How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation
If you're building fences to protect your privacy or protect your children it's essential to understand the basics before you begin. It is also important to check the setback and guidelines of your local community.
Depending on the terrain, you may need to obtain a permit prior building your fence. This is especially the case if your property has rocky or uneven ground.
Preparation
Before you start installing your fence, be sure that your yard is in good condition for the materials. This will make the process of installing your fence more efficient and speedier.
Explore the entire fence line and remove any stray stones, logs or personal items that might hinder the construction. This will help you determine any major slopes in your ground. This could affect the number of fence panels you require.
You'll have to find your property lines (also known as pins) to avoid any future disputes with neighbors and local authorities. You may need to review your plat map or call an expert in surveying for assistance in this step.
Find out the location reports of your utility companies regarding underground pipes running near the fence. This will stop any accidents from occurring and prevent the installation crew tripping over any water or electrical lines.
Another crucial aspect of the process is to eliminate any lawn furniture that is movable or other ornaments are in the area. This will speed up the process and prevent your fence installers getting injured or coming across any unwanted objects.
It's also a good idea to move objects that need to be out of the way, such as flowers, toys for children or any other fixed structures. This will make the job simpler and your fence installation team will be able to perform their job more efficiently.
Then make sure to mark the fence line with stakes and string. This will help avoid any confusion and will give you confidence that your fence is at the correct place.
Posts
Fence posts are an integral part of any fence. They are essential to any fence. They are used to anchor the fence, provide support for tension wires and provide the foundation for a structural structure. They can be made of wood or metal.
Be aware of the terrain they'll enclose when choosing the posts you choose. Posts with a diameter of 3 1/2 inches, or six-by-sixes, are the most common type of chain link fences and privacy; posts that are slightly smaller, such as four-by-fours, are ideal for wrought iron or vinyl fencing.
Installing fence posts is the most labor-intensive part of your fence project. The installation of fence posts can take a few minutes. It takes just a few minutes for the installer to dig the hole, then it takes another few minutes to mix concrete, pour it into the hole and finally, about one minute to install the post and plumb it.
For digging the holes, you will need either an auger or a post hole drill. The holes must be three times the width and one-third the length of the post.
Add gravel to each hole: Some experts recommend placing at least 6 inches of gravel in the bottom of each hole. This prevents rotting and rust by providing drainage.
Mix in some gravel when soil is used pack the soil around the posts. It's also an excellent idea to use gravel as a base for corner and gate posts.
Install your posts in the ground. If you are installing fencing made of wood, make sure you choose posts that are straight with an arrow. This will prevent cracks and sags. A fence that is bent or warped will not only look ugly, but could cause it to fail.
After your fence is completed then you can safeguard your fence and your posts by sealing them with the use of a sealer. A sealer can protect the wood from water damage and help keep its natural color.
Rails
A split rail fence is a strong and low-maintenance method of keeping livestock or other animals confined to a specific area. It's also ideal for securing your property from wildlife and stopping predators from entering your backyard.
Split rail fencing consists of posts that have slots cut into them, and rails that are strung between. These rails may be between 2 and 5 in number and are typically constructed of spruce, cedar or treated wood.
Make a series of holes approximately 1/3 the length the post you are installing. For instance that a 6-foot post should have two holes. The post should be placed vertically when you put it in the ground and 6 inches of gravel should be added to the bottom of each hole to help with the drainage of water and also to prevent wood rot.
Next, brace the post using a 2-foot-by-4-foot board and stakes. Once it is dumped, backfill it with dirt. This will ensure that the posts keep their shape, and also prevent the fence from moving.
Once you are happy with the post's height and the rails are in place, slide them into the post holes. The rails should be firmly inserted into the holes until they have cleared the post in front, and then repeat the process until all the rails have been installed.
The last step in the install is to secure each rail to the fence posts with galvanized fence brackets. how to install vinyl fence are another alternative. The kind of fasteners you select will impact the strength and durability of your fence, but galvanized fasteners don't rust and will be attractive for years to come.
Pickets
A fence made of pickets is an attractive addition to your garden and can improve the curb appeal of your home. Picket fences are easy to maintain and cost less than other fencing types particularly if they're made of vinyl.
Pickets come with a variety of styles and designs, and can be used to add the appearance of color or design elements to your fence. Pickets can be stained , or painted and are available in a variety of materials like cedar and pressure-treated timber.
You can alter the spacing between pickets in accordance with your preferences and requirements. The spacing between pickets can influence visibility, privacy, ease of use, and accessibility.
To determine the proper space, you need to take some measurements of the fence, including its width and how many pickets will be included. Generally, you'll want ensure that there's a gap between each picket no more than four inches to prevent injury or accident to children who might attempt to climb over the fence.
Once you've decided on the amount of space you need, dig post holes that are six feet to eight feet apart. These holes should be filled with concrete to ensure they are deep enough to be able to support the posts and the fence's weight.
Then you'll need to insert the posts into the holes, ensuring that they are level and straight. To help you place each post, put an elastic line between them.
Attaching the rails and the pickets to your fence is the last step. This is a fairly simple process and should only take some minutes per picket. It is important to follow the steps properly to ensure that your fence appears great.
Hardware
Whether you're building a fence for security or privacy it's crucial to have the right hardware and tools in your arsenal. These tools will make the installation faster, easier and more efficient.
A tape measure, like a tape measure, is a great tool to keep on hand to help with your project. This will allow you to measure the area you'd like cut precisely before you begin cutting.
A circular saw is another essential tool to have. This will make it easy to cut through whatever materials you need. Chainsaws are a great tool to use to trim the braces you'll need for the installation of your fence.
It's also recommended to keep wire cutters in your arsenal. They are available at any hardware store and are affordable.
If you're planning on using wire fencing, it will be necessary to have a crimping instrument on the go. This will make it easier to put up the fencing.
It is also recommended to have an auger for post holes, which will allow you to dig your fence posts in a speedy and precise method. This tool will ensure that each post is equally wide and deep so that the entire fence can be built in a uniform way.
A fence can be a gorgeous addition to any property. It can serve decorative and functional objectives. A fence can help define your yard, increase the value of your property while keeping you and your family safe. A fence can also be used to protect your garden from animals as well as other dangers. It is essential to select the appropriate material for your needs.