Fences can be installed for a number of reasons, including adding privacy, security and curb appeal. They can also create an extra layer of protection around your home, especially if you have pets or young children.
Installing a fence is not an easy task, however. It takes a lot of work and research to make sure it is properly aligned, firmly connected, and sturdy. Using the wrong type of fence materials, or installing it improperly can put you in harm’s way.
The best way to ensure that your fence installation will go smoothly is to follow a few simple steps. These tips will help you ensure that your fence is safe, sturdy and attractive for many years to come.
1. Establish Your Property Lines
Whether you are installing a fence on your own or with the help of a contractor, it is crucial to get to know your property lines before you dig any holes. To do this, you should use a plat of survey, which is a map prepared by civil engineers that clearly delineates your property lines.
2. Use a String Guide
A string is an important tool for installing your fence, as it allows you to mark the exact location of each post without using any tools. When you’re ready to begin, run a string from each post to the next so that they are taut and level with one another.
3. Set Your Posts Plumb in the Ground
If you are building your Cedar Fence Installation from wood, you will want to have it set plumb in the ground. This will ensure that your fence won’t collapse due to the weight of snow or wind. It will also prevent your fence from sagging over time.
4. Top off the Hole with Concrete
If your posts are made of treated wood, you may wish to top off the hole with some concrete. This helps to direct the water away from your posts, and it also slows down the decomposition process that occurs in wood underground.
5. Build a Mound at the Bottom of Your Fence Posts
If your fence posts are made of treated wood, you should make a small mound at the bottom of each post to help with drainage and to keep them from rotting in the ground. This will also help to secure the post in the ground, and it will help direct rain and snow melt away from the post so that the wood stays dry.
6. Add Some Gravel to Your Holes
Pea-sized landscaping gravel is usually the most affordable and effective type of gravel for this purpose. Place some of it at the bottom of each fence post hole and spread it out evenly.
7. Use a Power Auger
If you have the budget for it, purchasing an auger is an excellent investment that will help you finish this project much faster. This machine can break up tough soils and roots, making your fence installation much more efficient.
Whether you plan to install your fence yourself or hire a professional, preparing the yard and getting the job done right are important factors. This can make the process faster and more cost-effective, and will help you ensure that your new fence looks its best.
Materials and labor costs vary depending on the type of fencing you want to install, its length and other considerations. For example, if you’re installing a wood fence, it can be cheaper to do it yourself than to hire professionals.
Fence installation is a great way to improve your home’s appearance, provide security and privacy, and create a sense of a well-defined boundary. It also increases property value and can be a source of pride for homeowners.
Prepare your yard for Fence Installation
The first step is to clear out any debris or other clutter that might interfere with the installers’ work. This includes things like old tires, broken toys, tarps and anything else that may slow them down or cause damage while they’re working.
Determine your property lines
The best way to make sure you’re not erecting a fence on someone else’s land is to mark it with stakes and run string along the line. This can save you a lot of headaches down the road, and it will help to maintain good neighborly relations.
Choose your fence material
The most common type of fencing is a wooden fence. It’s available in a variety of styles and can add curb appeal and privacy to your home, but it requires more maintenance than other fence types. It can be susceptible to termites and weather, and needs regular staining or sealing to protect it from the elements.