How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation
If you're planning to build a fence for privacy or to keep your kids safe it's crucial to know the basics before you begin. Also, you should check the setbacks and guidelines of the community you live in.
You may need permission based on the location you live to put up your fence. This is especially true if your property is rocky or uneven ground.
Preparation
Before you begin installing your fence, ensure that your yard is in good condition for the construction materials. This will make the process of installing your fence quicker and more efficient.
It is recommended to walk the entire fence line and get rid of any rocks, logs or other personal items that might be a problem during construction. This will also help find any major slopes in the ground that could influence the number of fence panels that you need to purchase.
Locate your property lines (also known as pins) so that you can avoid future dispute with neighbors or local authorities. This could need you to review your plat map, or contact a surveyor.
Check with your utility company to get reports of any underground pipes running near the fence area. This will prevent any accidents from occurring and will also stop the installation team from running over any water or electrical lines.
Another crucial aspect of the preparation is to clear any lawn furniture that is movable or other ornaments you might have in the area. This will make the task speed up and prevent your fence contractors from stumbling upon any stray items or getting damaged accidentally.
It is a good idea also to move any objects that are blocking the way such as toys for children, flower pots or any other fixed structures. This will help make the work go by faster and allow your fence installation crew to do their job more efficiently.
Next, mark the fence line by using stakes and strings. This will prevent any miscommunications and will ensure that the fence is in the right place.
Posts
Fence posts are an integral part of any fence system. They anchor the fence, support the tension wires and form a structural base. They can be made of wood or metal.
Consider the terrain they will be enclosing when selecting your posts. Posts that measure 3 1/2 inches, or six-by-sixes, are the most common type of privacy and chain link fences Posts that are a bit smaller, such as four-by-fours, are best suited for wrought iron or vinyl fencing.
The most labor-intensive aspect of a fence installation is putting up fence posts. The installation of fence posts could take only a few minutes. It takes about 5 minutes for the installer to dig the hole, and then it takes another few minutes to mix concrete, then pour it into the hole and then, it takes about an hour to put the post and plumb it.
You'll require a post-hole digger or an auger for digging the holes. The holes should be three times the width and one-third of the length of the post.
Add gravel to each hole: Some experts suggest placing at minimum 6 inches of gravel in the bottom of each hole. This prevents rotting and rust by providing drainage.
Mix in some gravel in the event that soil is used to compact the soil around the posts. A gravel base is also an ideal choice for gate posts and corner posts.
Install your posts in the ground: If installing a fence made of wood start with straight posts that are at least straight to avoid sags and cracks. A post that warps or twists is not just ugly but could also cause the fence to fall.
Once your fence is complete you can seal your fence and posts using a sealer. A sealer will protect the wood from water damage and will help keep its natural color.
Rails
Split rail fencing can be a sturdy low-maintenance option to keep animals or livestock in a particular area. It can also be used to regulate wildlife and stop predators from entering your backyard.
A typical split rail fence consists of posts with slots cut or formed into them and rails strewn between them. The rails are typically made from spruce, cedar, or treated wood. vinyl fence install range in the range of 2 to 5.
Dig a series of holes approximately 1/3 the length of the post you're putting in. For instance a 6-foot long post must have two holes. The post should be vertical when you put it in the ground . 6 inches of gravel must be added to the bottom of each hole to help with drainage and to prevent wood rot.
Then, brace the post using a 2-foot x 4-foot board and stakes. Once it is filled with dirt. This will allow the posts to hold their shape, and also prevent the fence from shifting.
When you are satisfied with the post's height you can insert the rails in the holes in the post. Firmly slide the rails into the holes until they are clear of the post in front, and then repeat the process until the rails have been installed.
The final step in the installation is to connect each rail to the posts using rust-free fasteners as well as galvanized brackets. U-shaped hangers are popular, but you can also use galvanized nails. Galvanized fasteners don't rust and will look great for a long time.
Pickets
Picket fencing can be a fantastic addition to your backyard and can increase the curb appeal of your house. Picket fences are simple to maintain and are less expensive than other fencing types especially when they are made of vinyl.
Pickets come in different designs and styles and can be used to give the look of color or design elements to your fence. Pickets can be stained , or painted and are available in a variety options, including cedar and pressure treated timber.
installing vinyl fencing can alter the spacing between pickets to suit your preferences and requirements. Selecting the right amount of space between each picket can impact privacy, visibility and the ease of use.
To determine the ideal space, take some measurements of the fence, including its width and how many pickets will be in it. Typically, you'll want to ensure that there's a gap between each picket no more than four inches to prevent injuries or accidents to children who may try to squeeze their heads through.
Once you've determined the area you want to cover and have a good idea of the size, you can dig six to eight-foot post holes. Concrete should be poured in these holes to ensure that they can hold the posts and the weight of the fence.
Next you'll need to insert the posts into the holes, making sure they are level and plumb. To ensure the proper placement of each post, attach the posts to a string line.
Connecting the rails and pickets to your fence is the final step. cost to install vinyl fence is a simple procedure and will only take some minutes per picket. To ensure that your fence looks beautiful it is essential to follow these steps.
Hardware
It isn't a matter of whether you are building fences to protect privacy or security it's important that you have the proper tools and hardware. These items will make installation easier, faster, and more efficient.
For instance the tape measure is an excellent tool to keep available to help start your project. This will allow you to measure the area you want to cut precisely before you begin cutting.
Another important tool to have on hand is a circular saw. This will allow you to cut through the materials that you require to complete your project in a breeze. It's also recommended to have a chainsaw, which can be helpful in trimming the braces you'll need to use while installing your fence.
It's always good to keep wire cutters in your kit. They can be found at any hardware store and are very affordable.
If you're going to be using fencing made of wire, it will be important to have a crimping instrument on the go. This will enable you to install the fencing without any problem.
You should also have an auger for posts, that will permit you to create the fence posts in a fast and precise way. 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 beautiful addition to any property. It can serve both decorative and practical purposes. A fence can help define your yard, increase your property's value while keeping you and your family safe. A fence is also a great way to safeguard your garden from animals and other possible dangers, making it essential to select the best fencing material that meets your requirements.