Fence Construction: A Beginner's Guide
Have you ever wanted to start building a fence and never been sure where to begin? While no two fences are exactly alike, there are plenty of variables and options available to anyone interested in building a fence. Whether you're looking for something permanent that stands the test of time or something more temporary for a garden or backyard, this guide will give you the information you need to make your next fence a success.
Different Fence Designs You Can Install
If you are building a new fence or want to upgrade your existing one, there are different fence designs you can install. Here is a list of different types of fences that can be installed in your yard.
Picket fence
Picket fences are the most common type of fence you'll see. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Picket fences can be made from wood or metal and are usually covered with wire mesh. These fences are usually used for privacy purposes, but they can also be used as a decorative element in your yard.
Lattice fence
Lattice fences are similar to picket fences, but they have more style and appeal to them. They typically have decorative columns that run down the length of the fence line and may be covered with vine or creepers. The lattice design is often used on houses and other buildings as well, so it can add character to your yard without being too formal or stark.
Horizontal board fence
Horizontal board fences are made out of wooden planks that are nailed together at each end of the board. These types of fences are generally lightweight and easy to install, but they do require some maintenance at times due to rotting wood over time.
Split rail fence
This type of fence is made up of two rails that are separated by the spaces between them. The two rails can be of different lengths, but they must be at least 6 feet apart. The posts should be placed about 6 feet from the ground and spaced at intervals of about 3 feet apart. This type of fence is very straightforward to install and does not require a lot of tools or materials.
Shadow box fence
The shadow box fence is another type of decorative fence that's easy to install and maintain. You'll need to purchase some pre-made panels that measure 2 feet by 3 feet or 4 feet by 4 feet in order to build this type of fence. These panels are usually made from cedar or pressure-treated lumber, and they come in two parts: top and bottom sections that fit together like a puzzle. You'll need to attach these panels to each other using screws or nails, depending on whether you want them to be removable or permanent fixtures in your yard or garden space.
Woven hurdle fence
This is a traditional style of fencing that consists of a woven mesh of vertical wires. This type of fencing works well in areas where you want to keep the livestock contained and also has the added benefit of being aesthetically pleasing. The classic woven wire fence can be used on its own or with other types of fencing to create a more complex design.
Reed or willow wattle fence
A reed or willow wattle fence is an attractive option for those who want to add some texture and color to their garden or yard. This style of fencing consists of rods that are woven together using long reeds or branches from willow trees. The rods are then spaced out along the ground, creating a natural appearance that's very similar to that of a wooden picket fence in appearance.
Palisade or picket-style fence
Palisade or picket-style fences are another great choice for garden security, but they tend to be more expensive than woven hurdles or reed/willow wattle fences. Palisades are usually installed in groups, which means they can be easier to maintain than single-piece woven fencing.
Bamboo lattice panel fence
The bamboo lattice panel fence is made up of bamboo, which is a natural material that is durable and strong. This type of fence can be installed quickly because it does not require screws, nails, or glue to hold it together. The bamboo is also resistant to pests and weather conditions, so this type of fence will last longer than other types of fencing.
Factors to Consider When Installing Your New Fence
There are several types of fence designs that you can install. And no matter what type of fence you want to install, there are factors that determine which type should be the best for your needs.
Fence material
The fencing material you choose will depend on the look and feel you want. If your fence is located near a busy road, it might be better to go with steel or aluminum, as they are harder to climb. Stainless steel is also an excellent choice if you plan on keeping your fence intact for many years.
Height and length
The height of the fence should suit your needs. For example, if there's tall grass around your property, a low chain link fence would be ideal. However, if you have a small yard, installing a taller chain link fence will often make this area look small and uninviting. It's important that you choose the right height so that no matter where someone stands on your property, they can see over it easily without having to bend down or stretch up too far.
Slope
The slope of your yard is one of the biggest considerations when installing a fence. If the ground is steep at a corner or driveway, a privacy fence will not work well. You can use a low fence to hide a steep grade or make it look less steep by using different heights of wire on the top and bottom of the fence.
Restrictions
If you have neighbors who are not happy with a particular type of fence, they may contact the city or county government to have it removed. Fences that are too tall or too close to another property may also be an issue if there are no rules in place about what kinds of fences are allowed in a particular area. Before you install any type of fence, check with your city or county government about regulations regarding fences in that area.
Fence maintenance
You should always keep an eye on your fence after installation to make sure it is maintained properly. This can include checking for breaks or damage from vandalism or neglect by children or pets. You can also use a wire brush to clean up any debris that might have gotten into the wood sections of the fence, which can make it look dirty if not cleaned up immediately after installation.
