Green (RAL 6005), Black (RAL 9005), Blue (RAL 5010), Red (RAL 3020), and Grey (RAL 7016). In addition to these standard colours, we also offer custom colour options through our powder coating service. For more information about available colours and finishes, please visit our Powder Coating Service page.

Question 19

I can’t find what I’m looking for on your website. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

No problem! Give our friendly sales team a call on 01283 512 111, and they’ll be happy to help you find what you need. We also offer a range of custom fencing and gates, so even if it's not listed online, we may still be able to supply it.

Question 20

When is your live chat available?

Accepted Answer

Our Live Chat service is available from Monday to Friday between 7:00am and 6:00pm, and on Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:00pm. If you contact us outside of these hours, you can still leave a message, and a member of our sales team will respond as soon as possible. To start a chat, simply click the green Live Chat button located in the bottom left corner of the page.

Question 21

Where are your depots located?

Accepted Answer

We have depots conveniently located in Canvey Island, Glasgow, Bristol, Nottingham, and Tipton. To find the full address and locate the depot nearest to you, please use our Depot Locator tool available on our website.

Question 22

Do you offer custom fencing and gates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a range of custom fencing and gate solutions to meet specific requirements. This includes bespoke Palisade fencing, custom-sized Mesh fencing, and automated gates and barriers tailored to your needs. For more information or to discuss your project, please contact our sales team, who will be happy to assist you.

Question 23

Can I set up a Trade Account and what are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, you can simply request an account application form here . The benefits include:

Easy Order direct to site
A dedicated account manager
Flexible 30 day invoicing
First alert on new offers.

Question 24

Can I apply for a Trade Account if I've never purchased from you before?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, just request an account application form online here or contact us via email to account.applications@firstfence.co.uk. Our credit check process varies dependant on individual cases, however we open most accounts within 1 – 3 working days.

Question 25

How long does it take to open an account?

Accepted Answer

Our credit check process varies dependant on individual cases, however providing you have completed all the information on the Account Application form here we open most accounts within 1 – 3 working days.

Question 26

Do I need to open an account to purchase from you?

Accepted Answer

No, anyone can purchase goods through us via our website or our Sales Line on 01283 512 111.

Question 27

Can I have a trade account without the credit facilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you would like to be approved for Discounted Distributor Pricing, you can apply through our form here. As soon as we have received this, we will contact you to discuss it further.

Question 28

What is a Railway Sleeper?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers are timber rectangular pieces of wood that can be used for various applications in gardening and landscaping projects. These garden Timber Sleepers were traditionally used to support railway tracks, which is where they got their name from. Now they are most commonly used to enhance your garden to the next level, by creating garden features such as flower beds, vegetable patches, borders, retaining walls, and many more.

Question 29

What are the key features of Railway Sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers are popular addition to your garden and has many key features including:

Versatility: Railway Sleepers can be used for a wide range of projects, providing flexibility in design and functionality. They are most commonly used for building garden beds, borders, and retaining walls.

Pressure Treated: Our Railway Sleepers undergo pressure treatment to the BS EN 351-1 standard, reducing the damaging effects of rot and weathering.

Natural Wood Texture: The brown or green treated finish highlights the natural beauty of the wood, complementing any garden setting.

Size: Our standard size Garden Sleepers are 2400mm long, 100mm high, and 200mm wide, providing stability and ease of use for various projects. Our Timber Sleepers can be cut down with a saw to meet your specific requirements.

Package Deal for Larger Projects: We offer packs of 100 brown or green Railway Sleepers at an affordable discounted rate, which are ideal for large garden or landscaping projects.

Question 30

What size and colours are available for Railway Sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Our Railway Sleepers come in a standard size of 2400mm in length, 100mm in height, and 200mm in width.

We have two colour options: Green or Brown. Our Railway Sleepers are pressure treated to an expert standard and conform to the BS EN 351-1 Treatment standard. This treatment improves the life expectancy of the Timber Sleepers as it reduces the effects of rotting and weathering on the Garden Sleeper.

