Stile installation in Exeter
Professional stile installation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£210
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
New stiles built from scratch on public footpaths. Solid construction with treated timber and proper fixings. Safe crossing for walkers, secure barrier for livestock.
Proper Access for Public Paths
Got a right of way crossing your land but no proper stile? Walkers pushing through fences and livestock escaping is a headache you don't need - better to install a proper crossing point.
💡 Pro tip: If your path gets a lot of use, consider a kissing gate instead of a stile. Costs more upfront but much easier for walkers and lasts longer under heavy traffic.
What Makes a Good Stile?
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Deep posts, set in concrete | Shallow posts that rock in the ground |
| Comfortable step heights (30-40cm) | Steps too high for older walkers |
| Galvanised fixings throughout | Rusty screws that fail in months |
| Livestock-proof on both sides | Gaps where animals squeeze through |
What You Get
🔧 Solid Build From Scratch
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Check ground, plan position, measure for materials |
| Build | Posts in deep with concrete, steps and rails fitted solid |
| Test | Make sure it's stable and stock-proof |
📦 You're Left With
- Safe crossing point for walkers
- Livestock contained properly
- Long-lasting construction
- Legal obligation met
Pricing Guide
| Stile Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple step stile | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| Ladder stile (taller) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
| Stile with dog gate | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials additional.
Perfect For Your Rural Property If...
✅ Legal requirement - rights of way needs proper access
✅ Livestock escaping - current gap not secure
✅ Liability concern - walkers using unsafe route
✅ Council notice - path warden requested proper crossing
Why Choose Us for Stile installation in Exeter?
Built solid with treated timber
Safe heights for all ages
Livestock stays contained
Meets footpath obligations
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Assessment
I'll check the location, ground conditions, and what type of stile works best. Measure up for materials and plan the build.
Step 2: Build Stile
Posts go in deep (60cm+) with concrete in wet ground. Steps fitted at comfortable heights, rails secured with coach bolts. Built to last.
Step 3: Test & Finish
Give it a thorough check - shake the posts, test the steps, make sure there's no gaps for livestock. Should feel absolutely solid.
🔧 DIY Tips
Planning to build your own stile? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Post hole digger or auger
- Spirit level
- Saw and drill
- Coach bolts and galvanised screws
- Treated timber (posts, steps, rails)
- Concrete mix (for posts)
📏 Standard stile dimensions
- Post spacing: 1m wide
- Post depth: 60-75cm in the ground
- Step height: 30-40cm from ground
- Step depth: 20-25cm
- Overall height: 1.2-1.5m (enough to deter livestock)
🪚 Building solid
- Dig post holes deep - minimum 60cm
- Use concrete around posts in soft or wet ground
- Set posts with a spirit level before concrete goes off
- Coach bolts through main joints (stronger than screws)
- Steps secured to both posts, not just one
- Leave concrete 24hrs minimum before full loading
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Posts not deep enough (they'll move under use)
- Using untreated timber (rots at ground level)
- Steps too high or uneven spacing
- Not considering livestock pressure on the structure
- Fixings with nails instead of bolts
💡 Pro trick: If you're building where the ground is rocky or very hard, use metal post spurs set in concrete rather than timber posts straight in the ground. Easier to install and the timber won't rot at ground level.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚶 Popular path? If you get heavy footfall, a kissing gate is worth considering instead of a stile. Easier for everyone (especially older walkers and families with pushchairs), and actually stands up better to constant use.
Multiple crossing points? Get them all done in one visit - I'll already have materials and equipment, so it's more efficient than separate trips.
Council requirements - Some councils have preferences for stile designs on their path network. Worth checking before you buy materials - they might even contribute to costs on well-used routes.
Maintenance - Check your stile annually, especially after storms. Tighten any loose bolts, replace damaged steps before someone gets hurt. Much cheaper than a rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to install a stile on my land?
If there's a public right of way crossing your property, you've got a legal obligation to provide safe access - either a stile, kissing gate, or gap. A proper stile keeps walkers happy and livestock in.
What type of stile should I have installed?
Depends on your livestock and the path use. Step stiles work for most situations - walkers can cross, sheep and cattle can't. If it's a popular path, consider a kissing gate instead - easier for people with mobility issues.
Can you install a stile where there's currently just a gap?
Yes - that's a common job. If walkers are crossing but livestock keeps escaping, a proper stile sorts it. I'll build something sturdy that works for everyone.
How long does a new stile last?
Using proper treated timber and galvanised fixings, you're looking at 15-20 years minimum. The key is getting posts deep enough and using materials that handle Devon's wet weather.
Can I get help with materials costs?
Some Devon parishes provide grants or materials for maintaining public rights of way. Worth checking with your local council - they sometimes help landowners who maintain well-used paths.
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