DuraPost by Birkdale

Birkdale’s DuraPost steel fence post and composite gravel board system has been used to create a clear boundary between a local business and housing development in North West Ireland. Specified due to its block aesthetic and durability, the gravel boards helped to create a full fence panel throughout. With a simple installation process, the system also enabled the project to be completed within a tight time frame.A SOLUTION FOR EVERYONEWhen fencing and landscaping contractor, The Fencing People, was approached by a local business to install a new perimeter around the company’s car park, the design and material used was crucial. As the project bordered a nearby housing development, it was important that the selected fencing solution would provide adequate privacy, security and aesthetics for both parties. During the initial planning process, the fencing contractor held several meetings with the business, its architects and representatives of the housing development to find an agreeable solution. The challenge was that the client preferred a timber close board fence while the residents wanted a block wall system. As such an alternative solution was required that could satisfy all partiesFLEXIBLE AND DURABLEThankfully, The Fencing People had already been introduced to the DuraPost galvanised steel fence post system by Mark Watson, Ireland Area Sales Manager at Birkdale. Flexible and incredibly durable, DuraPosts® can be used in conjunction with most standard timber fence panels as well as a number of DuraPost’s own composite panel solutions. However, The Fencing People team was aware that DuraPost Composite Gravel Boards could also be stacked to emulate a fence panel and felt that this would appeal to all parties involved on the project. The Fencing People provided DuraPost product samples to the architects who were happy to specify.TIME EFFICIENT FITHowever, the installation did not come without its challenges. Due to the number of gravel boards required for the project, a large shipment was placed from the UK. Unfortunately, the lead time on the delivery was unavoidably increased due to restrictions imposed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, DuraPost’s simple installation process meant the team could still complete the project within its tight time frame.RELIABLE AND COST-EFFECTIVEIn total, 338m of fencing was installed, using 1.95m classic DuraPost fence posts and 13 DuraPost Composite Gravel Boards to construct each panel. Finally, matching capping rails were added to create a neat and tidy finish. All DuraPost products were supplied in Anthracite Grey from local fencing merchant, Farm Relief. “When comparing DuraPost to alternative fencing solutions, its durability, longevity and its ease of installation are what really made it stand out,” commented Steven Kilpatrick, Fencing Manager at The Fencing People. “We now recommend the fencing system to all of our housing development clients and look to showcase how its long-term benefits make it a cost-effective, reliable solution."

Birkdale supplied its innovative DuraPost fence post system for a series of up-market new-build properties located alongside the scenic Hamble River. Specified for its modern style and durability, the powder coated galvanised steel solution also helped to overcome a series of specific onsite challenges due to its light weight.SPECIFIED PRODUCTSProperty developer Kevin Smith at K & J Contracts Ltd, based in the picturesque Hampshire village of Hamble-leRice, needed a high-quality fencing solution to apply the finishing touch to the construction of four new premium residential homes. While visiting his local Strutka Group builders’ merchants, Kevin was impressed by a display of DuraPost fencing products installed on site by contractors Silvervale Ltd.Following a discussion with Silvervale, Kevin specified DuraPost gravel boards for use between the brick piers in the front gardens of the four new homes, and he chose intermediate DuraPost fence posts for the rear gardens, to be used together with prefabricated fence panels. DuraPost fence post caps and capping rails were also specified, with all of the products in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey tocomplement the windows, doors and gates of each property. The systems were supplied and installed by Silvervale, which is one of Birkdale’s Elite Stockists and trained installers.OVERCOMING ONSITE CHALLENGESHowever, there were a number of onsite challenges, which Silvervale had to overcome during installation. The properties are located on a narrow residential road, so access to the site proved to be an issue. Likewise, the early stages of the project took place in adverse weather conditions, resulting in a potential injury risk from slipping in the excavated mud.Fortunately, the light weight of DuraPosts meant that the Silvervale team could easily and safely transport the specified products in fewer trips, enabling them to get everything onsite quickly and to get on with the installation, irrespective of the weather.STYLISH, VERSATILE AND DESIGNED TO LAST“DuraPost is an excellent, stylish and versatile fence post solution,” commented Murray Moggach, Managing Director at Silvervale. “Not only is it easy to install, but its durable qualities also give you peace of mind that you are installing fence posts that have been designed to last.”The four-property development is now complete and the homes are all sold. Property developer Kevin concluded: “If you are looking for a fencing solution that offers a unique and modern appearance, DuraPost is ideal. I’m delighted with the finished fencing and how it perfectly complements the properties’ overall design.”