Question 31

What ground types can you fix Railway Sleepers to?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers can be installed on many ground surfaces, including soil, concrete, gravel, and decking. It all depends on what you are using the Garden Sleeper for. A level ground is ideal for installation as it will make it easier to install and be visually more appealing.

Question 32

Can I cut Railway Sleepers to size?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Railway Sleepers can be cut to size with a saw to meet your specific size and design requirements. Whether you need them shorter, slimmer, or require a certain shape, then a saw and your imagination are all you need.

Question 33

How do I install Railway Sleepers?

Accepted Answer

The installation of Railway Sleepers depends on their intended purpose and the design you have in mind. The first crucial step is to ensure the ground surface is clear of any debris and as level as possible.

The next step will vary depending on the ground type and the desired appearance of the Railway Sleepers. You can use soil, concrete, decking, or grass as a base for the Sleepers. They can either be placed on the ground or partially buried for increased stability. To achieve a flat base, you may dig a trench and then fill it with sand, soil, or concrete. Once you have a level base, proceed to place the Railway Sleepers accordingly. You can stack them to create a higher border or connect them to each other. To secure the Railway Sleepers together, you can use wooden spikes, landscaping screws, or steel pins (not included).

If you are looking to create a retaining wall or raised planter with RSJ posts, then check out the questions below.

The final step involves achieving your desired design using the Garden Sleepers. Once in place, you can add the finishing touches, such as planting flowers or adding gravel to the borders. Your garden should now look even more beautiful with the addition of these Sleepers!

Question 34

Do Railway Sleepers and Sleeper Retainer RSJ Posts require maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers require very little maintenance. We recommend using our Creosolve Wood Treatment to touch up the Sleeper yearly to prolong the quality and life expectancy of the Railway Sleeper. If you have used Sleeper retainer RSJ posts, we do have Hammerite Primer and Hammerite metal paint which is useful for protecting the posts against rust, corrosion and general weathering. These paints can be easily applied with our 50mm paint brush or 100mm paint brush.

Question 35

How are Railway Sleepers delivered and offloaded?

Accepted Answer

Due to their weight and size, Railway Sleepers require at least two people to safely offload and manoeuvre. If you don't have offloading facilities, we offer an offloading service for a fee. You can choose from various delivery options, including same day, next day, express, standard, or specific day delivery. We also offer free click and collect at all of our depots.

Question 36

Where can I get more information about Railway Sleepers and Accessories?

Accepted Answer

If you need more information about our sleepers or any other products, feel free to contact our team by calling 01283 512111, emailing sales@firstfence.co.uk, or using our live chat service. We are here to assist you with any queries or assistance you may need.

Question 37

What are Sleeper Retainer RSJ Posts?

Accepted Answer

A Sleeper Retainer RSJ Post is a type of post that is used to support railway sleepers. It is made of a rolled steel joist (RSJ), which is a strong and durable type of steel beam. It can be used alongside Railway Sleepers to build retaining wall, raised flower or vegetable beds, borders. RSJ post is typically placed in the ground and then the railway sleepers are slotted into it. Post mix is usually used to secure the post in place. RSJ posts provides a strong and stable foundation for the sleepers, which helps to prevent them from moving or shifting. It’s also a great way to make your garden more visual appealing!

Our Sleeper Retainer RSJ posts come in a range of different lengths including 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm and 2000mm. Check out our other questions which explains what you need and how to install a Sleeper retaining wall.

Question 38

How do I build a retaining wall with Sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Please read our handy guide below which goes through the basic steps on how to install a retaining wall in your garden with Railway Sleepers and Sleeper Retainer RSJ Posts.

Step 1- Planning. This is where you need to plan out and measure where you are installing your retaining wall and making sure the area is level and clear of any debris.

Step 2- Excavation. It's time to dig a trench in the area you would like your retaining wall to be built. It is recommended that the posts are dug in 50% of the total height of the wall, for example if the wall is to be 80cm the RSJ should be dug in 40cm.

