How to build a Fence?

Building a fence demands a considerable amount of time and hard work. Usually, the contractors take care of the fence construction, but it can be your DIY venture, provided you have the collection of the right tools and basic knowledge about it. 

There are several things to keep in mind before you take up this venture as a set of instruction list, which is as follows: 

• Jot down your requirements 
• Once you decide on the fence type, consider its material 
• Do research about the ways of doing it 
• Check your property line 
• Think of adding green elements 
• Workout the cost 
• Seek professional advice

Let’s see the construction steps in detail.

1. Examine your property lines and local building codes

Doing your research before collecting your tools and digging up any spot to build a fence is essential. Remember, fence construction is a regulated affair. There are certain specific codes of your local homeowner’s association, neighborhood or city, which you need to follow. These codes come along with certain fence features, including height or style.

At the same time, you have to check and mark your property line. It helps in finding out where you intend to place your fence. You have to check your home’s plan, which is the official map of any property. These have details like the measurements and boundaries. 

If you fail to have it, you must obtain the same from your local authority (concerned office clerk or surveyor). Once you finish your research work, you review the fence plan, consulting your neighbor. The fence you will build should not block their view by any means.

2. Pick your preferred fence type

Once you are through the first step, it’s time to decide the type of fence you want within your property. There are many fences, but we will focus only on a typical DIY privacy fence. 

We will focus on the fences, which are often constructed using prefabricated panels. For such cases, you have to check the fence style of your choice as per the fence panel’s availability. Learning about the panel specification will also impact your planning and measurements of your fence. 

Property owners have different fence options to try; a few of these are enlisted below:

• Chain-link – These fence types use metal fences constructed using galvanized steel wire in a diamond pattern all over the panels. These are also called cyclone or hurricane fences and are often used as security fences at places like parks.
• Privacy fence – These fences use fence materials and height only to secure their properties. These also add aesthetics to your property. These are built of concrete, stone, wood or vinyl. 
• Picket fences – These are popular choices for homes. These are developed by using vertical boards called pickets that are spaced in an even way on any horizontal fence rails. These are usually designed using wood or PVC material. 

3. Prepare your materials, tools and your lot

The following are the tools and materials for building a wood fence. 

• Hammer
• Posthole digger
• Power drill
• Level
• Tape measure
• Fence posts
• Fence panels
• Screws
• Nails
• Concrete mix

4. Mark the fence layout, post locations, spacing and your batter boards

As you move ahead with your DIY venture to build fences, it will start with measuring and marketing the layout. You need to inspect the property where you want to construct the fence. The following are the steps involved in measuring and marking the fence layout: 

• Measure the entire fence line, and it will include gates. Using a measuring wheel is effective If you are dealing with an extensive layout. Using chalk or spray paint can help outline your fence and label the locations for the gate. 
• Define the number of panels you require. As you measure the total fence footage, you must reduce the total lengths of your gates. Now, you need to divide the same with the required panel length of your chosen fence style. It helps determine the number of panels you need to build a fence. You have to fill the remaining footage using pickets or partial panels. 
• Check the number of fence posts you would require. To determine the number of fence posts you will need, you must follow a simple formula. Divide your fence length by post spacing, and you will get the answer. Generally, you will find the post every 6-8 feet.

5. Dig your holes and set your posts

You must position your posts before you start the construction of the rest of your fence. You must place a post at a 6 – 8 feet gap, keeping it over the fence line. It ensures a similar distance in every post. 

With the help of a hole digger, you have to dig a hole around ⅓ of the fence post height. For instance, if you have a six-foot post, you would need a hole of around 2 feet deep. As you continue with your digging work, keep a check over the pipes and utility lines. 

You must pour 3-4 inches of gravel for all the post holes. Add 6-8 inches of concrete mix over the gravel. Now, you must place the post at the center of the mixture. To ensure it is evenly positioned, you have to plumb the post. Remember, the concrete will take some time to dry, perhaps a few days.

6. Attach your fence rails to their respective posts

Once your concrete is dried at the base of your posts, you can begin attaching fence rails to their respective posts. However, you need to know the number of rails, which is worked out depending on the fence height. If you are dealing with a privacy fence, you require around three rails. The first one will remain at the bottom edge of the fence, followed by the one in the middle and finally at the top edge. You need deck screws and a power drill to accomplish the job of attaching the rails. Even using a hammer or nails can suffice for this task.

7. Position your fence pickets to their rails

Using the same hammer or drill method, you can easily install the rails as discussed in the step above. 

Do keep in mind that with the help of using panels rather than pickets, your building experience can become easy and instant. You can easily attach the panel directly to every post, thus getting rid of the stress of installing all the rails and attaching several pickets simultaneously.

You can install a removable panel along the fence if you intend to use panels. Using these panels will ease detaching them, only to develop a more significant pathway to your yard or property. It will be helpful for you when you have a big delivery awaiting at your place. 

8. Build and install your fence gate

Installing a gate will add a finishing touch to your newly built fence. If you are keen on installing the gate posts, you can accomplish this job the same way we have installed any standard fence post (as discussed above). Once you find the posts at their place, you must grab a screwdriver, a drill, and the required hardware for a basic gate installation. You need screws, a lock and appropriate size hinges.

Take the exact measurements and pre-drill at the spot where you intend to attach the hinges in the gate posts and the right section of the gate. Using the hinges and screw on the gate, you must connect the entrance gate to the posts. Lastly, you must install the locking hardware according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

In conclusion, building a fence involves the following steps ‒ examining your property and local building codes, picking your preferred fence type, preparing your materials, tools and your lot, and marking the fence layout, among others. You can build a fence as a DIY venture or hire professionals for installation.

Eden offers fence installation services, including maintenance, which can help your fence gain a cutting edge. You can approach any such requirement and rest assured of the quality and value of money.