Five Rules of Fence Building
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There are many reasons why you might want to build a fence and do it yourself. Fence building is a common household project. It is not too complicated or time consuming and makes for a fun, outdoor project. However, before you run outside and start digging holes in the backyard, there are some fundamental rules of fence building that every homeowner should know.
1. Be ready
Know the exact locations of property lines, know required set backs from sidewalks, driveways, etc. Know any applicable city ordinances/codes regarding fence building; these are common and can have a profound effect on where and how you build your fence. Know all these things before you put your work gloves on.
2. Set posts straight and deep
Set corner posts first and run a string line from end to end to ensure that all your posts line up. Set posts at least 2′ deep and surround with concrete or tamped down dirt. They may need to be even deeper depending on the frost line where you live. Gate posts should be set even deeper and definitely use concrete to help the post carry the weight.
3. Space posts evenly and appropriately
Properly set posts are what guarantee a long life for your fence. Posts should be set at consistent intervals (usually 6′ to 8′). You don’t want too long of a span between posts. This may cause your rails to sag, thus pulling your fence down and eventually over.
4. Install fence boards correctly
If you are building a cedar fence you can purchase the boards from your local lumber store or fence company. DO NOT gap cedar fence boards when you install them. These boards always come wet and they will shrink as they dry, so butt them tight. For any fence, use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails and use a string-line to set the top of each board so you’ll have a nice straight run.
5. Know your contractor
If you choose to have a contractor build your fence, then know who you are working with. Go over any details of the job with the owner or lead on site, not over the phone. Hire a local contractor if possible. Many large, retail outlets have fencing subcontractors they’ll hire out to do work and oftentimes they are unreliable and do low-quality work. You will have better luck with a local fencing contractor whom you may already know!
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April 9th, 2008 at 8:55 am
[...] Fence building is a very common home improvement project and there are an immense amount of options when choosing how to build your fence. A list of fencing types and materials can read like a short novel and lead to a lot of head scratching. Some common types of fencing are chain link, cedar, picket, and vinyl. Even among these few types there are several different styles you can choose from. Your best bet is to do your own research and decide what would be best for you and your budget. Then you can get down to selecting your fencing material. [...]
April 29th, 2008 at 10:05 am
[...] simply, privacy fences are fences built to keep people on the outside from seeing into your yard. The prohibition of prying eyes and [...]
April 29th, 2008 at 10:47 am
[...] of their yard, don’t really take into account city or county codes or ordinances regarding fence building. And who’s to blame them? Fence building is a common do-it-yourself project and most people, [...]
May 7th, 2008 at 10:05 am
[...] definite boundaries around your yard yet are not too prohibitive. They are also relatively easy to build and serve as a beautiful backdrop for landscaping. Picket fences allow for several different [...]
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
#6 Never use pre-made panels!
July 17th, 2008 at 8:50 am
[...] and, if steps are not taken, very muddy on rainy days. So while a good, and adequately tall, fence is vital, the material you use to cover the ground in the dog run is of the utmost importance. [...]
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Always get all warranties and guarantees in writing. Remember that the warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it.
January 1st, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Check out the fence company with your local BBB. Never pay more than 25% down and use a credit card if at all possible.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:03 am
I agree with @fencecompany that you should never use pre-made panels, and to add to that comment, make sure there are an appropriate amount of rails (3 on 5′-6′ fences) and the nails should also be ring shanked along with the hot dipped galvanized.