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Hi,
This timber boundary fence needs to be raised by 400mm to comply with pool safety regulations - total height from ground level will have to be 2200mm (as it sits 400mm below my lawn, on the neighbours side, and pool regulations requires a fence 1800mm high on my side).
Could you recommend a way to add that height to fence, that will not look bad and that will comply with the pool fencing rules, not require to re-do the whole fence, and without using a fence topper...?
I like the look that another member has done, see photo attached, but that was to cover up a fence, it didn't change the height, so I'm not how to achieve that with this fence.
Thanks for your help!
Hello @Claire_Marie
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. it's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about raising the height of your fence.
Generally, I would recommend using a framed trellis or using the Matrix fence extension sets. But in this instance, I recommend building a light frame out of 70x35 and lining it with fence paling. The reason for this is because it is a pool fence, and the inspector might not approve the other materials used for the extension. The inspection report should have included a recommendation on what materials are acceptable to the council.
Using timber will blend in with the current fence, and it will last as long as the materials used are all treated for outside use. I've placed an image below to give you an idea of how the extension can be built. The white timber represents the addition to the existing fence and the three extended pieces below are used to anchor to the existing posts of the fence.
In regards to matching the fencing style you've referenced, it can be covered with your preferred timber cover, but just keep in mind that it will add a great deal of weight to the existing frame work of the fence which includes the weight of the extension as well. In order to avoid the fence frame from sagging, I recommend not covering the inside of the fence.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Just a crazy thought @Claire_Marie before you build a new fence.
Homemade 'saddles' to accommodate the 400mm extension.
Trench above the posts.
Saddles with M10 or M12 threaded rods.
Bore a central hole in the block - and lock down with crushing force with large plate washer and nut.
I 'believe' the extension would be rock solid.
From there - rail, palings, etc, to match.
Just a rainy thought. 😁
Cheers!
Hi @Claire_Marie,
Yes, that would be the idea. You'd install new posts in front of the fence and use them to support your frame. You can then clad that frame with your horizontal boards. The only problem I see with that is you would likely find that the current fence would still be scalable, allowing a child to climb on top of the new frame you are constructing. You'd have to extend the original fence to a height that complies and then have your new frame in front of that.
Given the regulations, I would encourage you to enlist the services of a pool fence construction company to prepare a plan for you to follow. You might need them to sign off on the fence to achieve compliance.
It might be possible to get custom-made fencing pailings at 2200mm, but most commonly, they'll top out at 1800mm.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
