How to Build Fencing Yourself

If you’re planning to build your own fencing, it’s always best to check local restrictions before beginning your project. You also need to decide on materials and spacing. You should alternate smooth and rough sides and make sure that the fence panels are the same width on both sides. Using the proper spacing can help you achieve the look you’re after.

Check for restrictions in your area

When building a fence, you should check with your local government and homeowners association for any restrictions or guidelines. For example, your community may not allow a certain type of fence or the height of the fence may be limited. In addition, you may have to get a permit from city hall before you can build a fence.

Some areas, like New York City, have strict regulations when it comes to fences. For example, in some districts, a fence must be at least two feet from a property line. For other areas, such as playgrounds, it may be allowed to be a few feet higher. In addition, if your property is landmarked, you must get approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. It is also important to hire a licensed land surveyor to determine the exact location of the fence. Lastly, be sure to hire a licensed home improvement contractor. DCA is a great resource to check on a contractor’s HIC license.

Consider materials

When building a fence, it’s important to consider materials that will last. Vinyl, for example, is easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a hose. If you prefer a more natural look, wood paneling is also available in various styles and materials. Other options include bamboo and wrought iron.

You should also consider your climate when choosing the materials you’ll use. It will affect the material you choose, as well as the way you install it. In colder climates, you may want to use concrete anchors at the frost line to prevent your fence from falling over. Likewise, in warmer climates, avoid wood because it can be susceptible to water damage. In temperate climates, vinyl is an excellent choice, but keep in mind that it can get damaged by extreme heat.

Install pickets

If you’re installing a fence around your property, you’ll have to install pickets on both sides. To install pickets on both sides, you need to know the proper height for them. This way, you can ensure that the fence is sturdy and will not fall apart. To do this, read the instructions included with the post that you are using.

Next, you’ll have to place the pickets flush with the edges of the rails and your house. After you’ve located the position for each picket, you’ll need to use a pneumatic nailer to attach each picket to the rails. This tool sinks the nails in the rails, so they won’t shift during assembly. You can also use staples or 1.25 inch brads to join the boards of your fence. To prevent rust, you’ll want to choose fasteners made of galvanized steel.

Dig post holes

To build a sturdy fence, you will need to dig post holes for the fence posts. The process is a bit difficult because of loose soil. You can use a tamping bar to compact the soil. You can also add additional dirt back into the hole to make it deeper. You should make sure to prepare the post holes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When digging post holes for fence posts, it’s important to dig them about 3 to 4 inches deeper than the height of the fence posts. For an eight-foot post, you’ll need a hole two and a half feet deep and four inches wide. You can also use gravel if the soil is sandy. Freestanding fence posts don’t require footings made of concrete, but gate posts do.

Install rails

Installing rails on your fencing is not as difficult as you might think. Before you start, it’s a good idea to measure the perimeter of your property and decide how many rails you need. Most fences are built with two rails, but if you’re building a taller fence, you may need more. Once you have the right measurements, you can cut the rails to the proper lengths.

The best way to measure the length of your fence is to measure the height of each rail, then measure the distance between each post. You’ll need at least 11 posts for a 120-foot fence. Make sure to leave some space between the end and corner posts. If your fence is not multiples of ten feet, you may need to cut the rails to fit.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://yardworship.com/replacing-fence-posts/