Installing The Fence
Step 1: Laying Out the Fence Line Decide exactly where you want your fence to be placed. Wooden stakes should be placed approximately where you would like the fence posts to be dug, however, at this stage it not required. Run string along the outside of the proposed fence attaching it to each stake you have placed into the ground. To ensure near perfect right angle corners you should use the pythagorean method for fencing. Measure six feet away from the corner in one direction and eight feet in the other direction. Take the square root of the sum of each number squared together to get a value of ten feet (√(6’2 + 8’2) = 10’.) Creating a 6, 8, 10 triangle will guarantee that right angles are formed at every corner. Step 2: Treating Posts This step primarily relates to wooden fences. Aluminum and vinyl fences do not warp or rot in the same fashion as wooden fences do. Vinyl fences are made from plastics and do not rust or rot. Aluminum fences tend to be made from aluminum and steel. Aluminum by itself does not oxidize and rust. Steel on the other hand will over time. As a result, these types of fences come galvanized to protect against rusting. If constructing a wooden fence, pressure treated fence posts should purchased. If this is not an option then purchase the appropriate lumber and then coat the wood with the proper water sealant. Avoiding this step could lead to a very short life span of your fence. Wood that is left untreated will rot and warp over time creating a very unsightly and weak fence. Step 3: Proper Post Spacing For aluminum and wood fences a general rule of thumb is not to exceed 10 feet between fence posts. Overtime, wood fences that have excessive gaps between fence posts will end up sagging and turn into an unsightly mess. When approaching corners the same fence post spacing should be used. However, you may shorten the distance if desired for better appearance. In addition to creating proper post spacing, make sure to factor in room for gates. The average man gate is about 4 feet wide. The size of the gates is entirely up to the builder. Digging the Posts: To properly dig fence posts you must consider the three difference kinds of fence posts: line posts, gate posts, and corner posts. Line posts are subjected to less stress than both gate and corners posts. As a result line posts holes need not be dug as wide as gate or corner posts. Generally, about one third of the fence post should be below ground. In addition, you should dig approximately 6 inches deeper than necessary to leave room for gravel fill at the base of the posts. This will create the strongest fence posts with minimal settling and shifting. The diameter of the line fence posts should range anywhere from 3 to 6 inches beyond the diameter of the posts. Obviously the larger in diameter, the more support the post will have. For small wood fence projects anything more than 3 inches for line fence posts is not required. On the other hand, gate and corner posts should be more around 6’ beyond the diameter of the fence post to provide additional support for stress. Aluminum fence posts are often subjected to more weight and may need extra support at the base for each line fence post. Step 5: Setting the Posts The fence posts should be set on top of approximately 6 inches of gravel and surrounds entirely by ready-mix concrete. Ensuring the post is below front line will help prevent against frost heaving. All fence posts should be centered in the post holes dug. The use of a plumb line or level will be necessary in order to ensure is vertical while filling in the hole. To add extra support to corner posts, you may choose to nail cleats to the bottom of the posts. Lastly, slope the surface of the fill away from the fence posts to avoid water settling on the fence posts. Step 6: Attaching the Rails and Boards After allowing approximately 24 to 48 hours for the concrete to set you may set the fence rails. The bottom rail should be placed about 6” above the ground to avoid ground moisture. Make sure that both ends are the same height off the ground. Both top and bottom rails should be parallel with each other. If creating a picket fence, fasten each picket appropriately creating a nice even and level row of pickets. The above is a picture of a standard three rail fence. The only difference between a three rail fence and a picket fence is that the three rails are covered up by pickets. If you encounter any type of hills in your fence project you should build it in a step method or follow the contour of the ground. Step 7: Installing Fence Gates Gate openings should be at least 3’ but preferably 4’ wide. Fence posts should be found on the both sides of the gate. The gate itself should have lapped corners and diagonal braces to create strength and firmness. Allow for 1” of room between the frame of the gate and the distance between the inside of the two gates posts to ensure the gate can swing freely. After the gate has been constructed properly for the space desired, attach the hinges and gate latch. If you desire a stop, nail a piece of fencing material to the latch post. |
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