Step 3- Placing the Sleeper Retainer Post. Once the hole is dug, place the post and make sure it is level. Post Mix is used to secure the posts in place.

Step 4- Once the post mix is dried and the posts are secure, it's time to add the Railway Sleepers. Stack the Railway Sleepers on top of each other horizontally and make sure they line up with the Posts. Use long screws (around 150mm) to fix the sleepers securely to the RSJs, connecting the layers together.

Please Note: This installation guide is just a basic guide and may differ. It's essential to follow safety precautions while working on the project, especially when using tools and lifting heavy Railway Sleepers. If you're unsure about any aspect of the process, consider seeking advice from a professional or consulting relevant building codes and regulations in your area.

Question 39

What equipment and products do you need to build a retaining wall with Railway Sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Here is a list of the main products that you will need to build a retaining wall:

Railway Sleepers: These are the primary building blocks of your retaining wall. They can be stacked on top of each other to create the desired height. We have Green or Brown Sleepers available at a 2400mm long, 100mm high and 200mm wide. This handy Sleeper can be easily cut down with a saw to meet the size or design requirements you may have.

Long Screws: You'll need very long screws, around 150mm in length, to firmly fix the Railway Sleepers together, ensuring a secure structure.

Sleeper Retainers RSJ Posts: These are essential for stabilising the retaining wall. We have a range of sizes including 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm and 2000mm.

Tools and Digging Equipment: To install the RSJ posts, you'll need a suitable digging equipment, such as a shovel or post hole digger.

Post Mix: Use post mix to secure the RSJ posts into the ground, providing a strong foundation for the retaining wall.

Creosolve Wood Treatment: To ensure the longevity and maintain your Railway Sleepers, we recommend treating your Sleepers yearly. Available in light or dark brown.

Hammerite Paint: Our Hammerite Primer and Hammerite Black metal paint can be used to maintain and elevate your RSJ posts. Our 50mm or 100mm paint brush can be used to easily apply the paint.

Question 40

What ground types can you fix Railway Sleepers to?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers can be installed on many ground surfaces, including soil, concrete, gravel, and decking. It all depends on what you are using the Garden Sleeper for. A level ground is ideal for installation as it will make it easier to install and be visually more appealing.

Question 41

Do Railway Sleepers and Sleeper Retainer RSJ Posts require maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers require very little maintenance. We recommend using our Creosolve Wood Treatment to touch up the Sleeper yearly to prolong the quality and life expectancy of the Railway Sleeper. If you have used Sleeper retainer RSJ posts, we do have Hammerite Primer and Hammerite metal paint which is useful for protecting the posts against rust, corrosion and general weathering. These paints can be easily applied with our 50mm paint brush or 100mm paint brush.

Question 42

How are Railway Sleepers delivered and offloaded?

Accepted Answer

Due to their weight and size, Railway Sleepers require at least two people to safely offload and manoeuvre. If you don't have offloading facilities, we offer an offloading service for a fee. You can choose from various delivery options, including same day, next day, express, standard, or specific day delivery. We also offer free click and collect at all of our depots.

Question 43

Where can I get more information about Railway Sleepers and Accessories?

Accepted Answer

If you need more information about our sleepers or any other products, feel free to contact our team by calling 01283 512111, emailing sales@firstfence.co.uk, or using our live chat service. We are here to assist you with any queries or assistance you may need.

Question 44

How long do Corrugated Steel Sheets last?

Accepted Answer

With the correct maintenance and in the right conditions, these Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets can last for over 30 years.

However, if these sheets are used in costal areas, corrosion due to salt water becomes an issue which can decrease the life span of these panels.

Question 45

How do you maintain a Corrugated Metal Roof?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining your corrugated metal roofing sheets is quick and easy and can help to increase the life span of your roof.

