5 Must Have Tips for Building a Fence

Thinking of building a fence in your yard?

With the fencing industry being worth over 8 billion dollars, you’re not the only one. You can check carmel fence company for affordable fences for your property.

However, with any DIY project, there are some important tips to know before you get started.

If it’s your first time building a fence, then here are some time-tested tips on how to do it right!

1. Make Sure You Own the Land

Okay, I know this seems silly, but it’s an easy step to knock off the list, and it could save you a lot of time and money in the future if something goes wrong!

Digging holes for cement and spending money on a new structure on someone else’s property could lead you into trouble. Checking is low risk with a high reward.

If you have the property deed handy, it should be fairly easy to check yourself. If not, go to your county’s assessor’s office and use some of the mapping tools.

2. Choose Your Fence Type

Whether you’re building a new one or replacing an old one, it’s time to pick what type of fence is best for your needs.

The two most popular are chain-link and wooden fences. The biggest question to answer is if you want privacy or just to keep your dog in the yard.

Chain-link fences are the more inexpensive option, and they certainly work to keep your pets or children in the yard, but they are see-through, which may be what you want for a more open feel.

However, wooden fences offer the same benefits with the addition of keeping your space private so you have a better sense of being in your own space. Wooden fences also provide better aesthetics, but they are often more costly.

3. Mark Your Fence Line

Alright, we’re onto the build! Make sure your fence line is clearly marked with stakes and string so you know exactly where your holes are going.

It’s best to mark the fence roughly 6 inches from your property line in order to allow room for your posts and fencing.

4. Get the Right Equipment

Posthole diggers are a necessity for pouring your concrete footing, so borrow one from a neighbor or head to the store if you don’t have one already! Make sure you have the posts, fencing, a sledgehammer, concrete, hinges (for the gate) and galvanized nails if it’s a wooden fence.

If you need help removing any old posts left behind from an old fence or the stakes you put in, use a stake puller.

5. Get Building

Making sure everything is nice and plum, once the concrete is in, line your fence posts up and get to nailing! You want your posts and concrete to be at least 36 inches into the ground.

Account for space in the ground when making your cuts, make sure they’re at a uniform height, and then you can start putting it all together!

Use 6×6 boards rather than 4×4 for wooden fences, as they are sturdier and will last longer. Chain-link posts will likely come at the necessary length.