Installing a Fence; Considerations for Purpose, Style,
and Layout
A well-constructed attractive picket fence, garden fence, wood
fence, (such as a pine or cedar fence) or privacy fence can greatly
enhance the value and appeal of any property.
Before undertaking a fence construction project, important considerations
must be made. This includes:
- The main function of the fence
1. security
2. boundary
3. confinement
4. noise reduction
5. privacy
6. decorative appeal
- The exact location of the property line
- Any land use easements (right of use granted other persons
who require passage through your property in order to access their
own).
- Any underground utilities present
- Local zoning laws and building permit requirements
- How plans will effect neighbors
- Discussing fence building plans with neighbors
Planning Your Fence and Obtaining Materials
Once these aspects have been addressed, you are ready to plan
type and design of fence, and purchase fence material. The type
of fence you plan will be somewhat dictated by the purpose of the
fence.
For privacy, a solid 6-foot fence with closely spaced pickets might
be best; confinement or boundary fences, 4 to 5-feet tall. For decorative
purposes consider a spaced picket fence; 4-foot tall or less, that
still allows for surrounding views.
A shadowbox fence utilizes alternately spaced vertical pickets
or slats on both sides of the support rails, and suits multiple
purposes. Privacy, confinement and boundary are all provided, in
addition to decorative appeal since it has an attractive look from
either side. And since pickets are spaced on either side, this type
fence also does not restrict air flow the way ordinary wood fences
do.
One alternative to making a fence using individual planks or boards
has become a popular trend. Easy to install fencing available in
kits that include decorative fence panels sections in various styles;
quickly installed to posts once properly set in the ground.
Installation Begins with Main Post and Line Post Placement
Whether installing a prefabricated kit or a more traditional wood
privacy fence, the procedure on how to build a wood fence is much
the same.
4X4 ACQ pressure treated wood fence posts are commonly used as
main post and line post supports for most fences. Because these
type posts make direct contact with the ground; using lumber with
a wood preservative like ACQ is best. ACQ helps protect against
wood decay and wood destroying insects.
Corners must be marked and a main post properly installed on each
corner; use a post hole digger or post hole shovel. Special care must
be given to ensure each fence post is accurately in place and plumb.
Dig holes a little wider at the bottom than at the top for a more
“locked-in” fit; secure posts in place by filling the
hole with pre-mixed concrete (widely available in 30 to 40 lb. bags.)
Open the bag of cement, pour contents into the hole, and mix with
water according to bag instructions. Make sure that fence posts
are securely in place, and remain plumb until concrete is set.
For a less permanent fence installation, posts may be positioned
in holes, filled in with soil, and soil tamped and packed firmly
around posts.
Once main corner posts are secure, stretch twine tightly between
them; this will be your mark line for line posts. Pay special attention
to measurements for proper spacing when using prefabricated panels.
While some panels may be cut to fit an irregular space, others may
not.
Line posts are installed in the same manner as main posts, depending
on permanent or temporary installation procedure. Remember to keep
posts at a uniform depth as well as the same above-ground height.
Once posts are properly in place and cement set, post tops can
be cut to compensate for any inconsistencies. Gate posts and fence
gate hardware must be taken into consideration when deciding over-all
measurements, layout, and when installing line posts.
Adding Rails, Panels, and Pickets
Once all posts are securely in place, support rails are added
for traditional fences. For prefabricated kit installation, each
fence panel is secured between posts. For a rustic or decorative
rail fence, once rails are in place, fence installation is complete.
Depending on fence type, traditional or picket fence, pickets or
slats are spaced and installed vertically to fence support rails.
Once pickets or slats are securely fastened, the fence is ready
for the paint or stain of choice and final weatherproofing.
Consider Hiring a Professional
While many DIY project homeowners are capable and knowledgeable
about how to build a fence, many opt to enlist the services of a
fence contractor.
An experienced fencing contractor can accurately layout the fence
design, assemble the fence quickly. A fence contractor builder is
also an expert when it comes to installing troublesome fence gates
and fence gate hardware.
Want to locate an experienced Ontario fence contractor, a residential
Quebec ornamental fence builder, an Alberta fencing professional,
or a fence installation professional anywhere else in Canada quickly?
HandyCanadian.com is your best resource.
For any Canada fence project, homeowners can sign up for free,
with no obligation, and post their project online with our easy-to-use
tools. Reliable local contractors interested in the project will
provide competitive bids in days, even hours after posting.
To sign up and find just the right fence installer for your project,
To sign up and post a project, click
here. It’s as easy as 1-2-3; post your project online,
sit back, and collect bids! To search our directory, click
here.
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