Remove any debris such as branches and leaves which may have become stuck in the gaps between the raised corrugated sections
Clean off any patches of dirt or grime – this should be done with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge and rinsed with a hose, watering can or bucket. It is not recommended to use pressure washers as the high pressure can damage the galvanised coating.
Check panel overlaps for damage such as dents – the overlaps between each panel will prevent leaks from occurring, but any physical damage such as dents may affect this overlap and cause leaks or allow standing water to form which can cause rust to form.
Check for signs of rust and corrosion – These galvanised sheets with their protective zinc coatings are resistant to the effects of weathering and rust, though they may still eventually begin to rust and corrode, especially if they are in coastal environments

Question 46

How do you cut corrugated metal sheets?

Accepted Answer

There are several different ways that can be used to cut corrugated metal sheeting, depending on the tools that you have available and how precise you need the cuts to be.

With any cutting tools, making sure that you wear the correct PPE and following the correct safety procedures when using hand or power tools is highly important to protect yourself and others whilst cutting these sheets.

Some common methods of cutting corrugated metal sheets are:

An angle grinder with diamond wheel – When cutting your sheets with an angle grinder, mark out your line with chalk. Whilst holding the grinder at a 45 degree angle, push slowly along the chalk line until the cut is complete. The benefit of using an angle grinder is that it leaves your sheet with a smooth edge.
A circular saw with a metal cutting blade – When choosing a metal cutting blade for your saw, as with the angle grinder, a diamond tooth blade would be most suitable as this will provide a clean cut. When cutting, make sure that the sheet is clamped down securely, following the line with a slow controlled pushing motion.
Tin snips – Tin snips are effectively scissors for metal. These can be used to create smaller or more intricate cuts in your corrugated metal sheets. These are available in different sizes and shapes to provide different types of cut depending on your requirements.
Electric shears – Electric shears are useful for creating straight or curved cuts quickly and easily, offering more freedom than an angle grinder or circular saw.

Question 47

What is Composite Fencing?

Accepted Answer

Composite fencing is a great choice for homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly fence. It is an extremely popular choice for UK gardens. The panels are made from a durable and low-maintenance wood plastic material that is perfect for your garden. They are resistant to rot, decay, and pests, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective investment. The panels are easy to connect and create a stylish and sustainable privacy fence.

Question 48

How Sustainable is Wood Composite Fencing?

Accepted Answer

Made from from 98% recycled content and being 100% recyclable, the panels are very environmentally friendly. The natural fibres used to make the boards are surplus or recycled material from the wood and food industries. The HDPE (high-density polyethylene) components are from existing recycled HDPE products. The boards are recyclable through standard household recycling.

Question 49

Key Features of Composite Fencing

Accepted Answer

Durability: The fencing is very strong and durable. It is weather resistant and can withstand conditions, including rain, snow, and wind.
Low-maintenance: Once installed, the fencing requires very little maintenance. No painting or staining needed and you can easily clean the panels with soap and water.
Environmentally friendly: Manufactured from recycled plastic and natural fibres, wood composite is the most eco-friendly choice.
Aesthetic appeal: Available in a variety of colours and styles, you will find something to match your home's décor. You can choose from grey or brown wood effects, and even incorporate decorative panels.

Question 50

Is the Height of Composite Panels Customisable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each 12-board kit creates a 1.8m high panel. You can increase the height in 15cm increments by using the single boards to make up difference as required. You can cut the boards and posts down to suit your specific requirements.

Question 51

What Composite Post Heights are Available?

Accepted Answer

We offer posts in 3 different heights: 1.9m, 2.4m and 3.0m. These posts can be cut down to size in order to meet your specific requirements.

Question 52

Can I Install Composite Fence Posts to Concrete?

Accepted Answer

We have a Base Plate available which can be used with our 1.9m high fence posts. It comes with a polymer cover cap which will give a lovely completed look to the bottom of the aluminium fence post. The Base Plate and Cap is designed to work with the HoriZen posts and it cannot be guaranteed to work with other products.

Question 53

How to Install Composite Fencing?

