One of the most challenging aspects of building a fence on your own is accounting for the small changes in elevation when setting the posts. To maintain a completely straight line, you'll need to calculate the difference in rise and fall for individual sections of your yard.
The hardest part of any fence installation is digging the postholes. The level of difficulty, not surprisingly, depends on the fence length and hardest of the soil. For a short fence, use a manual posthole digger.
The reality is DIY fence installation is a challenge, and it's a job better left to the professionals. Not only will you probably end up frustrated if you tackle the install yourself, but you may lose money on it, too. Here are the most common fence installation issues – and why you're better off trusting the pros.
There really isn't a “good” side. Some customers feel that the smooth side or the picket fence side is nicer looking and so many prefer to see this side. It is important to note that any fence visible from the street should have the smooth side facing out toward the street. Many if not most HOA's require this.
It's easy to learn how to build a wood fence using either fence “pickets” or ready-made panels. Vinyl and metal fences typically come as kits with pre-assembled panels and matching posts. Learning how to build any fence requires careful planning and construction.
Building your own fence can potentially save you money, but it also depends on several factors. If you have experience in construction and have access to tools, it can be a cost-effective option. However, if you need to purchase tools and materials, it may end up being more expensive than hiring a professional.
What is the Easiest Fence to Install Yourself? Did you know: with the right tools and planning, vinyl fences are among the easiest fences to install yourself! This is due to the fact that you install this material with essentially a no-dig design rather than needing to dig posts bases and fill them with cement.
Face the finished side of the fence toward your neighbor
In particular, the solid panel fences often used for privacy are generally constructed like this. The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it's the standard.
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.
Fence posts should be on the outside of the fence
The correct installation of ag fencing is to place it on the inside of the posts. This way, animals in the enclosure brush against the wire, not the posts. Fence posts that have been placed outside of the fence material will take nearly all of the animal's force.
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.
It's best to recruit a friend or family member to help. Digging post holes and pouring concrete can be done by yourself if you have plenty of time to complete the fence. Installing panels requires a second person to hold each panel level while another person attaches it to the fence.
The positions and movements in fencing must be precise to be powerful. In order to perfect that precision, the body must become flexible and strong. In fencing, as in a martial art, power and precision go hand in hand. Fencing is a workout for the mind, requiring extreme mental discipline to perform properly and well.
Steel. Like aluminum, steel is a resilient material, making it a great option if you're ready to invest in a new fence. Galvanized steel chain-link fencing is especially long-lasting. It holds up well to wind and rain, and small sections can be easily replaced if any damage occurs.
That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material. It does not need to be stained, and it is easy to clean with soap and water. Vinyl fencing is the superior choice among fence materials.
Whether you're building a fence, setting a mailbox or even a basketball goal, the best way to ensure your posts will stay sturdy and true for years is to set them in concrete.
The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.
Installing fence posts without cement is a cheaper alternative to using cement, but it is not as strong or secure. Fence posts can be made out of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
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. That being said, there is something of an unwritten rule that should be abided by here.
Rights and Permissions. If you do not own the fence and it resides within your neighbour's property, you will likely need their permission to attach anything to it.
He is all pine and I am apple orchard. And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors.'
Wood fence is one of the most popular types of fence and attractive to home buyers. If you're looking for a fence that will increase your home value and give a 50% return on investment, a wooden fence is a perfect option.
If privacy is your main goal, you'll want a fence that is at least 6-feet high to prevent nosy neighbors or curious passers-by from peeking in. To be extra safe, choose a 7- or 8-foot high fence. Before you start building, however, double-check that local regulations allow you to build a fence to this height.
Very Low-Maintenance Fencing Option: Vinyl
While it will never need painted or stained like a pressure-treated wood fence, vinyl fencing should get a good hose-down every now and then to prevent mildew. Semi-annually or annually washing a vinyl fence with a hose is how you can keep it from showing dirt.