Fence installation can be complicated and time-consuming, especially in areas with difficult soils or large rocks. It is also important to keep in mind the style and durability of your fence. Always check with your neighbors before starting any construction on your property. It is a good idea to let them know what you are doing so they are not surprised by noise or debris during the building process.
Planning
Installing a fence can be an exciting project for homeowners who are interested in creating privacy, preventing children and pets from wandering into a pool or yard and adding curb appeal to their home. However, there are a number of important considerations that need to be addressed before you head out to your local home improvement store to buy materials. This includes determining where you plan to build the fence, which material you want it to be made from and the style of fence that you desire.
You will need to check with your local city or town laws, zoning regulations and homeowner’s association rules if you live in an HOA neighborhood. Some cities and towns may require that you obtain a permit prior to construction, especially for very tall or complex fences. If a permit is required, you will need to submit detailed plans for review and approval. In addition, you will need to get a property survey prior to beginning work in order to ensure that the fence is built entirely within your own property lines.
It is important to determine whether or not your neighbor has any existing fences near your proposed building site, as the height of the fence you build will impact them. It is also important to find out if any local utilities are located in the area where you intend to build the fence. These may include underground water, gas or electrical lines. If any of these are in the way, it will be necessary to contact your utility provider to arrange for them to be relocated.
Before you start digging your post holes, it is a good idea to purchase a post hole digger or auger and a tape measure. This will allow you to dig the holes to a depth that will be strong enough to support your fence once it is completed. You will also need to consider the type of soil in your area, as sandy or rocky ground may require deeper holes than loamy or clay soils. Taking these factors into account can make the difference between a solid, long-lasting fence and one that will fail quickly.
Digging the Posts
Creating the post holes for your fence is one of the most time-consuming and laborious tasks in any fencing project. It requires precision and expertise, especially in rocky or sandy soil. It is also a job that is made even more difficult without the right equipment. There are a number of different tools that can be used to dig post holes, the cheapest being a shovel and the fastest being an earth auger gas or electric. However, even with the right tools, digging a post hole for a fence is still a labour-intensive and time-consuming task.
The holes must be dug to an exact size and depth in order for the fence posts to set properly. Local requirements vary but a good rule of thumb is to dig a hole that is as deep as 1/3 the height of the post. Many fence contractors may set the posts on the same day that they dig the holes, but this is not always possible.
Once the holes are dug they must be refilled with dirt in such a way as to keep the posts straight. This is a very difficult job because the dirt has lost its rigidity and must be repacked with a tool like a tamper, the back of a shovel or the head of a jackhammer. This must be done carefully so as not to knock the post out of alignment and it is also important to tamp down the dirt to ensure that it is compacted.
In addition to being a tedious and time-consuming task, digging post holes for a fence can be dangerous if you hit underground wires or pipes. It is recommended that homeowners and fence builders call their local utilities before starting any digging project to have underground utility lines marked for free. This simple step can prevent serious accidents and costly repairs. The best option for digging fence post holes is to rent a powered digger, which will make the job much quicker and easier. A digger is expensive but it will save a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Attaching the Panels
Before installing your panels, it’s a good idea to paint or stain them. This can help preserve the wood and protect it from weather damage over time. It’s easier to do this before you install them, as it’s much harder to reach once they are in place.
Fence panels are usually attached with screws or nails to posts that are sunk into the ground and either tamped down or put in concrete for stability. This makes them a bit different from fencing materials that are just tied to stakes or boards that sit on the ground, as those don’t really “sit” on anything. So, it’s important to have the fence posts in the correct location and at the right height.
To ensure your fence is properly aligned, run two builder’s lines across the ground between the first set of posts. You can then use the lines to mark where to dig for the next post. You may also want to brace the recently installed posts as you work.
When you’re ready to install the first panel, cut two short pieces of scrap wood to act as supports and screw them to the bottom facing edges of adjacent posts. Then, stretch a line level between the two of them and make sure that the bubble is centered. If it’s not, you’ll need to dig a new hole and add another post.
Once the ground is level, drive in the new post. Repeat the process with the other posts. When you’re done, the line level should show that the posts are perfectly vertical.
For the rest of the posts, dig holes that are about 10 inches deep and at least as wide as the post’s foot. Mix some concrete, and pour it in around the post. Let it cure before you finish putting in the rest of the fence posts.
If you’re using trellis or panel fences, you may need to attach the panel to the wall with metal brackets that can be screwed or nailed into place. This helps keep the fence stable, especially if climbing plants such as ivy are used to cover it.
Attaching Post Caps
Post caps not only add a nice finishing touch to your fence, but they also help protect the top of the fence posts. Without a cap, the end grain on the top of fence posts can absorb moisture and lead to rot and cracking. With a cap, the wood is covered, and the water is directed to the ground where it can evaporate. In addition, the cap can keep animals from using fence posts as perches and provide a barrier to wind and sun damage.
There are many different types of post caps available to choose from. Some are made from wood, and some are made from metal or vinyl. When choosing a cap, make sure it is appropriate for the type of fence you are installing. If the cap is made from wood, it should be treated with a preservative to protect against the elements. Wood post caps can be stained or painted, which allows you to personalize the look of your fence.
To attach a post cap, first, remove any loose debris from the top of the fence post. Clean the top surface of the fence post with a damp cloth or brush. Then, place the post cap onto the top of the fence post, making sure it is centered and straight. Secure the cap in place with carpenter glue or screws, if needed. If you decide to use screws, be sure to drill a narrow pilot hole before screwing them in, as this will prevent splitting the post.
When the glue is dry, use a power drill to screw in the screws. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause the post to rot and break. If you do not use a power drill, you can screw in the screws by hand with a screw driver. It is best to use a drill with a hex bit, as it will allow you to screw in the screws more easily and will not create splits in the post.
Once the post caps are in place, you can stand back and admire your work. This is the point in the process where your fence starts to take shape and gain its defining character. Depending on the type of fence you are installing, you may now be ready to install your panels or pickets.