Tips On Building A Fence

As we travel the country we are surprised to discover that fences are not popular nation wide. We find them to be somewhat more prevalent in the west. Since they are used to establish boundaries and create private space, we assume that there must be very strong cultural differences between those who have them and those who don’t. In any event, they do define specific areas of use in the yard: recreation, vegetable gardens, flower and herb gardens, pet areas, relaxation and storage.

Besides privacy, fences, security gates and walls can frame views defining and accentuating them. Tall, solid aluminum fencing installations may also restrict the view from the outside and improve security – deterring unwelcome visitors and intruders.

Planning a fence should involve a trip to the local building department to find out what restrictions may exist. For example, a fence may be limited to a certain height. Also, where fences are normally placed exactly on the property lines (between properties), a fence may be required to be set back from the front property line. As with most building rules, if you feel that it is important that you are allowed to vary from the norm you can apply for a variance. Finally, if you are considering a swimming pool you should check to see if your building department requires it to be surrounded by a fence. You can talk to a fence company to get the full details if you are considering to install one.

Also of significant importance, is to be sure that your fence is planned so that it doesn’t collide with underground facilities such as water, sewer and power lines. Depending on where you live, you can check with your local utility or a private service that can locate underground lines. Regardless of who you decide to use, be sure not to begin drilling fence post holes until you have done your homework. Nature also creates obstructions. A tree should not be used as a fence post. Driving a nail into the trunk could damage the bark. Damaged tissues and nail holes are invitations to infection. Also, as the tree grows, it can uproot your fence. Rocks are sometimes like icebergs – often 90% of the mass is below grade. Make sure the rock can be removed before exactly deciding on a fence post layout.

Most important, always talk to your neighbors when planning a fence or privacy wall. Fences between property lines can have an impact on your neighbor’s property too. They may have valuable input and may be willing to share the cost. On the other hand, if you have “the neighbor from hell” who doesn’t want to help with the design or the cost, go ahead and build the fence a few inches inside your own property line. Make sure to have your property line surveyed to insure that the location of the fence doesn’t come back later to bite you in the back side. And by all means, be sure to check with your building department to insure that you comply with all setback regulations. And, make sure you don’t waste your time and hard-earned money on a good neighbor fence.

Building a fence isn’t brain surgery, but knowing the rules can help you to create one that is stronger and more cost effective. And here’s how!

First, layout the your post holes. We suggest placing them 8-feet apart (or less). You have two choices. The post can be placed atop a concrete pier, bolted to a steel anchor, or the post can be set in the concrete. The steel anchor may not be strong enough to resist the wind that is inherent in certain areas. Placing the post into the concrete pier adds substantial strength, but its life is shortened by rot. Rot can be reduced by placing a foot of gravel or drain rock at the bottom of the post hole. Water that collects in the area will end up in the gravel instead of the post. Place the gravel in the hole, set the post on the gravel and pour the concrete around the post. The post hole should be a minimum of 10-inches in diameter, however, 12-inches is better. Two feet of concrete and a foot of rock are sufficient for a 6-foot tall fence.

With the post holes drilled and before pouring concrete, a bit of additional preparation will guarantee a better job. The end and corner posts should be positioned in their post holes and braced in two directions so that each is absolutely plumb (level up and down). Upper and lower strings should be strung between the braced posts. These can be used to align all of the other posts so that the resultant fence will be perfectly straight. Each post will have to be plumbed in the other direction.

If eight foot centers are used we suggest an 8-foot long 1×10 or 1×12 kick board nailed sideways onto the bottom rail and the posts to add strength to the fence. Sort of a horizontal fence board that acts as a base as well. As a matter a fact we actually prefer 2x material for the kick board when the budget allows.

When it comes to assembly the rail details become very important. A notched top rail and a dadoed bottom rail are the strongest combination. The others work OK, but don’t offer the same support.

It would take a book to cover the many types of fence styles. But, no matter what style you choose be sure to consider either pressure treated wood, redwood or cedar. As we have so often written, these materials resist moisture and pest damage better than any other materials. Oh, and don’t forget fasteners. Hot dipped galvanized nails or ceramic coated construction screws are excellent choices. And, good luck!

For more home improvement tips and information search our website or call our listener line any time at 1-800-737-2474! All you need to do is leave your name, telephone number and your question.

Related Posts

• 

  DPG Design – When It’s Time to Partner With Pros
  DPG Design – When It’s Time to Partner With Pros
• 

  European Fencing adds Vintage Charm
  European Fencing adds Vintage Charm
• 

  Give your old fence a fresh facelift
  Give your old fence a fresh facelift
• 

  Replacing A Light Fixture
  Replacing A Light Fixture

You must be logged in to post a comment Login