Location
Location is of prime importance when you consider where to install your fence. Fences are not just a barrier; they also serve as a divider between your property and that of your neighbors. This is why it is important to consider the location of the fence before choosing one. You need to ensure that the fence will fit well with the surrounding environment and will not obstruct any view from your house or building.
Purpose
What is the purpose of your new fence? Does it need to be tall and imposing? Or maybe you just want a low fence to keep the dog in their yard? There are many factors that go into choosing the right location for your fence, but ultimately it will depend on what you want and how much money you have. If you have a large yard, consider putting up a taller fence. If you have very little space, save money by adding more posts or using posts less than 6 feet tall.
Should You DIY or Have a Pro Build Your Fence
So should you DIY or have a pro build your fence? As with many decisions in life, the answer is: it depends. That's right, it depends. There are pros and cons to each option, so if you're considering building a fence yourself or hiring someone to do it for you, here's what to consider.
Tools
The first thing to consider when deciding whether you DIY or hire a pro to build your fence is the tools you have. If you have any tools at all, it will be easier to get started with your fence project. However, if you don't have any tools, then hiring a contractor might be the better option.
Materials
You also need to consider whether or not you have enough materials on hand to finish your fence (especially if it's not a simple project). You will also want to make sure that the materials being used are appropriate for the type of fence being built. For example, if you want an ornamental fence, then be sure that what materials are being used will not damage the grass or other plants in your yard.
Experience
Do you have enough experience? This is especially true if you plan on building an extension or if the fence is not only for security but also for decoration purposes. If this is the case, then it's important to hire someone who has experience doing this type of work as well as having good references from previous clients.
Fence Contractor Why is it Important to Get a Reputable One
A fence contractor plays an important part in your home. When you're choosing one to install fences, it's important that they have a reputation for reliability and professionalism. You want to make sure that they're going to be there when you need them and will do their job properly and correctly the first time around.
Trust
Fence contractors have to be trustworthy in order to ensure that they are able to complete the job on time. They must also have the right equipment and tools, which will help them complete the work efficiently. It is also advisable for you to hire a fence contractor who has been in this business for some time and has established good relationships with other fence contractors. You can get referrals from friends or family members who have used this particular fence contractor before.
Reliability
It is important that you choose a reliable fence contractor because they do not charge extra money if they cannot finish the project at hand. This means that you won't have to pay extra fees when you are uncertain about their services. Furthermore, if your fence contractor does not finish the job on time, you don't have any reason for complaint since there is nothing for him or her to gain from making excuses.
Better workmanship
A reputable fence contractor can build you a better quality fence. Not only will the materials be better, but the installation will be done in a professional manner. You won't have to deal with any issues, and you can be confident that your new fence will last for years to come.
Less headaches
Getting a reliable contractor is important because it helps you avoid dealing with headaches later on down the line. For example, if you hire a contractor who doesn't do their job properly or doesn't respond to your questions, then they may not want to work with you in the future. On top of that, if something goes wrong during construction — like if there's an issue with the materials — then it could lead to more problems down the line. If this happens often enough, then you may have trouble finding a good contractor again.
Common maintenance practices for your fence
The fence serves as a boundary between your property and the surrounding environment. It also provides a secure boundary that provides privacy but needs to be maintained so that it lasts for years to come. The following are some common maintenance practices for your fence.
Staining
Staining is the most important part of preparing your fence for winter. It will help to protect the wood from moisture and preserve the color while making it easier to see any damage that may have occurred. If you have a wood fence, you should stain it every year to keep it looking good and prevent rot or decay. If you have a vinyl or composite fence, staining is not recommended because it can make the material brittle or crack over time.
Sealing
Sealing is another important maintenance practice that you should do regularly. A sealer helps prevent water from seeping through cracks in the concrete and causing damage. To seal your fence, apply a thin layer of sealant with a brush or roller until it's evenly distributed over the entire surface area of your fence. A quality product will dry within one hour, but if you're in a hurry, you can use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.
Replacing wood panels
Wood panels are not cheap, and they can start to look a little shabby after a few years. If yours have reached the point at which they need replacing, get them replaced before spring sets in. If you've got a new fence panel and don't like the color or texture of the wood, you can replace it with something else. Just make sure that when you do so, you use the same material and finish as was used on your original panel. The fence provides a lot of protection for you, your home, and your property. By building a fence, you are creating a solid barrier that will help to prevent crime in your home. If you are looking for information on fence construction or have recently purchased the materials needed to erect the fence, use this guide as a way to get started on the project.