Accepted Answer

We have a very helpful installation guide which goes through step by step how to safely install your Composite Fence.

Question 54

Where can I get more Information on Composite Fencing?

Accepted Answer

If you need more information about our composite eco fencing or any other products, feel free to contact our sales team by calling 01283 512 111 or emailing sales@firstfence.co.uk. Alternatively, you can use our online live chat where a friendly member of our team will be more than happy to assist you.

Question 55

What is a summer house?

Accepted Answer

A summer house is a small wooden structure that is built in a garden or other outdoor space. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as relaxation, entertaining, or storage. Summer houses come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

We offer three distinct styles of summer houses: Hemingway, Dickens, and Rowling. Each style has its own unique charm. All of our three different styles are available in the following three sizes 3m x 3m, 4m x 3m and 5m x 4m.

Question 56

What can I use my summer house for?

Accepted Answer

There are many different ways to use a summer house. Here are some ideas:

Relaxation: A summer house can be a great place to relax and unwind. Add some comfortable furniture, such as a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table, and you'll have the perfect spot to read a book, take a nap, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of your garden.

Entertaining: Our summer house can also be used to entertain guests. For our larger summer houses, you could use it to host parties, barbecues, or other gatherings. If your summer house is smaller, you could use it for more intimate gatherings, such as a dinner party or a game night.

Work from home: If you work from home, a summer house can be a great place to set up a home office. The peace and quiet of your garden can help you to focus and be productive. We recommend our Dickens summer house for all year-round usage.

Hobbies: If you have a hobby, such as painting, writing, or crafting, a summer house can be a great place to pursue it. You could even create your own ‘mancave’ or secret escape. The extra space will give you the freedom to spread out and create without feeling cramped.

Storage: If you need extra storage space, a summer house can be a great option. You can use it to store gardening tools, furniture, or other items that you don't need in your main home

Question 57

What size summer houses do you have?

Accepted Answer

We have three different sizes available which are 3m x 3m, 4m x 3m and 5m x 4m. All of our summer houses are 2.4m high and are available in three different styles: Hemingway, Dickens, and Rowling.

Question 58

What log thicknesses are available in your range of summer houses?

Accepted Answer

We have two types of log thickness. Our Hemingway and Rowling summer houses are 28mm thick which is great for summer use. While our Dickens summer houses are 44mm thick which is suitable for all year usage. Insulation can be added to any of our summer houses to improve their insulation properties.

Question 59

What type of timber are your wooden summer houses made from?

Accepted Answer

Our wooden summer houses are made from high-quality European (Finnish) spruce. Spruce is a strong and lightweight wood that is perfect for this type of self-assembly building. It is also naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it a durable choice for outdoor use.

Question 60

Are the windows double glazed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our windows are double glazed and made from tempered safety glass.

Question 61

Does the summer house come treated?

Accepted Answer

No, the walls of the house will need to be either painted or treated within the first 5 weeks of installation. Our Creosolve can be used to treat the summer houses. We recommend treating or painting your summer house on a yearly basis to maintain its quality and visual appearance.

Question 62

Will I need planning permission for my summer house?

Accepted Answer

Our summer houses are all 2.4m high which is below the height restriction for permitted development and will not require planning permission in most areas. However, it is always best to check with your local planning authority if you are unsure. You can find your local planning authority's contact information on the government's website or check out our handy blog about planning permission.

Question 63

Will my summer house be compliant with building regulations?

Accepted Answer

The majority of summer houses and garden rooms do not require approval under building regulations in the UK. However, there are some exceptions. Approval is usually only required for summer houses with an internal floor area of more than 30 square meters or if it is in conservation areas or areas of ‘outstanding natural beauty’.

Question 64

What surface will I need to install the summer house on?

Accepted Answer

The best surface to install a summerhouse on is a solid, level, and dry surface. This will help to ensure that the summerhouse is stable and does not move or sink over time. We recommend installing the summerhouse on a concrete or paving slabs base. Both are durable and stable surfaces that can be easily levelled.

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