When it comes to building a fence on your property, there are all kinds of benefits to consider. Safety is the number one reason that homeowners want to build fences on their properties. Fences give children a boundary that they won’t so easily cross and can be beneficial especially if you live on a road that is busier than most residential streets. Fences also give your home an added layer of security by keeping unwanted people from easily entering onto your property. If you enjoy your outdoor living spaces and wish your outdoor living space was a bit more personal and private, fences will provide that to you as well. The best part of building a fence is that no matter what the reason is for having a fence installed on your property, it’s also going to boost your home’s curb appeal in the process. Be sure to contact a Dallas fence contractor today and find out what your options are for the perfect fence for your home. For those who would prefer to do it yourself, building a fence is relatively easy but still, a considerable amount of work so be sure to enjoy our guide for building your fence.
Planning Your Fence
The first step in building your fence is the most important part of building your fence yourself because the better you plan out the construction of your fence, the easier it will make the rest of the project. Always be sure to find out whether a permit to build your fence is necessary or not. Things to consider while planning out and designing your fence are things like the material you want it to be built out of, gate locations, and sizes and determining your property line.
Measure
The next step is to measure the perimeter of your proposed fence line to find out the overall linear distance of your fence. Use spray paint or a chalk line to mark where the fence will be built. This is also a good time to determine where your posts will be installed. Usually, fence posts are 6 to 8 feet apart depending on how wide of a panel you are interested in using.
Dig Holes For Posts
Once you have determined where your posts are going to be, the next step is to dig the holes. This can be done with a post hole digger or an auger. A good rule of thumb regarding the depth of each hole is to dig the hole to be about the depth of 1/3 of the length of your post. So an 8-foot post should have a 2.5-foot deep hole plus a few more inches for gravel.
Setting The Posts
After the holes have been dug, you are ready to start setting the posts and filling the holes. Pour 3 to 4 inches of gravel into each hole to allow for drainage. Add about 1 foot of concrete mix and insert the post in the middle of the hole. Use a level to make sure that the post is standing straight up and is plumb. Once the concrete has dried and has had the proper amount of time to cure, fill in the holes with the remaining dirt.
Attaching Fence Panels
Attach fence panel sections to the posts using 2-1/2 inch decking screws. If you prefer to use nails, 3 inch galvanized nails are recommended by most Dallas fence contractors.
Install Post Caps
Post caps can give your fence a clean and finished look and are easy to install. Simply place the post cap on top of the post and lightly tap it into place with a mallet until it fits snugly on the post.
Optional Step: Staining or Painting Your Fence
Congratulations! Your fence has been installed and it looks great. Now all you have to do is maintain it. To give your fence the best longevity it can have, apply a weather-proofing finish or stain to your fence to help protect it against the outdoor elements and make it last as long as it can. A wood preservative can be used around the base of each post to help prevent them from rotting. Every 2 or 3 years, apply new coats of preservatives and stains to keep it looking good.
