Installing a fence: A Comprehensive Guide
If you found these page, you may be a do it yourself as known as a DIY. This pages aims to educate you how to install a fence and weather you want to do yourself or hire a professional. Installing a fence is a big project, but it’s one that can add tremendous value to your home. Not only does it make your property look nicer, but it can also provide added security and privacy. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of installing a fence, from start to finish. We’ll cover everything, from choosing the right type of fence to hiring a professional installer. So whether you’re a homeowner who’s looking to do the job yourself or you’re thinking about hiring a contractor, this guide has everything you need!
Before building, you must consider what fence type you are building. The most popular ones are Wood, chainlink, PVC vinyl, and ornamental.
Before you build your fence
This list will provide you with a great overview before you begin construction. Precise planning and knowledge will directly impact the quality of the fence.
Step One: Permits & Regulation
Check with the City of Reno to see if your fence structure needs a permit. Generally, most residential and commercial properties will require a permit. Additionally, there are some regulations regarding where you can build a fence. For example, if your residents is in the Homeowners associations, there are limitations of what can be built. In other neighborhoods, a fence cannot cause obstruct a road. Check this link here to learn more.
Also, check for the property lines of your home. You do not want to put forth the huge investment to build a fence on your neighbors property on accident. For additional information check here.
Step Two: Decide on the Type of Fence & Style
The first step in installing a fence is to decide on the type of fence you want. There are many different types of fences to choose from, so it’s important to pick one that will meet your needs and fit your budget. Some popular options include wooden fences, metal fences, and vinyl fences.
-Wooden fences are the most popular type of fence. They are affordable and can be painted to match your home’s exterior.
-Chain link fences are inexpensive and easy to install, but they don’t look very attractive.
-Iron fences are very sturdy and provide a lot of security, but they can be expensive.
-Vinyl fences are durable and long lasting, but they can be more expensive than other types of fences.
For style, do you need a privacy option to keep the back or front yard private? If you are looking to deter unwanted visitors, then security may be an option for you.
Step Three: Purchase Materials and Tools
Once you’ve decided on the type of fence you want, you need to measure the area where it will be installed. This will help you determine how much fencing material you’ll need. Be sure to take into account any gates or other openings in the fence.
Before starting construction, make sure you have all of the necessary materials and tools. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Tools needed to build a fence:
-Tape Measure
-Level
-Stakes
-String or Rope
-Paint Marker or Chalk Line
-Circular Saw
-Jigsaw
-Hammer and Nail Gun (or Hammer and Screwdriver)
-Drill with a Bit that can Cut through Metal
Fence Materials Needed:
Make sure the material if wood is either pressure treated or cedar so it will be able to with stand the elements. Otherwise, all your hardwork could go down the drain and not have prolonged life.
Posts – these are the vertical supports for your fence. You’ll need at least two posts for every section of fence, more if your fence is taller. Account for how many post you need which will typically be 8ft or 9ft tall for a 6ft fence. This is because the
Pickets – these are the pieces that make up the actual fencing. Most fences use either six or eight pickets per section.
Top Rail – this is the horizontal rail that sits on top of the posts.
Concrete – You will need 2 bags of concrete per hole that is dug.
Step Four: Install the Fence
Once you have all of the materials, it’s time to start assembling the fence. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. There are a handful of videos on online to help assist you in the construction of your fence. Here is a what the process entails,
1. Digging the holes
2. Putting in the posts
3. Installing the rails
4. Finishing up with clean up
Step Six: Final Touches
After your fence is assembled, there are a few final touches that need to be taken care of. You’ll need to trim any excess fencing material, paint or stain if desired, and install gates (if needed). After the posts are set in place, it is time to add the final touches. This includes adding the caps and finials to the top of each post. The caps can be either metal or wood, depending on your preference. The finials are decorative pieces that sit at the top of the posts and can be any shape you like, from balls to spikes.Once everything is in place, stand back and admire your new fence! It will now keep pets and children safely inside your yard while providing a beautiful addition to your home. Congratulations on completing this project!Congratulations! Your fence is now installed!
Now that you know how to install a fence, get started on yours today! Just be sure to follow these five steps first!
