1. Plan Your Fence Layout

Before ordering materials or starting installation, measure the area where you intend to install the fence.

Measure your fence

• Measure the total fence length.

• Determine your required fence height.

• Identify corners, ends, gates and changes in direction.

• Check whether the ground is level or sloping.

• Confirm property boundaries and any applicable council or building requirements.

Calculate the materials required

Your material list will depend on the length and height of the fence and the selected configuration.

Typical components include:

• WPC fence planks

• Fence posts

• Bottom rails and top rails

• Post caps

• Post infills, where required

• Post bases or mounting accessories, where applicable

• Compatible fixings and installation hardware

CoMatex standard fence panels are configured with 13 horizontal planks. If you are planning a shorter fence, check the available panel configurations before ordering.

Allow for additional posts and accessories at corners, ends and gate openings as required by your layout.

2. Prepare the Tools and Materials

Prepare all components before installation to help avoid delays.

Recommended tools

• Tape measure

• Spirit level or laser level

• String line and marking tools

• Drill and suitable drill bits

• Screwdriver or driver bits

• Saw suitable for cutting the specified WPC and aluminium components

• Spanners or other tools required for the selected fixings

• Personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves and hearing protection

You may also need equipment for excavation and concrete work, depending on the post installation method.

Check that all tools, fixings and accessories are suitable for the materials being installed.

3. Mark the Post Positions

Mark the fence line and proposed post locations before digging holes or fixing posts to a supporting structure.

Post spacing must match the panel dimensions and the requirements of the CoMatex fence system. Do not assume that the nominal panel width is the same as the required centre-to-centre post spacing.

Check the actual dimensions of the posts, rails and connecting components before marking out the positions.

For a straight fence:

1. Establish the fence line using a string line.

2. Mark the starting and ending positions.

3. Mark intermediate post locations according to the selected panel configuration.

4. Check corners, ends and gate openings.

5. Confirm the total layout before installing the posts.

Accurate marking helps maintain consistent panel widths and reduces the need for adjustments during assembly.

4. Install the Fence Posts

The posts provide the primary support for the fence. They must be installed securely and aligned correctly before the fence planks and rails are fitted.

The installation method depends on the post type and site conditions.

Posts installed in the ground

Where posts are installed directly into the ground or concrete footings:

• Check underground services before excavation.

• Assess the soil conditions and ground stability.

• Determine the footing dimensions and depth based on the fence design, height, wind exposure and site requirements.

• Install the posts plumb and at the correct spacing.

• Allow concrete or other footing materials to achieve the required strength before loading the posts.

Do not use a generic footing depth or diameter without confirming that it is suitable for your site.

Posts fixed to a concrete slab or supporting structure

Where a compatible post base is used:

• Confirm that the post and base are suitable for the application.

• Check the concrete thickness, condition and edge distances.

• Use compatible anchors and fixings appropriate for the substrate and expected loads.

• Ensure the posts are correctly aligned and securely fixed.

A post base must not be assumed suitable for every fence height, wind condition or mounting surface.

5. Install the Bottom Rail

Once the posts are securely installed and aligned, fit the bottom rail according to the CoMatex system design.

Check that the rail:

• Is compatible with the selected posts and fence planks.

• Is level or positioned at the intended height.

• Is correctly supported and secured.

• Allows for any required drainage, clearance and movement.

For sloping ground, determine whether the fence should follow the slope or use a stepped arrangement. The appropriate approach depends on the fence system and the appearance you want to achieve.

6. Install the WPC Fence Planks

With the posts and bottom rail in position, begin assembling the horizontal planks.

1. Check the planks for damage before installation.

2. Confirm the correct orientation of the first plank.

3. Insert or secure the plank using the designated fixing method.

4. Continue fitting the remaining planks according to the system instructions.

5. Check the alignment and appearance as you progress.

6. Avoid forcing the planks into position or damaging their edges during assembly.

For a standard CoMatex panel configured with 13 horizontal planks, install the planks in the specified arrangement for that panel.

Follow the product instructions for clearances, expansion allowances and fixing points. WPC materials can expand and contract with temperature changes, so the required movement allowance must not be omitted.

7. Install the Top Rail and Accessories

After the planks have been installed, fit the top rail and the relevant finishing accessories.

Depending on your configuration, these may include:

• Top rails

• Post caps

• Post infills

• Compatible joining or fixing components

Check that the top rail is properly aligned and secured and that the finished fence has a consistent appearance.

Use compatible components and avoid substituting fixings or accessories without confirming their suitability.

8. Cutting and Finishing

Some projects require planks or rails to be cut to suit the layout.

Before cutting:

• Measure each component carefully.

• Confirm the required finished length.

• Use a suitable saw and cutting method for the material.

• Support the component to prevent damage during cutting.

• Wear appropriate protective equipment.

Remove cutting debris and inspect the cut edges. Do not remove material from structural components in a way that compromises their strength or fixing requirements.

Where a fence meets a wall, gate or corner, check that the finished connections are secure and visually consistent.

9. Installation on Sloping or Uneven Ground

Sloping ground requires additional planning to maintain the intended fence height, appearance and structural performance.

Two common approaches are:

Stepped installation: Individual fence sections are installed at different heights to follow the general slope in a series of steps.

Raked installation: Fence sections follow the slope of the ground, where the fence system is specifically designed to accommodate this arrangement.

Not every WPC fence system supports raked installation. Confirm compatibility before proceeding.

For retaining walls, significant level changes or unstable ground, assess the supporting structure and any additional loads before installing the fence.

10. Final Inspection

After assembly, inspect the completed fence before considering the installation finished.

Check that:

• All posts are secure and correctly aligned.

• Rails and planks are properly fitted.

• Required movement clearances have been maintained.

• Fixings are secure and compatible with the system.

• Post caps and other accessories are fitted correctly.

• There are no damaged or visibly defective components.

• Gates, where installed, operate without interfering with the fence.

• The installation complies with applicable site and regulatory requirements.

Correct any issues before the fence is put into service.

11. Cleaning and Maintenance

CoMatex WPC fencing is designed to provide a low-maintenance finish without the routine painting, staining or sealing generally associated with timber fencing.

For routine care:

• Wash the fence with water and a mild detergent when required.

• Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt.

• Rinse away cleaning residues.

• Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning methods unless specifically approved for the product.

• Inspect posts, rails and fixings periodically for signs of movement or damage.

Follow the product care instructions to maintain the appearance and performance of your fence.