Preparing Your Yard for Fence Installation
Fences are an extension of our homes, providing security and privacy. They can also provide design and curb appeal.
When it's time to think about fencing, it's crucial to know your options and what would best fit your property. Choosing the right materials will save you time and money in the long time.
The Right Materials
The materials you choose for your fence can make a big difference in how satisfied you are with the end result. vinyl fence installation costs is particularly true if you're trying to match your fence with the style of your home.
Wood is the most common fencing material. It's an excellent choice when you want a classic look and one which will look great in your backyard. It's also a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners since it needs minimal maintenance.
There are many kinds of wood that are available, including teak, redwood and even cedar. These options are durable and can last for many years, but they will require some attention to ensure they look their best.
Masonry is another common fence material, and it can make a significant impact on your home's aesthetic and curb appeal. Brick fences and low-profile brick provide privacy while higher-profile versions can create private outdoor spaces.
Composite fencing is another option, and can be very robust. It comes in a variety of colors and looks like natural wood, however, it is more resistant to rot and pests than other fencing materials.
It will be much easier to choose the right material once you've determined the motives behind the installation of a fence. It is crucial to keep in mind that each type of fence has its own advantages and disadvantages which is why it is essential to think about your needs.
As a general rule you should establish the budget for your fence before you call around to local fence dealers. This will let you compare prices and ensure that you get the most value for money.
Preparing the Site
If you're planning on putting up an entirely new fence in your yard, it's important to prepare the area prior to construction begins. This will ensure that everything is running smoothly and you will get the best results.
Preparing the site means removing any obstacles that could hinder your fence's installation. It is important to remove any obstructions, like logs, rocks or personal objects that might hinder the contractor's ability to work. Also, ensure that 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 locate the location of underground water, power and gas lines. Doing so will help you avoid any unanticipated issues and safeguard your property from damage if one of these utilities fails when you're digging the holes or installing posts.
You can also employ spray paints or colored flags to mark the ground. This will help your contractor to find all underground lines. This will ensure that you don't break any of them, and will save you a lot of time and effort in the long time.
After the holes have been made, you'll need to pour dry quick-set concrete down into each one to keep the fence posts sturdy. The concrete should be set to about 3 inches below ground level, which will allow it time to cure. You can make use of a bubble level or laser level for this.
Digging the Posts
Digging the fence posts is one of the most difficult steps of building the fence. This is because you need to make sure the holes are sufficiently deep and that the soil is free of rocks or roots. If you find any of these, it will make the job more difficult and time-consuming.
The first step is to decide how far apart you want your posts to be. This is crucial as it will determine how sturdy your fence will be. If you place the posts too far apart, it will be more likely for animals to climb over them.
After you have decided the distance between your posts should be, you can start digging the holes. This can be accomplished using a power or manual auger. A power auger is an excellent tool to remove roots and hard soil.
After digging your post hole add some more gravel into the hole. This will help with drainage and also prevent rust and rot.
Then, insert the fence post into the hole. This can be done alone or with a companion. To make the soil even and even, you need to 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 popular method of setting up a post. It will give you the most stability, however you can alternatively use gravel and soil If you don't wish to make a mess of concrete.
Installing the Panels
Fences can be used to guard your property in order to keep your children as well as pets secure, and stop predators from entering your property. If you're planning to install a new fence, ensure you select the right material and install it correctly.
The first step in building the fence is to measure the area you'd like to secure. You'll need to figure out the length of the fence you'll need and the number of them you'll need to cover the perimeter of your space.
For instance, if your fence measures 8 feet in width, 13 panels will be required to cover 100 feet. You'll also have to decide whether you'll use fence clips or galvanized clout nails to join the panels to posts.
After you've established the measurements, mark the points where the fence panels will meet at 90 degrees using stakes. This will let you determine the distance between stakes and get an accurate number when it's time to purchase fence panels.
To make the process less complicated, use pre-made fence panels available at hardware stores. These panels are made from wood and will save you money by reducing the amount of lumber required to construct the fence.
Then next, align the panel's lower rail with one of the supportrails on the horizontal side and attach it to the post. You can also use a step stool to raise your panel if the ground slopes.
After you've completed this process After that, you can insert the remaining fence panels and secure them to the posts using screws or fence clips. You can now enjoy your new fence!
Finishing Up
Finalizing the fencing installation process is essential to preserving the look of your yard. This involves completing the holes and putting in rails. The pickets are then anchored to the rails. This includes fixing any holes or cracks that could have formed in the wood.
Before you dig the fence posts, dial 811 to determine if any underground utility lines are in your yard. This will avoid the trouble of digging around them in the future.
To make holes for each fence post using a hole drill for posts to make the holes. Then, bury them at 1/3 of their height. A fence post that is 6 feet tall will require a hole about 2 feet deep.
Fill the holes with concrete and then cement them. This will help divert rainwater away from the foundation of the fence post and protect it from rot.
Mix the concrete according the manufacturer's directions and pour it into the holes until it is about 2 inches below the ground. Let the concrete cure for the amount of time indicated on the package.
Pre-assembled panels can be placed in a flush position with the top and bottom rails to speed up the installation. These panels are simpler to install, and you can focus on installing pickets.
After you've finished installing the panels, fix them to the posts using a pneumatic nailer with 1-1/2-inch nails. Alternatively, use a screwdriver to secure them to the posts, referring to the lines that are marked.
To further protect your fence you can stain your fence using the use of a synthetic or natural stain. This will give a long-lasting finish that will also enhance the appearance of your house.