Preparing Your Yard for Fence Installation
Fences are an extension of our homes, offering security and privacy. They also provide the appearance of a garden and are a statement of style.
It is crucial to fully know the options available when it comes to fencing installation. The right fence materials will save you time and money in the future.
Selecting the Right Materials
When it comes to fencing installation the material you select can play a significant role in determining whether you're happy with your finished project. This is especially true when you're trying to match your fence with your home's style.
Wood is the most popular fencing material, and it's an ideal option if want a classic look that complements your yard. It's also a good option for eco-conscious homeowners since it needs minimal maintenance.
There are a variety of wood available, including redwood, teak and cedar. These kinds of wood are sturdy and will last for many years, but they will require some maintenance to keep looking their best.
Another common fence material is the masonry. It can make a significant impact on your home's curb appeal as well as aesthetic. Brick and stone fences with low heights give privacy and taller ones can create separate outdoor spaces.
Composite fencing is another option, and can be very sturdy. It is available in a variety of colors and looks similar to natural wood, but it is more resistant to rot and pests than other fencing materials.
It will be easier to choose the appropriate material once you've identified the motivations for the installation of a fence. It is crucial to keep in mind that every type of fence has its own advantages and qualities It is therefore important to think about your needs.
As a general rule it is best to establish the budget for your fence prior to making a call around to local fence dealers. This will enable you to compare prices and ensure that you get the most value for money.
Preparing the Site
If you're planning to build an entirely new fence in your yard, you must to prepare the area prior to construction starts. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you achieve the best outcomes.
Making the site ready involves eliminating any obstacles that could hinder the installation of your fence. This can include things like unintentional rocks, personal items or logs that might inhibit your contractor's work. You'll also need to make sure that the area is free of debris and garbage to ensure that your construction team is able to complete their work quickly.
Before you start digging holes, call 811 in order to identify the location of underground water, power and gas lines. This will help avoid any unexpected issues and protect your property in case any of these lines fail while you are digging the holes or installing posts.
Alternatively, you can use colored flags or spray paint to mark the ground to aid your fence contractor to find all the underground lines. This will ensure that you don't break any and reduce the time and hassle.
To keep fence posts strong, pour dry quick-set concrete into the holes. Concrete should be poured at minimum 3 inches beneath the ground to allow it to properly cure. You can use a bubble level or laser level to accomplish this.
Digging the Posts
The hardest part of installing fencing is digging the posts. This is because the holes have to be sufficient in depth and the ground is free of roots or rocks. If you find any of these things this will make the work more time-consuming and difficult.
First, you must determine how far apart your posts should be. This is important as it will impact how strong your fence will be. It is more likely that animals will scale fences when they are too close.
Once you've determined how far apart the posts should be, you can start digging the holes. This can be accomplished using a manual or power auger. A power auger is a great tool to get rid of roots and hard soil.
After you've dug your post hole, pour some more gravel into the hole. This will help with drainage and also prevent the rust and decay.
Next, insert the fence post into the hole. This can be done by yourself or with a partner. When you're done, you can tamp the soil down to even it out.
After installing vinyl fencing is in the hole, you can apply concrete to it to reinforce it. This is the most commonly used method of setting up a post. This will give you the greatest stability, however gravel and soil are other alternatives if you don't prefer concrete.
Installing the Panels
Fences are a great way to keep your privacy and secure pets, children and other objects within your yard, and they can also keep predators away. Be sure to choose the proper materials and construct your fence in a safe and secure manner.
The first step when building a fence is to measure the space you'd like to protect. You'll need to determine the area you wish to surround and determine the length of the fence you'll need.
For example, if your fence is 8 feet in width 13 panels will be required to cover 100 feet. It's also important to think about whether you'll be using fence clips or galvanized clout nails to attach the panels to the posts.
Once you've established the dimensions you've got, mark the corners of your yard where fence panels will meet at a 90-degree angle using stakes. This will let you easily determine the distance between stakes and get a more precise estimate when it's time to buy fence panels.
To make the process easier it is recommended to use pre-fabricated fence panels that can be found at hardware stores. They are made from wood and can help you save money by allowing you to cut down the amount of wood you require to build the fence.
Then next, align the panel's lower rail with one of the horizontal supportrails and attach it to the post. You could also make use of a step stool to lift your panel if the ground slopes.
Once you've completed this step, insert the remaining fence panels and secure them to the posts with screws or fence clips. Now you can enjoy your new fence!
Finalizing
It is crucial to complete the fence installation process in order to maintain the appearance of your yard. This involves completing the holes and putting in rails. Pickets are secured to the rails. Also, it involves fixing any holes or cracks that may have formed in the wood.
Before you start digging the fence posts, dial 811 to check if underground utility lines are in your yard. This will avoid the trouble of digging around them later on.
To make the holes for each fence post you'll need a post hole drilling tool to dig them. Then, put them in a sandbag at 1/3 of their height. For example, a 6-foot post will require two feet deep.
Once the posts have been dug and filled with concrete, you can fill them up and set them in place. vinyl fence install will help divert rainwater away base of the fence post and also protect it from rotting.
Mix the concrete in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. Pour it into the holes until they're a few inches below ground level. Allow the concrete to cure for the entire amount of time noted on the package.
The panels that have been assembled can be placed on top and bottom rails to speed up installation. They are much easier to install, meaning you can focus on installing pickets.
After you've finished installing the panels, connect them by using a pneumatic nailer, and 1-1/2-inch nails. You can also employ a screwdriver in securing them to the posts, with reference to the lines that are marked.
You can stain your fence with a synthetic or natural stain to offer an additional layer of protection. This will give your fence a longer-lasting finish and improve the appearance of your home.