While a fence can offer a great deal of privacy and functionality (such as containing pets), it can also serve to increase the aesthetic appeal of your home, even raising its property value. Wood fences, more than some other fences, have a natural look that fits perfectly in almost any yard. This guide will give you an overview of what installation of a wood fence looks like.
Materials
- Ground stakes and string
- Post hole digger
- Measuring tape
- Level and post level
- Gravel
- Concrete
- Wood Fencing
- Gate(s) and hardware
- Screwdriver
Fence Installation
Before you start digging any holes, check with the local building authority to find out if you need a permit to put up a fence. You'll also want to find out from your local utility companies if there are any wires or gas lines buried where you want to install your fence. If there are, you're going to have to work out a way around this, or possibly even abandon the project. If all the logistics work out, though, you can start installing fence posts.
Use stakes to mark off the fence area. Put one a few inches beyond each corner spot. Tie string between the stakes, giving you a guide along which to set your line posts (those in between terminal posts). Next, you should measure and mark the spot for each of the fence posts. The distance between posts will depend on what type of fencing you have (e.g., rails, panels, etc.). Don't forget to mark the location for the gate(s) as well.
Dig the holes for the terminal posts first. Terminal posts are the corner posts. The post holes should be four to six inches wider than the posts you're using. The depth should be a third of the post's length, plus four inches. Fill the bottom-four inches of the hole with gravel. Mark the terminal posts at the spot where ground level should be. This will help you avoid setting posts too shallow or too deep. Next, pour concrete into the hole, almost to the top. Put the post in the hole and press it down until the mark you made is even with the ground. Before the concrete starts to set, level the post with a regular level (at the top) and a post level (down the side).
When the terminal posts are set, tie another piece of string to the top of them to give yourself a guide for the height of the line posts. Then, repeat the process above for all the line posts. Next, attach the fence rails or panels. Depending on the type of fence you have, you may need to attach brackets to the fence posts to hold the rails or panels. These, along with instructions for installing them, will have come with your fencing.
TIP: If it hasn't been already, it's a good idea to stain and/or paint your fence. This will help preserve the life of the wood, making your fence last much longer.
The gates for your fence should come with instructions on how to set them up. Follow these carefully, making sure the gate door swings open and closed smoothly and that the latch works properly. Also, make sure the gate is level. If not, you'll need to adjust the hinges.
The installation of a fence is definitely a time- and energy-consuming task, but it adds a great deal of functionality and value to your home. Even if you'd rather not install it yourself, having a fence put in is worth considering.