How to build a fence and attach to aluminium carport posts?

[trippple]

Hi,

I’m in the process of changing our front yard to better enhance street appeal. We were originally going to create a new front fence using Knotwood however received outrageous costs for roughly 7m of fencing with no gate. I’ve built small fences before and am going to tackle this project using a hardwood species such as spotted gum or ironbark battens. I’ve attached a picture of what it looks like now, vs a rendered image of what I expect it to look like (with no gate, we won’t be adding the roller door now). 

I was wondering if you have advice on how to create the fence posts with different mediums on both sides of the fence? On one side we have a 150x150mm hollow aluminium post concreted in for the carport, and on the other is a PVC fence with no post to attach where I’d want it to finish. How do I attach the horizontal rails to the aluminium/pvc post/rails? Do I butt a post to the aluminium despite not being able to dig it into the ground due to concrete footings? Can I just install rails directly onto a bracket on the aluminium posts?

[JacobZ]

Hi @trippple,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Was there supposed to be another photo of the current situation? I can only see the render of what you are planning. 

There shouldn't be any issues attaching rails to the existing aluminium post. You will just need to use metal screws and angle brackets, depending on where the line of the fence runs.

The PVC fence is not really capable of supporting anything, so unfortunately, installing a post against the PVC fence may be your only option.

Finding a way to install a post around this footing is the critical issue. There may be a way to utilise this existing footing and bolt a post to it using a post anchor.

Can I ask you to upload a photo of the concrete footings that prevent a new post from being installed? 

Once I can see what you are working with, I should be able to advise further.

Allow me to tag @Noyade, @Dave-1 and @Nailbag to see what they think.

Jacob

[Noyade]

Afternoon @trippple 

As per the above.

"Can I just install rails directly onto a bracket on the aluminium posts?"

Aren't there specific fencing brackets that fit (Tek screwed) aluminium/steel posts? You see them everywhere on modern day fences.

Available at Bunnings?

[trippple]

I edited the post and uploaded the photo of the existing situation, sorry about that. I believe a bracket for the rails on the existing aluminium post would be the most hassle free. I thought the PVC fence might be unable to bear load, I’ll just install a post up against it. Thanks for your help!

[Nailbag]

Hi @trippple 

I would make it less complicated by attaching a 90mm x 45mm batten to the aluminium carport post and install a 90mm x 90mm post into the ground adjacent to the PVC fence and at 2100mm centre. Then use timber 70mm x 45mm rails rebated in at each end and fix your battens to them. 

Personally as much as I love the look of spotted gum, it doesn't handle the weather. It quickly splits and deteriorates even well oiled. And if your painting them then I would go Merbau or similar species which is also considerably cheaper.

These are a few photos of my fence, though I used hardwood rough sawn battens as it was built at the end of COVID when timber was difficult to source.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @trippple 

I would install a new post near the pvc fencing (it dosnt have to be right next to it, even up to 600mm from it will be fine) The posts are only supporting the raiils for the fence. For a 3600mm width I would suggest 3 posts all up, I also like @Nailbag's suggestion of a post mounted on the side of the aluminium post to make for an easier and I think nicer connection point.

Dave