Fences keep pets, children, and wildlife inside the yard, reduce noise from busy streets and block unpleasant views. They also provide privacy, add curb appeal and prevent erosion. Determine what function you want your fence to serve before you purchase the materials.
Check local building codes and homeowners’ association covenants that dictate fence height, style, and material. Ask if you need a permit and learn about utility lines and land surveying costs.
Chain-link
Chain link fence is an affordable and practical solution for residential properties. It’s strong enough to withstand moderate storms and other environmental elements, and it provides security against intruders, as well as vandalism. It can be installed much more quickly than other types of fences, which makes it a good choice when time is of the essence.
Before beginning a chain-link fence installation, carefully measure the area you want to enclose. Multiply that measurement by the number of feet to determine how many linear feet of fencing you need. You should also consider how tall you want the fence to be based on your personal preference and local regulations. Chain-link fences are available in a variety of heights and finishes, including bare metal, galvanized metal, vinyl coating, and powder-coated metal.
Once you’ve decided on a finish and size, it’s time to calculate the cost of the materials. Add the price of each woven section of fence to your total, and don’t forget to include the cost of any top rails you need for your stretches of chain-link fence. Top rails are usually made of a material that matches the finish of the mesh and are installed on the outside of a stretch of fence to prevent rust and improve its appearance.
Next, identify the number of corner posts, gate posts, and line posts you’ll need to support your new chain-link fence. Posts are typically steel tubing, timber, or concrete and may be driven into the ground or set in a concrete footer. End, gate, and terminal posts are often referred to as “terminal” posts, and they must be set in concrete or otherwise anchored to prevent leaning under the tension of a stretched chain-link fence. Line posts are usually set at intervals of 10 feet or less between terminal posts and provide the framework for a woven section of fence.
To start the construction of a new stretch of fencing, stake the locations of the end and terminal posts and mark them with a masonry string. Stretch a taut guide string between the stakes and use it to help set the posts accurately. For stretches of more than 50 feet, intermediate stakes are sometimes needed to ensure the string stays taut.
Wood
Wood fences are a classic option that offer a variety of styles. They provide security, privacy and charm. They are also easy to install and cost less than other options. In addition, wooden fences can increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it in the future.
A good wood fence contractor will be able to recommend the right type of lumber for your project and give you an estimate based on the material and style that you choose. The type of wood will influence how long the fence lasts and how much it will cost to maintain it. For example, if you use cedar for your fence, it will need to be stained or resealed every 3-5 years. This will keep moisture and mildew away, keeping your fence looking new.
Before building a wood fence, be sure to check with the local assessor’s office or your HOA for any property line requirements. You will also want to review any fence plans with neighbors who may share your yard. Additionally, your wood fence contractor will be able to help you determine where your property lines are and if you need a permit for the fence.
Once the ground has been prepared, dig holes for the posts. Ensure the holes are at least 6 feet apart. Then, place the posts into their holes and secure them with concrete. Before pouring the concrete, call 811. This free service will mark any buried water, gas and power lines so you don’t damage them during construction.
Backer rails, typically made of 2x lumber (1-1/2″ thick), run between the posts. Pickets (also known as slats or boards) make up the body of the fence and are attached to the backer rails with either nails or screws. The top of the pickets can be left as-is, or you can add a decorative trim board for more design options.
When you’re done, your wood fence should be sturdy and look great! Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road. Be sure to clean it every 3-5 years to remove dirt, moss and mildew. It’s also important to reseal your fence regularly to keep moisture out and rot from occurring.
Metal
Metal fences come in a wide range of styles, materials and prices. They are popular for their durability and security. They also are aesthetically pleasing and can add value to your home or business. While you can do some types of metal fencing yourself, it’s important to hire a professional fencing contractor to ensure that the job is done right. They can help you navigate the many products on the market and choose the best one for your needs. They can also tear down existing fencing and haul away the materials.
Most metal fencing comes in kits that include all the posts and panels you need to complete your project. They typically include all fasteners you’ll need to assemble the pieces, too. You’ll need some concrete mix to set the posts, but the kit should have the mix pre-measured. You’ll also need string, stakes and tools.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to call 811 and have all buried utility lines mapped before setting any posts. If you don’t do this, you could accidentally slice through water pipes, telephone lines or underground electric cables. After you map the area and set stakes, stretch string tightly between them and a few inches off the ground. Then mark the location of the corners and ends with spray paint. Next, use a post hole digger or spud bar to dig holes for your corner and end posts. These holes should be about 18″ deep, but if you hit an object that can’t be removed, it’s a good idea to ‘bell’ the hole at the bottom to make it deeper.
After you have your line posts in place, it’s time to install the panels. You can do this in a variety of ways, but the simplest is to start at an end or corner and work your way out. To do this, you’ll need to connect the panel to a corner or end post using the fasteners provided and then drop a line post into each of the remaining holes in your row.
When you’re finished, you’ll need to finish the panel edges with paint. Use an oil-based paint that’s formulated for metal and apply two coats to ensure the fence is protected from the elements.
Plants
Many homeowners prefer a more natural look for their fences, and integrating greenery into the design can make it even more attractive. Unlike wood or vinyl fences, plants offer privacy and require less maintenance. They also add beauty and charm to a property, and they can also reduce wind, noise, and dust. However, you must consider the additional moisture that plants introduce. This could affect the integrity of wood and some metal fences, as well as lead to fungal disease. If you choose to plant a living fence, it’s important to do your research first and determine what species are best for your garden. You should also think about the amount of sunlight your plants will need. Some species will not tolerate full sun, while others may require partial shade.
A common way to conceal fencing is by planting plants and bushes around it. This is an easy and effective way to increase your home’s curb appeal. The right plants can also help to conceal undesirable features of a fence, such as gaps and unsightly joints. There are a wide variety of plants that can be used to achieve this goal, including hedges and flowers.
One popular choice is clematis, which comes in several varieties and flower colors. You can choose from early, mid-season, or late flowering clematis, and some will even grow as an evergreen. You can also try the pretty saphyr rouge clematis, which produces clusters of deep blue flowers against glossy foliage. Another option is to plant a shrub that will hug the fence line. These plants, such as lilly pilly and pyracanthus, are low-maintenance and provide year-round screening.
Before you hire a fence installer, it’s essential to take the time to find one with experience in your area. You can ask friends and family for recommendations, or you can search online for local companies that specialize in fence installation. Make sure you read reviews and compare prices before choosing a company to work with. Also, be sure to inquire about the company’s warranty policy.
A good fence installation company will be able to offer you a detailed estimate of the cost and time frame for your project. You should also check with your city to see what permits are required. In addition, you should know that some states have laws regarding the height of a fence, so you’ll need to check your local regulations.
