If you have a shared property line with neighbors, it’s important to discuss your fence plans with them. This will help to prevent encroachment and ensure that your new fence adheres to community regulations.
In addition, you may have specific preferences or restrictions that you want to follow when installing your fence. This will also help to avoid any unforeseen hiccups down the road.
Preparation
The first step of fence installation involves setting up the foundation for your fencing structure. This requires accurate measurements and ensuring that your fencing adheres to local regulations, such as those regarding fence setbacks from property lines. It also means clearing away any obstacles that might interfere with the construction process, such as lawn furniture, planters, and decorative yard decorations.
Another important preparation step is identifying underground utilities. This includes calling your local utility company before digging to have them mark out any buried pipes or cables that could be damaged during the installation process. Failure to take this step could lead to costly and dangerous mistakes, as well as inconvenient interruptions in service for your home.
Once the posts are in place, it’s time to attach the rails. Then, depending on the type of fence you’ve chosen, you can add panels or pickets to complete the frame and give it visual form. The preciseness of this step is essential for a strong and sturdy fence that’s easy to maintain. It’s also a good opportunity to ensure that the gaps between each panel or picket are consistent, which can help prevent future problems like warping or leaning.
Post Installation
Whether your fence is made of panels or pickets, it starts with line posts that are carefully placed along the perimeter. These are the foundation of your fence and help define property lines and provide privacy. The post-installation process can be a time-consuming part of building your fence, but it is important to ensure that your fence is strong and secure.
After the posts are installed, they must be firmly set in concrete. This is one of the most crucial steps for ensuring the longevity of your fence. Fence contractors may use galvanized post brackets at the ground level to protect the base of each post, or they will set the posts directly into the concrete.
The depth of the post holes depends on the soil type and the height of your fence. The ideal depth is about a third to a half of the height of the post. The contractor will take into account local building codes, property lines, and height restrictions when digging the holes for fence posts. They will also brace recently installed posts to support them until the concrete sets.
Rail Installation
When the fence posts are set, it’s time to install the horizontal rails between them. It’s important to do this step carefully. The overall strength of the fence depends on how well this is done.
Some regions require that you obtain a permit before installing a fence. Check with your fencing contractor to see if they will handle this for you. Also, it’s a good idea to contact the local utility companies to have them mark all buried lines before starting any construction work on your yard.
It’s a good idea to stain or paint the fence posts and panels before the rest of the installation process. This will provide additional protection from the elements and prevent the wood from rotting. If you’re using cedar, this is an especially important step. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow ample time for the stain or finish to dry. If you’re not happy with your new fence, you can always contact the manufacturer for a warranty. This will help you get your money back if the materials or workmanship don’t live up to expectations.
Picket Installation
Once the posts have been dug and seated, the fence structure begins to take shape as rails and panels are attached. This is also when your chosen professional will add any gates, hardware, and decorative elements to your new fencing.
Fence pickets or panels should be carefully installed to maintain consistency in size and alignment with your fence line. If you’re opting for a taller picket design, consider a staggered look in which the tops of each picket are placed at alternating heights to create an attractive pattern.
For a finished, clean appearance, you may want to install a kickboard along the base of the fence, which helps keep the wood pickets free from dirt and rainwater. Some people also choose to add a cap board at the top of their fence to protect and enhance the look of the wood. After your fence is complete, it will need to be treated with a preservative or restained every 2-3 years to prevent weather damage and mildew build-up. In addition, you can apply a fresh coat of paint or stain to keep your fence looking beautiful.
Final Touches
When it comes to keeping pets in, wild animals out and defining property boundaries, fencing offers many benefits. However, constructing a fence on your own is an undertaking that requires careful planning and design to ensure that it functions properly and integrates seamlessly with existing landscape features and structures.
The first step is to measure the area and account for obstructions, such as pipes or rocky soil. It is also important to draft a material list and purchase or rent any tools that you may need for the project. This preparation lays the foundation for success and helps to avoid delays or costly mistakes.
Setting posts is one of the most critical steps in the process, and precision pays off. Using a bubble level or mason line, mark post positions accurately and dig holes that are deep enough to provide stability. Once the holes are set, a concrete mix is poured and carefully aligned with the post for a strong connection.
Once the posts and rails are firmly in place, they can be attached to fence panels or pickets to complete the barrier. Regular inspections of your new fence can help you identify minor problems and protect it from weather damage, prolonging its lifespan and enhancing the look of your property.