Whether you want to keep animals out or provide a safe boundary for your children and family, a strong, durable fence is an incredibly worthwhile investment. But building a fence that can withstand the tests of time isn’t easy, and it’s definitely not something you can do without the right tools, materials, or know-how. Luckily, with the proper guidance, you will be well on your way to creating a fence that meets your circumstances and, hopefully, looks good simultaneously!
Select The Right Materials For Your Fence
If you want to get something right, you need to invest time in the planning stages. This is especially true when you are building something that will be exposed to the elements day in and day out and that you need to remain solid and secure. As such, selecting suitable materials for your fence is key to ensuring longevity and aesthetic beauty (if you also require that). Not all materials are equal, so it’s essential to make sure you choose the best materials for your budget and climate. Wood fencing may be less expensive to install than metal fencing, but it can get weathered, warped, or splintered if not appropriately maintained over time. However, if you are really serious about setting and forgetting (to a certain degree), then you will need to use metal. Metal fences are generally more expensive than wood but often last longer and require less maintenance in extreme climates. Look for galvanized steel (more on that later) or industrial wire cloth that is rust-resistant and can withstand a range of environments. You can also coat your metal posts with a clear sealant to help protect them from moisture- and weather-related damage. In addition, powder coating applied directly on the surface of the fence material can resist rusting, chipping, and fading from sunlight.
Take Accurate Measurements For An Even Layout
Any self-respecting DIY enthusiast will have heard the term “measure twice cut once” at least once throughout their lives. However, its prevalence in the community can be attributed to the fact that it is such a wise truism. Taking accurate measurements for an even layout is a crucial step when building a fence to ensure the posts are evenly spaced and aligned correctly. This will make the fence look great and reduce the chances of damage from water and tear if bolts and connections are out of alignment. Measure the entire length of the fence and between each post to ensure they are not too far apart. This will also help you assess if any further reinforcements are needed at unique points within the fence. Also, review the dimensions of any openings or gates within the fence layout to ensure that the distance between these points is equal, so the gate isn’t lopsided when closed. After completing your measurements, use levelers and markers as guides before securing each post into place in order to ensure an even layout throughout your entire fence design.
Dig Post Holes And Secure The Posts Using A Special Concrete
If you are entirely green to the world of fence setting, you might never have heard of the miracle material that is postcrete! However, if you want your days of labor to remain intact, you should invest in this specialist version of concrete before you start. Moreover, as with building a house, your foundations should be properly dug and drilled to ensure a stable base for the posts and, therefore, the entire length of the fence itself. First, use a manual or power auger to dig evenly spaced post holes at least two feet deep along the planned fence line. At this stage, it’s crucial to ensure that all of your posts are level and of consistent height. Next, pour your postcrete into each hole, ensuring it fills the bottom two-thirds of each hole before adding the wooden posts. The postcrete works as an adhesive to securely hold the fence posts, so it needs adequate time to set before you can move on to other steps in the process. The idea behind using postcrete is that it is specially formulated to ensure a secure connection to the posts and ground without needing to place any other materials between the two components.
Use Galvanized Hardware For A Reliable Structure
Any metal that will be consistently exposed to weather of any kind should be galvanized to ensure durability. Using galvanized hardware to build your fence will be one of the best investments you can make since it is coated with a protective layer that prevents rust from developing and increases its lifespan significantly. You should opt for galvanized steel or aluminum when choosing metal for your fence posts and rails. With galvanized steel, you can ensure your fence will not break quickly due to moisture or rusting. Aluminum will also offer a reliable structure as it won’t rust or corrode over time (especially beneficial if you live in an area prone to inclement weather conditions).
Inspect The Fence Regularly For Maintenance
This final point isn’t related to the actual construction per se, but it is just as important if you want it to stay strong and last the course. You should regularly inspect your fence to check for signs of damage or weakness and repair it as needed.
Constructing the perfect home fence doesn’t have to be rocket science but does need a certain level of common sense and a bit of capital to get it right. As long as you invest in the trite materials and take care when laying it out, you will have something capable of keeping your home safe from intruders and relatively maintenance-free.
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