Fences provide privacy, define property lines, and keep rambunctious pets in or out of the yard. They can also add curb appeal to your home.
When choosing a fence, consider your budget. A professional fence contractor like Fence Installation Charlotte NC can give you an exact price quote after assessing the yard.
One of the most important steps before a fence can be built is identifying and clearly marking your property lines. This ensures that your new fence will be installed exactly where you want it, and it will also prevent disputes with your neighbors or local zoning authorities. If you’re unsure of your property boundaries, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional surveyor or check your property’s plat map—which is often available from the county land registry office or included with your mortgage paperwork.
Next, walk around the proposed fence line to locate any obstacles that might interfere with the installation process. This might include large rocks, tree stumps, overgrown bushes and plants, or an outdated fence that needs to be taken down. Taking the time to clear these obstacles now will save you the cost and hassle of having them removed later.
Another important preparation step is to contact your local utility companies to have any underground utilities located and marked. This will ensure that your new fence doesn’t accidentally damage any pipes or electrical wires that may be in the area. Your fence company should be able to guide you through this process or even take care of it for an additional fee.
Finally, it’s a good idea to speak with your neighbor(s) about your plans for your new fence—especially if you share a boundary. Make sure they are aware that construction will be taking place and ask them to keep children and pets inside during the installation period.
You should also consider the final appearance of your fence and choose a color or style that will complement your home. Wood fences are popular because they look natural and last a long time, but concrete and vinyl are also options if you want your fence to be more low-maintenance. If you’re choosing a wood fence, be sure to select an option that can either be painted or stained. Cedar, for instance, is beautiful when left untreated but turns gray over time if it’s not stained or protected with a waterproof sealer.
Post-Hole Digging
Once the fence lines and layout are decided on, it is time to dig those post holes. This is a job that can be quite difficult for DIY-ers to tackle on their own and often requires the assistance of professional tools such as augers or a backhoe. Professionals will carefully plan their digging route and method, ensuring that all the post holes are dig at exactly the right location. This will provide maximum stability and durability for the posts.
While it is possible to dig a hole for a fence post using a shovel, the best way to do so is by using a post-hole digger tool. This will ensure that the hole is of the correct size and will not need to be enlarged later on. This will save both time and effort in the long run. It is also important to make sure that all the post holes are dug at the same depth and width so that they will be properly aligned when the fence is installed.
It is also recommended that any time you are going to be digging for a fence hole, you contact your local utility company (you can call 811 in most cases) to mark any underground pipes and cables that may be present in the area where you will be working. Doing so will help to prevent damage to your property and will also ensure that you are safe while digging.
In addition to a post-hole digger tool, you will also need other tools such as a spade and a tamper-end digging bar. You should also make sure that you are wearing appropriate safety gear including a hard hat and work gloves.
Once the post holes are dug, it is a good idea to use a level to check that they are in the correct position and are straight. If they are not, this can cause problems with the fence and may even require that the posts be removed and redone. It is also a good idea to use fast-setting concrete when installing fence posts if possible, as this will help to ensure that the post will be securely in place.
Post-Selection
The type of posts you use will influence the overall strength and durability of your fence. As a general rule, the thicker the post, the better. You should also consider the climate where you live, as certain materials can deteriorate quickly in frosty or damp weather. Finally, your budget should be a factor in determining the material you choose.
When you’re ready to begin digging your posts, it’s a good idea to run a string between them to create a guideline for the rest of the fence’s placement. This will help ensure that your final fence is straight and level.
Before you dig, check with your local building code to find out how deep to install the posts. You’ll probably need to dig a minimum of 3 feet, but it’s better to go deeper than that to make sure your posts will be strong enough to support the fence.
After you’ve dug your holes, you’ll need to fill them with concrete or backfill. If you’re using concrete, mix the dry mix with water and pour it around each post. You can then either let it set up on its own or brace each post with temporary support while the concrete sets.
If you’re installing wood posts, you may want to top off the hole with sloped concrete to help direct rainwater away from the posts and prevent rotting. You should also cover each post with a waterproof sealer or stain to further protect the wood and extend its life.
Builders typically use pressure-treated wood for fence posts. This type of lumber is treated with fungicides and pesticides, which makes it resistant to rot and decay. While it’s generally more expensive than some types of wood, it lasts longer and reduces the need for regular maintenance or repairs. If you prefer to avoid chemical treatments, you can opt for steel posts instead. These are usually more costly than wood, but they last far longer than wood and are a popular choice for builders. They can be purchased at most home improvement stores. For even greater durability, some homeowners prefer to use concrete.
Installation
If you want a fence but are not sure where to begin, you can always hire a professional company to do the work for you. But if you have some experience with woodworking and construction, and are willing to spend the time, you can install your own fence.
Before beginning any work, check with your neighborhood or city board to see what kind of permit you need. It’s also a good idea to contact your utility companies and have them mark any underground pipes or gas lines that might be in the area. This will prevent you from digging into them during the installation process, which could be costly and dangerous.
When you’re ready to get started, lay out your fence design with batter boards (temporary frames made from furring strips) and mason line. Start by identifying the corners of your yard and marking them with stakes. Then, hammer the batter boards down to a depth of about 6 inches, and run the mason line around them. Using this string, you can determine how straight your fence will be and where the posts should go. Be sure to account for any gates that may be included in your design, as well.
Once the posts are set, you can begin installing the panels and pickets. Be sure to measure each piece for an even layout and a square corner, as this will help ensure the fence is built properly and will not shift or sag over time. After each panel or picket is installed, use a carpenter’s level to ensure it is plumb.
If you’re building a fence in a windy or snowy location, consider adding braces to the posts to keep them from blowing down. In addition, make sure to include expansion joints in your design to avoid cracking and damage from moisture expansion, temperature changes, or settlement. You can add these joints about 10 feet apart or at the end of the fence.
Once the fence is finished, apply a protective sealer or stain, if necessary. This will protect the fence from rain and other weather elements, as well as keep it looking its best. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and allow the product to dry completely before using the fence.
