You have just purchased a new property, and you are ready to begin construction. The first thing on your list is to build a fence. So how do you build a fence? Well, our eight-step guide will help you get started right away!
Step 1: Site Preparation
The first step in building a fence is preparing the site for it. Cut away any vegetation obstructing the area where the fence will be built by either pulling it up or cutting it down.
(Some types of fencing materials may require no digging, but other types may need to be buried deeper into the ground.) Remove any rocks or debris that would make digging difficult or dangerous. If necessary, use grading equipment to flatten out an uneven area around the perimeter of the fence.
Step 2: Digging Holes for Posts
The next step is to dig holes for the posts, usually four at each corner of the fence. The depth of these holes will depend on how deep you have decided to bury the posts in the ground. It is important to make sure that all holes are dug at a uniform depth so that they can be filled with concrete at once without having to level them later.
After digging the holes, insert wooden stakes into each hole. These stakes are used as guides or markers that indicate where exactly each post should be placed before filling it up with concrete. This way, if there happens to be an error in measurements between two adjacent posts, it can easily be adjusted.
Step 3: Setting the Posts
Before you set the posts in place, it would be beneficial to spray their surfaces with some sort of water-repellent coating. This is recommended because untreated wood will often absorb moisture from the surrounding ground. This results in when the the concrete is being poured.
Step 4. Decide on the type of fence to build and get the necessary materials.
There are several types of fences to choose from, each having its own specific design and material needs. The most common fences include wood, vinyl, metal, barbed wire, electric wire (usually referred to as an “invisible” fence), and split rail (also known as post and rail).
Other types of fences that may be more suitable for certain areas, like farm or ranch lands, include split rail (post & rail), barbed wire fencing, farm fencing (including field fencing), and electric fence. Each type has different designs depending on the material used, the strength needed, and the intended use of the fence.
It is also important to choose a strong and durable material that will hold up well over time and in different weather conditions.
Step 5: Measure the area where you want to build your fence.
Use a measuring tape or ruler to find the total length needed for each section of the fence, including the height for each part of the fence.
Step 6: Gather all materials including posts, boards, wire, and other required items.
Make sure you have enough material to fit your specific needs. The tools you will need will depend on the type of fencing you intend to build. If you plan on building a traditional wood board privacy fence, then a hammer or drill is usually sufficient.
Other types of fences may require additional tools such as posthole diggers or a staple gun or wire cutters for woven wire or electric wire fencing.
Also, be aware that there are different sizes and shapes of posts available that will affect the overall appearance and strength of the finished fence. There are even various-shaped caps (tops) to add to the top of the fat posts.
Step 7: Mark off an area large enough for installing your fence posts.
If building a traditional board fence, you will need to dig holes about 1 foot deep, 3 feet apart (3 feet in some areas where heavy snow may accumulate). For other types of fencing, refer to the specific instructions on how deep the holes should be dug and at what spacing.
For example, barbed wire fencing can be placed closer together than other types of fences because the barbed wire has smaller “points” that do not need as much room for stability.
Step 8: Cut or place each post into its planting hole according to design specifications.
This step is unique to each type of fence; make sure you have read the instructions for your fence. For example, wood privacy fences typically have 6-foot tall posts spaced 3 feet apart so you will need to measure and mark where each post will go.
Split rail fencing is different in that it requires 6 or 8 foot long treated 4x4s for posts that are placed at least 6 inches into the ground with just enough of the tips showing for attaching wire.
Step 9: Install any required braces on support posts to strengthen the entire structure.
Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when installing bracing material on fence posts because proper installation ensures extra stability during stronger winds or stormy weather conditions.
Step 10: Attach rails according to specifications using galvanized metal brackets, nails, or clips.
Some types of fencing require several rails while others may need only one or two. Installing the right number of rails ensures that the fence is strong enough to handle everyday use without requiring additional support from braces or other materials.
For example, wood board fences typically have between 3-4 rails while split rail fences generally only have 1-2 because this type of fencing does not require extra support due to its sturdiness and height.
Step 11: Secure all necessary components in place
Vinyl privacy fences are an excellent addition to homes in need of increased security but they require electricity to be able to function properly. Electric wiring is installed along the top rail and when activated, will produce a strong electrical current that is capable of shocking anyone who touches it or gets too close.
Barbed wire is not electrically charged but it does have very sharp barbs on the wire itself which can cause serious injury if touched. It may also help keep out wild animals such as coyotes or other types of predators.
How to take care of a wooden fence?
Wood fences are quite durable but they can still fall victim to everyday wear and tear over time so you will need to check the condition of your wooden fence on a regular basis. Also consider other factors such as bad weather, nearby trees whose branches may have fallen on the fence, or any other issues that could cause your fencing to become damaged.
It’s always a good idea to maintain the aesthetics of any type of fencing, especially if it is located on a property that will be visible to the public. Painting and staining wooden fences are quite simple and can add some extra flair to your home or business at the same time.
Enjoy and maintain your fence for years of reliable service.
Wooden fences are beautiful, strong, and provide excellent durability for most types of homes and businesses. They also require very little maintenance to keep them looking great so you can enjoy your fence by having it do its job properly while never worrying about the condition of the structure itself.
