How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation
It doesn't matter whether you are building a fence to protect your privacy or your family it's essential to understand the basics before you start. It is also important to know the setbacks and guidelines for your community.
Depending on the location it is possible that you need to get a permit before installing your fence. This is especially true if your property has rocky or uneven ground.
Preparation
Before you begin putting up your fence, ensure that your yard is in good condition to receive the fence materials. This will make the process of installing your fence quicker and more efficient.
Take a walk along the entire fence line and remove any stray logs, rocks, or personal items that could hinder the construction. This will help you to identify any major slopes in your ground. This can affect the amount of fence panels that you require.
Locate your property lines (also called pins) to avoid future disputes with neighbors or local authorities. You may need to review your plat map, or call an experienced surveyor for assistance in this step.
Contact your utility provider to get locate reports for any underground pipes that run close to the fence. This will help your contractor avoid any accidents and prevent the installation crew from running into any electrical or water lines that could damage them.
The removal of any decorations or moving lawn furniture is another important part of preparing. This will make the process easier and stop your fence builders from accidently causing damage or getting into any unintentional objects.
It's also good to remove objects that need to be removed from the way, like flowers, toys for children, or any other fixed structures. This will help the job go faster and will allow the fence installation crew to be more efficient in their work.
Next then, mark the fenceline using stakes and string. This will help you avoid any miscommunications with your neighbors and give you confidence that the construction is in the correct place.
Posts
Fence posts are a crucial component of any fence system. They are essential to any fence system. They anchor the fence, help support tension wires, and create a a structural foundation. They can be constructed of metal or wood.
Consider the terrain they will surround when selecting your posts. For privacy and chain link fencesthat are made of wood, posts with a diameter of around 3 1/2 inches (or six-by-sixes) are the most sought-after. Posts that are a bit smaller, like four-by-4s, are best for vinyl and wrought iron fencing.
Installing fence posts is by far the most labor-intensive part of your fence construction. The installation of fence posts can take a couple of minutes. It takes a few minutes for the installer to dig the hole, then it takes another few minutes to mix concrete, then pour it into the hole and finally, around one minute to install the post and plumb it.
For digging the holes, you will need either an auger or a post hole drill. Create holes that are 1/3 of the length of the post deep and three times the width of the post.
Add gravel to each hole: Some experts recommend placing at minimum 6 inches of gravel in the bottom of each hole. This will aid in drainage and stop the soil from rotting.
Mix in some gravel if soil is used to compact the soil around the posts. A gravel base is a good choice for gate posts and corner posts.
Install fence installation calculator into the ground: If installing a fence made of wood, begin with straight posts that are straight and arrow-straight to prevent sags or cracks. A post that is warped or twists will not only look unattractive, but it could cause the fence to fall.
Once your fence is complete you can seal your fence and posts using a sealer. A sealer will protect the wood from water damage and will help it retain its natural color.
Rails
A split rail fence is a strong low-maintenance way to keep livestock or other animals confined to a specified area. It can also be used to manage wildlife and prevent predators from entering your backyard.
Split rail fencing is made up of posts with slots cut into them, and rails that are strung between. These rails are typically constructed of cedar, spruce or treated wood. They can vary in number from 2 to 5.
To start the install begin by digging post holes that measure about 1/3 of the length of the post you will be installing (for instance, a 6 foot post should have two holes). To help in the drainage of water and stop decay of wood the post should be vertically placed in the ground.
Then, brace the post using a 2-foot by 4 foot board and stakes, making sure that it is level before you back fill it with dirt. This will ensure that the posts remain in place and prevent the fence from moving.
Once you are happy with the post's level, insert the rails into the holes of the post. Slide the rails through the holes until the rails pass through the post. Continue this process until all rails have been installed.
The final step of the installation is to attach each rail to the fence posts using galvanized fence brackets. U-shaped hangers are a common choice but you can also employ galvanized nails. Galvanized fasteners don't rust and will last for many years.
Pickets
A fence made of pickets can be an attractive addition to your yard and enhances the curb appeal of your home. They are also easy to maintain and are less costly than other types of fences, especially if you make use of vinyl instead of wood.
Pickets come in a range of styles and designs and can be used to add designs or color to your fence. They can be painted or stained and come in a variety that include pressure-treated and cedar wood.
The spacing of the pickets is an additional factor that can be adjusted to suit your preferences and requirements. Choosing the correct amount of space between each picket will impact privacy, visibility and ease of use.
To determine the proper space, take a few measurements of the fence, including its width and how many pickets are expected to be within it. To prevent injuries or accidents to children who may try to climb over the fence, it's recommended to leave a minimum of four inches between each picket.
Once you've decided on the amount of space you need, dig post holes that are 6 feet to eight feet apart. Concrete should be poured in these holes to ensure they can hold the posts and the weight of the fence.
Next, insert the posts into the holes, making sure they are straight and level. To ensure the proper placement of each post, attach a string line to them.
Attaching the rails and the pickets to your fence is the final step. It is a simple procedure that takes only about a minute for each picket. However, it is vital to follow the steps correctly to ensure that your fence looks beautiful.
Hardware
If you're building a fence to provide security or privacy it's essential to have the right equipment and tools in your arsenal. These tools can help make the process of installing your fence faster, easier, and more efficient.
A tape measure, such as is a great tool to have to help you with your project. This will allow you to measure the area you want to work in accurately before you begin cutting.
A circular saw is an additional important tool you must have. This will allow you to cut through the materials you need to complete your project easily. It's also recommended to have a chainsawthat will be beneficial for trimming the braces that you have to use to construct your fence.
In the end, it's recommended to have wire cutters on hand. They can be bought at any hardware store and are very affordable.
If you're planning on using wire fencing, it will be important to have a crimping device on your side. This will permit you to put the fencing in place without difficulty.
A post hole auger is also an essential tool, since it allows you to dig fence posts quickly and precisely. This tool will ensure that every post is equally wide and deep so that the entire fence can be constructed uniformly.
A fence can be a stunning addition to any property. It can serve functional and decorative purposes. It can define your yard, increase your property value and keep your family safe. Fences can be used to defend your garden from animals and other dangers. It is crucial to select the right material for your requirements.