The fence installation process
There are a lot of steps involved in installing a fence, but don’t worry – we’ll walk you through them all! Here are seven essential steps for putting up a new fence:
Step One: Planning and Preparation
Before you even start to install your fence, it’s important to do some planning and preparation. This includes measuring the area where the fence will go, choosing the right type of fence, and getting any necessary permits. In this step, use stakes to frame out where the post are going. Check for underground utilities and mark them with flags or paint before beginning excavation. Either pick the materials up yourself or arrange for them to be delivered to the construction site.
Step Two: Digging the Posts
Once you’ve determined where your fence will go, it’s time to start digging the posts. This can be done with either a shovel or an auger, depending on the type of soil you have. Be sure to make the postholes deep enough so that the posts will be stable. In general, you need to dig 2ft down for a 6ft fence and 2.5-3ft for 8ft fence. This is to ensure that when the ground freezes in the winter, the post don’t move and the fence leans.
Step Three: Setting the Posts
Once you’ve dug the potholes, it’s time to set the posts in place. This can be done easily with some concrete and a level. Be sure to check the level of each post before pouring in the concrete, and make any necessary adjustments. Dig post holes that are about twice the width of the post and as deep as you want the fence to be. If your soil is sandy or loose, add some gravel to the bottom of each hole for stability. Insert a wooden stake into each hole and use it as a guide to help you space your posts evenly.First, place the post in a pothole ensuring the necessary depth has been met. Once the post is in, pour a bad of 60 lbs concrete into the hole. Then use a garden hose to spray enough to wet the concrete. Recheck the post to make sure it’s level and then repeat till the hole is full. We recommend use fast setting concrete like this one. Below is a video for you to visually see the process.
Step Four: Attaching the Rails
Now it’s time to attach the rails to the posts. Attach your rails to the posts using screws or nails. You may want to use brackets for extra support. This is typically done with either screws or nails, depending on what type of fence you have. Be sure to use a level when attaching the rails, so that your fence will be straight and even. You have have to cut the 6ft rails so it fits in the gap between the post. Depending on the style, you may have two or three rail.
Step Five: Adding the Fence Panels
Next, it’s time to add the fence panels. This can be done either by screwing them in place or using a metal bracket. Again, be sure to use a level when adding the panels, so that they are all straight and even. Once you have the fence panels, it is time to start adding them to the posts. Begin by standing one post in the ground at each corner of the opening. Then, place a panel against each post so that it is flush with the top of the post. Next, use a hammer or screwdriver to attach each panel to its respective post. Be sure to drive in all screws completely so that they are hidden from view. You may also want to use a sealant on top of each panel to help protect it from weathering. The boards are 5.5in x 6ft are hammered directly onto the rails.
Step five: Cut the top of post
You’ll need to know how to cut the top of a fence post. This is necessary if you want to install a cap on your fence post. There are a few different ways to do this, but we’ll show you the easiest way. Before you begin cutting, you need to measure the spot where you will be cutting to ensure you do not cut the post to short. For example, a 6ft fence should have the post top cut at 6ft 3inches.
First, use a saw to cut off the top of the post at the desired height. If you’re using a manual saw, make sure you’re careful and take your time while cutting. You don’t want to damage the post or injure yourself in the process. If you have an electric saw, that will make things much easier. Once you’ve cut off the top of the post, use a chisel and hammer to remove any excess material. Make sure you’re careful while doing this, as you don’t want to damage the post or your tools. Once you’ve removed the excess material, use a file to smooth out any rough edges. This will help keep things safe and looking neat. Now you can install your fence cap! These are the most popular ones for wood
Step Six: Finishing Up
Once the fence is installed, there are still a few things you need to do to finish it up properly. These include putting up any gates or fencing around landscaping, filling in any gaps between the panels, and painting or staining the fence if desired. Clean up the discarded fence pieces and wood.
Step Seven: Maintenance
Like any other piece of equipment, your fence will require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Be sure to clean and seal the wood every year or so, and check for damage or wear and tear. With proper maintenance, your fence will last for many years to come!
Now that you know how to install a fence, get started on yours today! Just follow these seven easy steps and you’ll be finished in no time. And if you run into any problems along the way, don’t worry – we’re here to help. Just give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions. Thanks for choosing our comprehensive guide to install a fence!