Preparing Your Yard for Fence Installation
Fences can be an extension of our homes, and provide security and privacy. They also enhance curb appeal and make an impact with their style.
When it's time to consider fence installation, it's important to be aware of your options and what would best fit on your property. The best materials will save you time and money in the future.
The Right Materials
When you're considering fence installation the material you choose to use can be a big factor in whether you're satisfied with the finished product. This is especially true when you're trying to match your fence with your home's style.
Wood is the most sought-after fencing material, and it's an ideal choice if desire a classic appearance that works well in your yard. It's also a great choice for homeowners who are eco-conscious since it requires very little maintenance.
There are many kinds of wood that you can pick from that include teak, cedar, and redwood. All of these choices are durable and long-lasting, but they may require some upkeep to ensure they look the best they can.
Another popular fence material is brick. It can make a big difference to your home's curb appeal as well as aesthetic. Brick fences and low-profile brick give privacy, while higher-profile versions can create private outdoor spaces.
Composite fencing is another option, and can be very sturdy. It is available in a variety colors and looks like natural wood. However it is more resistant than other fence materials to pests and rot.
It will be simpler to choose the right material after you have identified the motives behind the installation of fencing. It is crucial to keep in mind that each type of fence has its own advantages and characteristics, so it is important to take into consideration your requirements.
You should set a budget before you start looking at local fence companies. This will allow you to compare prices and ensure that you get the most value for money.
The site is being prepared
If you're planning on putting up an entirely new fence in your yard, it's important to prepare the area before construction begins. This will ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Making the site ready involves clearing any obstacles that may hinder your fence's installation. This could include errant rocks, personal items or even logs that could hinder the work of your contractor. Also, make sure the area is free of debris and trash to allow your crew to move quickly.
Before fence installation calculator start digging holes, you should call 811 to find the location of any underground power, water gas, or gas lines. This will prevent any unexpected problems and safeguard your property in the event that any of these utilities fail while you are digging the holes or installing posts.
Another option is to make use of spray paint or colored flags to mark the ground to aid your fence contractor to find all the underground lines. This will ensure that you do not break any lines and will save you time and hassle.
After the holes have been made then you'll have to pour dry quick-set concrete down into each hole to keep the fence posts sturdy. The concrete should be set to about 3 inches below the ground level, which will allow it time to cure properly. You can use a bubble level or laser level to do this.
Digging the Posts
Digging holes for fence posts is one of the most difficult parts of constructing fencing. This is due to the fact that you have to ensure that the holes are deep enough and that the ground is free of any rocks or roots. This will make the work more difficult and take longer if you discover these things.
The first step is to decide the distance you would like your posts to be. This is crucial because it will determine how sturdy your fence will be. It is more likely that animals will scale fences when they are too close together.
Once you've determined how far apart your posts should be, you can start digging the holes. You can do this with either a manual digger or power auger. A power auger can be a useful tool for removing roots and hard soil.
After you have dug your post hole you must pour several inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole. This will help in drainage and also prevent rust from forming.
Then, put the fence post into the hole. This can be done by yourself or with a companion. After you're done, tap the soil to level it.
Concrete can be added to the fence post to strengthen it after it is set in the hole. This is the most commonly used method of setting up a post. This will provide the best stability, but soil and gravel are also alternatives if you don't prefer concrete.
Installing the Panels
Fences are an excellent method to ensure privacy, protect children, pets and other objects within your yard, and they can also keep predators out. If you're installing a brand new fence, make sure that you select the right materials and put it up correctly.
The area you'd like to fence. You'll have to determine the length of the panels you'll require and how many of them will be required to cover the entire length of your area.
For instance in the case where the fence you're building is 8 feet wide the required number of panels is 13 to cover 100 feet of space. It is also crucial to decide if you want to utilize fence clips or galvanized-clout nails to attach your fence panels to posts.
Once you've identified the measurements, mark the corners where the fence panels will meet at 90 degrees using stakes. This will enable you to determine the distance between stakes and determine an accurate number when it comes time to purchase fence panels.
Fence panels that are pre-made are available at hardware stores to make the process simpler. These panels are made of wood and can help you save money by cutting down on the amount lumber needed to construct the fence.
Next, line up the bottom rail of the panel with one of the horizontal support rails and then screw it onto the post. If the ground slopes, employ a step stool in order to raise the panel until the bottoms of the pickets at opposite end are between 2 and 5 inches above grade.
After you've completed this step after which you can install the remaining panels and secure them to the posts using screws or fence clips. You can now enjoy your new fence!
Finishing up
Finalizing the fence installation process is important to maintain the appearance of your yard. This includes completing the holes and installing rails. The pickets are then anchored to the rails. Also, it involves fixing any holes or cracks that may have formed in the wood.
Before digging the fence posts, call 811 to see if any underground utility lines are in your yard. This will prevent the necessity of digging around them in the future.
To make the holes for each fence post Use the post hole drill to dig them. Then, place them at 1/3 of their height. A 6-foot fence post will require a hole that is approximately 2 feet deep.
Fill the holes with concrete and cement them. This will help to divert rainwater away from the base of the fence post and help prevent it from rotting.
Mix the concrete according to instructions of the manufacturer. Pour it into the holes until they're about an inch below the ground level. Let the concrete cure for the amount of time indicated on the package.
To make the process easier Set pre-assembled panels in line with the rails at the top and bottom of your fence. These panels are easier to install, meaning you can focus on installing pickets instead.
Once you are done installing the panels, secure them by using a pneumatic nailer, and 1-1/2-inch nails. You can also use a screwdriver to attach them to the posts, referring to the lines you have marked.
You can stain your fence using natural or synthetic stain to give it extra protection. This gives your home a more appealing appearance and lasts longer.