How to Install a Fence?

Fencing around a garden not only offers privacy but also shields plants from the weather and can be included in the landscape design or used as a support structure for vegetation. The most common style of fencing used for defining property lines is made of wooden panels. It will stand for many years if it is properly maintained and can be assembled with relative ease.

Even though it is an element of the home that is frequently disregarded, the fence performs a range of important functions for the household. A privacy fence is an excellent way to guarantee that your property will continue to be kept in complete secrecy. Not only does it prevent animals and possible intruders from entering your yard, but it also acts as an additional barrier against loud neighbors and harsh weather.

Before starting a fence-related project, it is a good idea to educate yourself on some of the fundamentals involved in the process because building a fence can take a significant amount of time and effort. Start right here with our step-by-step installation guide for your new fence.

Property Lines and Construction Codes

Before conducting any research on the subject, you should not even entertain the idea of digging up locations for your fence. The building of fences is frequently subject to stringent regulations; your municipality, neighborhood, or local homeowners organization may all have certain standards that you are required to abide by. Generally speaking, these standards will restrict particular characteristics of your fence, such as its style or its height.

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In addition, in order to ascertain the specific locations on your land where it is permissible for you to install fencing, you will need to inspect and mark the property lines. Refer to the plat of your house, which is the official map of your property that outlines the parameters and dimensions of the land you own. If you don't have this information on hand, the clerk or surveyor of the county in which you live should be able to provide you with a copy.

When you have completed all of the necessary research, it will be in your best interest to discuss the designs for your fence with your neighbors. Make it a point not to construct anything that will be an eyesore or impede their line of sight in any way at all.

Determine the Type of Fence you Want

Following the completion of your research on fence codes and property lines, you are now able to choose the style of fence you want. There are many various types of fences available, but if you want to create a DIY privacy fence, you should generally consider using prefabricated panels for the majority of the fence's construction. 

If this is your situation, the first step in determining the lengths of the fence panels accessible to you will be to choose the type of fence that you will construct. Aside from influencing how you plan and measure your fence, knowing the panel specs is also important.

Make the Markings and Dig the Holes for the Fence Posts

First, make a mark to indicate where the remaining post holes will go. You can do this with a gravel board or a tape measure; the gravel board is a faster method of measurement because it has the same width as the fence panel.

Get the Things you Need

Here is a list of things you need while installing a fence.

• Concrete mix
• Post hole digger
• Power drill
• Tape measure
• Level
• Fence panels
• Posts for a fence
• Nails
• Hammer
• Screws

Set Posts

Before you can proceed with constructing the rest of your fence, the fence posts need to be set in place. Install a post along the length of your fence at intervals of 6 to 8 feet and ensure that the spacing between each post is consistent.

Dig a hole for the fence post with a post hole digger to a depth that is approximately one-third as deep as the height of the fence post. For instance, a hole that is approximately 2 feet deep would be needed for a post that is 6 feet tall. Be wary of buried utility lines and pipelines while you dig. Keep an eye out for them.

Gravel should be poured into each post hole to a depth of approximately three to four inches. Place approximately 6 to 8 inches of the concrete mixture on top of the gravel. Placing your post in the center of the mixture, then using a level to confirm that it is plumb will ensure that it is in the correct location. Find out how long it should take your concrete mix to completely dry out and set by carefully following the instructions that come with it.

Put Rails on the Posts you just Installed

The height of your fence will determine the number of rails that you need for it. You will most likely require at least three rails for a privacy fence: one along the bottom edge of your fence, one in the middle of your fence, and one along the top edge of your fence. Either a power drill equipped with deck screws or a simple hammer and nails can be used to secure railings in place.

FENCE RAILS

Put Pickets on the Rails 

You can use the same drill or hammer method that you utilized in order to install the rails in order to attach the pickets to the rails. It is important to keep in mind that the process of building will go much more quickly and easily if panels are utilized rather than pickets. Panels can typically be attached directly to the posts, which eliminates the need to install rails and attach pickets one at a time. This expedites the overall installation process.

If you do choose to use panels, you might want to think about installing one that can be removed somewhere along the length of your fence. In the event that you ever find yourself in need of receiving a sizable shipment at your house, panels of this type can be quickly and easily detached to make a larger entryway into your yard.

Put in Place the Gate

Your fence will not be complete until it has the gate installed. In the event that you have not yet put in your gate posts, you may do it in the same manner in which you would put in regular fence posts. After the posts have been installed, you will need a drill, a screwdriver, and the appropriate hardware to construct the gate. For a simple gate, you will only want screws, the locking mechanism of your choice, and hinges of the appropriate size.

First, make sure your measurements are accurate and predrill the spots on your gate section and gate posts where you intend to attach the hinges. After that, attach your gate's hinges using the screws. After that, fasten the gate to the posts using the necessary hardware. Install your locking hardware according to the manufacturer's instructions, as the final step.

Ensure that you have Sufficient Coverage

It is a good idea to get in touch with your insurance agent as soon as possible after you have completed your fence installation so that you can let them know that you have made modifications to your home.

It is possible that certain changes you make to your property, such as building a fence, will result in an increase in both the value of your home and the amount of the premium that you are required to pay for homeowner's insurance.

By getting to know you better, your neighborhood agent can make certain that you have insurance protection that is suitable not only for your way of life but also for your current financial situation.

Final Words

Especially if you are a military family that travels around a lot, you want to make sure that each of your residences is as comfortable and inviting as you possibly can make it. If you install a privacy fence in your backyard, it can be transformed into an oasis. This is because the fence not only creates a safe space for your children, pets, and guests to play in, but it also provides you with the sense of seclusion and tranquility that you're looking for in your outdoor space.

However, many military homeowners who decide to install a privacy fence go right into the process without first doing their homework. This is due to the fact that they naturally want to get established as quickly as possible after leaving the service. When it comes to constructing and installing a privacy fence, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind in order to help you avoid potential problems as well as costly mistakes.