In most applications, a wooden fence should be mounted at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you want to mount them) should be the only fence components that come into contact with the ground.
Having a gap between the bottom of your fence and the ground can make yard maintenance and clean up much easier. Uneven landscaping or ground cover can make it difficult to mow, weed eat, and edge around your fence.
Mark rail placement
The bottom rail should be located at least six inches above the ground. This helps keep the boards away from ground moisture, preventing decay, and makes it easier to trim grass if present.
When building a wood fence, be sure to plan for a space between the pickets and the ground. In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground.
If there is a gap underneath your fence, you will need to use filler material to remove the problem. For example, you can put chicken wire in the gap so that the fence opens and closes freely without the gap being exposed. You could also put wood blocks in the gap or even fill it in with cement.
To prevent these types of rot there are some actions you can take: Use rot-resistant, pressure-treated wood when selecting your fence material; during installation ensure that your posts are correctly installed clear of soil contact; finally, maintain your fence by regularly cleaning it and staining it.
One of the most important reasons your fence posts should be set in concrete is to keep them plumb and level over time. If all supporting the fence post is loose soil or sand, a good storm with heavy rains and strong winds can leave your fence leaning and posts sagging.
Windproof fence panels that let the wind pass through. It is known that the best fence panels for windy areas are the ones that let the winds pass through. This means that the fence panels need to have gaps left between the boards, in order to release the wind pressure from the panels.
Screws should never be used when installing a wood fence. While research shown that nails are better for the installation of a wood fence, using the right type of nail is paramount. The list of nails available at your local hardware store is endless, and each nail is designed for a specific purpose.
Stepped Wood Fence
If you have a sloping yard and are looking for a fence that not only enhances your property but also works well with the slope, a stepped wooden fence could be the perfect solution. A stepped wood fence is designed to follow the natural contour of the land, creating a series of levels or steps.
For example, if your vertical short fence will be 100 lineal feet long and your boards are 6 inches wide with no gaps, this means that you'll need two boards per foot = 200 boards. Examine the length of each plank in relation to the height of your fence.
The 'quick' answer is that the finished, or good side of the fence faces the outside of your property, visible to neighbors and the outside world. That being said, the fence posts (or poles), rails, and other hardware are installed on the inside of the fence line and face you.
We've already touched upon this above, but it's well worth reiterating as it can cause confusion. The rules are that the fence posts must be on the owners side of the boundary, but there is no law that states the smooth side must face either way. It is entirely their choice which way the fence will face.
Gaps provide space for air to pass through in such a way that your fence will not be absorbing the full impact of the wind's pushing force. At the same time, it also lessens the wind entering your area, protecting your surroundings as well.
While a treated 4x4 may last 10 to 25 years, depending on the wood, the soil, and weather conditions, following the simple steps below could double or triple that number. By comparison, an untreated wood fence post may need replacing in as little as five years.
To help slow such deterioration, add pea gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the posthole. Once you have added gravel to a depth of three inches or so, use a piece of scrap lumber to tamp down the layer. Next, pour an additional three inches of gravel into the hole, tamping down a second time.
A kickboard, sometimes known as a "rot board," is a piece of wood that's placed on the bottom of a fence and is in contact with the ground. Kickboards are typically pressure-treated. Pressure treating is a process where wood is treated so that it becomes resistant to rot, decay, and pest infestation.
Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence.
How much bottom clearance is required? You should allow for a clearance of at least three inches and no more than six inches under your driveway gate. A gate that's placed too high above the ground will look like it's floating, and one that's too close to the ground will look more like a fence than a gate.
A kickboard is a piece of pressure-treated wood that is placed on the bottom of the fence and is meant to be in direct contact with the ground. Because it's pressure treated, it's more resistant against rot and pests, which will help the rest of your fence last longer.
Reinforce Fences
Use reinforcements for vinyl, composite, and other fences. If you live in an area with high wind warnings, consider reinforcing your posts with wood, metal, or concrete. We provide unique fencing options as each post is dug deeply into the ground and secured with concrete.