How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation
If you're planning to build an enclosure for privacy or to keep your kids safe it's essential to know the basics before starting. You'll also want to check the guidelines of your local community and setback requirements.
Based on the area you live in depending on your location, you may have to obtain a permit prior building your fence. This is especially the case if your property is rocky or uneven ground.
Preparation
Before you begin putting up your fence, make sure that your yard is ready for the construction materials. This will help the process go faster and more smoothly.
Walk the entire fence line and remove any logs, rocks, or personal objects that could interfere with construction. This will allow you identify any major slopes in your soil. This could affect the number of fence panels you'll need.
Find your property lines (also known as pins) to avoid any future disputes with neighbors or local authorities. You may need to review your plat map, or call an expert in surveying for assistance in this step.
Contact your utility provider to obtain reports on any underground pipes running near the fence area. This will stop any accidents from occurring and also prevent the installation crew from running over any electrical or water lines.
Another important aspect of preparation is clearing any lawn furniture that is movable or other decorations that you may have in your area. This will help the job move faster and also prevent your fence contractors from coming across any stray items or becoming damaged accidentally.
It's also an excellent idea to move objects that need to be out of the way, like children's toys, flower pots or other fixed structures. This will help the job go faster and will allow your fence installation crew be more efficient in their work.
The next step is to mark the fence line with stakes and string. This will prevent any disputes with neighbors and provide assurance that the fence is built in the right place.
Posts
Fence posts are an essential part of any fence. They anchor the fence, support tension wires, and serve as a structural base. They can be made from metal or wood.
Think about the terrain they'll be enclosing when selecting the posts you choose. Posts with a diameter of 3 1/2 inches, or six by sixes, are common for privacy and chain link fences Posts that are smaller, or four-by-fours, work best for wrought iron or vinyl fencing.
Installing fence posts is by far the most labor-intensive step in your fence project. The installation of fence posts may take a couple of minutes. It takes about 5 minutes for the installer to dig the hole, and then it takes a few minutes to mix concrete, then pour it into the hole and then, it takes about one minute to install the post and then plumb it.
To make the holes, you'll need either an auger or a post-hole drill. Create holes that are one-third of the length deep and three times the width of the post.
Gravel should be added to every hole. Experts suggest placing at least 6 inches of dirt at the bottom of each hole. This will provide drainage and help prevent the rotting.
If you're using soil add a bit of gravel to help it pack firmly around the posts. It's also recommended to use gravel as a base for corner and gate posts.
Install your posts into the ground: If you're putting up a fence made of wood, begin with straight posts that are at least straight as an arrow to avoid sags, or cracks. A post that is warped or twists will not only look ugly and look unnatural, but it could cause the fence to fail.
When your fence is finished after which you can seal your fence and posts using the help of a sealer. A coating will help the wood retain its natural color and resist water damage.
Rails
A split rail fence can be a durable low-maintenance option for keeping livestock or other animals confined to a specific area. It can also be used to manage animals and deter predators from entering your yard.
Split rail fencing is made up of posts with slots cut into them, and rails strung between. vinyl fence install may be between 2 and 5 inches in number and are typically constructed of spruce, cedar or treated wood.
To start the install begin by digging post holes that are about 1/3 of the length of the post you'll be installing (for example, a 6-foot post should have two holes). To help with water drainage and to prevent decay of wood, the post should be vertically positioned in the ground.
Next, brace the post using a 2-foot x 4-foot board and stakes, making sure that it is level before you back fill the post with dirt. This will ensure that the posts stay in place and stop the fence from moving.
When you are satisfied with the level of the post you can insert the rails in the holes in the posts. The rails should be firmly inserted into the holes until they are clear of the adjacent post and then repeat the process until all of the rails have been installed.
The final step of the installation is to attach each rail to the fence posts with galvanized fence brackets. U-shaped hangers are a popular option, but you can also employ galvanized nails. The kind of fasteners that you choose will affect the strength and durability of your fence, but galvanized nails won't rust, and will last for years to come.
Pickets
A picket fence is a beautiful addition to your yard and improves the curb appeal of your house. They are also easy to maintain and less expensive than other fences, particularly if you make use of vinyl instead of wood.
Pickets come in different designs and styles and can be used to add the look of color or design elements to your fence. They can be stained or painted and come in a variety like cedar and pressure-treated wood.
You can adjust the spacing between pickets to suit your preferences and needs. The spacing between pickets may influence privacy, visibility, ease of use, and ease of access.
To determine the right space, take some measurements of the fence, including its size and height, as well as how many pickets will be included. In general, you should ensure that there is a gap between each picket not more than four inches to avoid injuries or accidents to children who might attempt to climb over the fence.
Once you've determined how much space you need, dig post holes that are 6 feet to eight feet apart. Concrete should be poured into these holes to ensure that they are strong enough to support the posts and the weight of the fence.
Next, insert the posts into the holes, ensuring that they are level and plumb. To help you place each post, place the posts to a string line.
The last step in installing your fence is to join the pickets to posts and rails. This is a simple process that takes only few minutes for each picket. To ensure that your fence looks good, you must follow these steps.
Hardware
It does not matter if you're building fences to protect security or privacy it's important to have the appropriate tools and hardware. These tools will make the installation much easier, faster, and more efficient.
For example tape measures are an excellent tool to have on hand to help you begin your project. This will enable you to make an accurate measurement of the area that you'd like to work in before you start cutting any kind of material.
Another tool that is essential to have in your arsenal is a circular saw. This will allow you to cut through whatever materials you require. Chainsaws are an excellent tool to to trim the braces that you'll require to install your fence.
In the end, it's recommended to keep wire cutters available. They're affordable and can be purchased at any hardware retailer.
It is essential to use a crimping device in case you plan to use wire fencing. This will make it easy to install the fencing.
It is also recommended to have a post hole auger, which will enable you to cut the fence posts in a swift and precise method. This tool will ensure that each post is equally deep and wide so that the entire fence can be constructed in a uniform manner.
A fence can be a gorgeous addition to any property. It can serve both functional and aesthetic functions. It can define your yard, add to your property value and help ensure your family's safety. Fences are also a great way to safeguard your garden from animals as well as other dangers, which is why it's essential to select the best fencing material that meets your requirements.