Preparing Your Yard for Fence Installation
Fences can be an extension of our homes, and provide privacy and security. They also provide an attractive curb appeal and can make an impressive statement.
It is important to fully know your options when it comes to fence installation. Selecting the right material can help you save money and time in the long in the long.
Choosing the Right Materials
When you’re considering fence installation the material you choose to use can play a significant role in whether you’re satisfied with the final product. This is especially important if you’re trying match your fence with the style of your home.
Wood is the most popular fencing material. It’s a great material for those who want an elegant appearance and one that is suitable for your yard. It’s also an excellent choice for homeowners who are concerned about the environment since it requires very little maintenance.
There are several types of wood to choose from which include teak, cedar and redwood. These kinds of wood are sturdy and will last for many years, but they will require some attention to ensure they look their best.
Another popular fencing installation material is the masonry. It can make a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal and aesthetic. Brick and low-profile brick fences are a great way to create privacy, while taller versions can provide private outdoor spaces.
Composite fencing is another option, and it is extremely sturdy. It is available in a variety of colors and looks similar to natural wood, however, it is more resistant to rot and pests than other fencing materials.
It will be easier to select the appropriate material once you’ve determined the main reasons behind building fencing. The most important thing to remember is that each type of fence comes with its own advantages and benefits, which is why it’s important to consider your specific needs.
As a rule you should establish a budget for your fence prior to making a reach out to local fence dealers. This will help you to compare prices and ensure that you’re getting the most value for your money.
Preparing the Site
It is crucial to prepare your yard before you start installing fencing. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly and you will get the most effective results.
The process of preparing the site includes removing any obstacles that could hinder the installation of your fence. This could include errant rocks, personal items or logs that could hinder your contractor’s work. Also, make sure the area is free of trash and debris to allow your team to move quickly.
Before you start digging holes, you must call 811 to find out the locations of underground water, power and gas lines. This will prevent any unexpected issues and protect your property in case any of these utilities fail when you are digging the holes or putting up posts.
You can also make use of colored flags or spray paint to mark the ground to aid your fence contractor to locate all underground lines. This will ensure that you don’t break any and will reduce the time and hassle.
After the holes have been made and filled, you’ll need pour dry, quick-set concrete into each one to keep the fence posts solid. Concrete should be laid at minimum 3 inches beneath the ground in order for fence install it to fully cure. To do this, you’ll need the laser level or bubble level.
Digging the Posts
The hardest part of installing a fence is digging out the posts. This is because the holes need to be sufficient in depth and the ground must be free of rocks or roots. If you find any of these things, it will make the work more difficult and time consuming.
The first step is to decide the distance you would like your posts to be. This is crucial because it will affect how strong your fence will be. It is more likely that animals will climb over fences if they are too close to each other.
Once you have determined the distance between your posts need to be, you can start digging the holes. You can do this using an electric digger or a power auger. If you have lots of roots or hard soil the power auger could assist in making the job easier.
After you have dug the post hole, you must pour some gravel in the bottom of the hole. This will help in drainage and also prevent rust from forming.
Next, insert the fence post into the hole. This can be done by yourself or with a partner. To make the soil even, tamp it down after you’re done.
Concrete can be added to the fence post to strengthen it when it is placed in the hole. This is the most common method of setting up a post. It will give you the best stability, but you could alternatively use gravel and soil for those who don’t want mess with concrete.
Installation of the Panels
Fences can be used to secure your property, keep your children and pets safe, and protect your property from predators. Make sure you use the right materials and install your fence correctly.
The area you’d like to fence. You’ll need to measure the area you’d like to surround and determine the length of the fence that you’ll need.
For instance, if your fence measures 8 feet wide 13 panels would be required to cover 100 feet. You’ll also have to consider whether you’ll use fence clips or galvanized clout nails connect the panels to posts.
Once you’ve figured out the dimensions and corners, mark your yard where fence panels will meet at 90 degrees with stakes. This will let you determine the distance between stakes, and then calculate a more precise figure when it’s time to buy fence panels.
To make the process simpler to make the process easier, you can purchase pre-fabricated fence panels available at hardware stores. They are made of wood and can help you save cost by allowing you to reduce the amount of lumber required to build the fence.
Then, align the bottom rail of the panel with one of the horizontal support rails, and screw it onto the post. If the ground slopes, use a step stool to raise the panel until the picket bottoms at the end are between 2 and Fence Install 5 inches above grade.
Once you’ve completed this step you can install the remaining panels, and then attach them to the posts using screws or Fence install clips. You can now enjoy your new fence!
Finishing Up
The finalization of the fence installation process is crucial to preserving the look of your yard. This involves finishing the post holes, putting in rails and securing the pickets to rails. This includes fixing any holes or cracks that might have formed in the wood.
Before you begin digging your fence posts, contact 811 to check if underground utility lines are in your yard. This will eliminate the hassle of digging them up later on.
Utilize a post hole digger to make the required holes in the soil for each fence post, and then place them in the ground about 1/3 of the height of the fence post. A 6-foot fence post will require a hole about 2 feet deep.
After the posts have been dug after digging, fill them with concrete and set them in place. This will divert rainwater away from the base of the fence posts and guard it from decay.
Mix the concrete according to manufacturer’s directions, and pour it into the holes until they’re about several inches below ground level. Allow the concrete to cure for the amount of time specified on the label.
The panels that have been assembled can be placed on rails on the top and bottom to speed up the process of installation. They are easy to install, and you can concentrate on installing pickets.
After you’ve finished installing the panels, fix them to the posts by using a pneumatic nailer equipped with 1-1/2-inch nails. Or, you can use a screwdriver to secure them to the posts, with reference to the lines that are marked.
To protect your fence You can stain your fence with a synthetic or natural stain. This will provide a longer-lasting finish and enhance the appearance of your house.