According to Robert Frost, good fences mean good neighborhood. The fences maintain privacy and tranquility between neighbors, and are also good for keeping children and animals inside the courtyard and keeping unwanted guests out. You can significantly reduce expenses by learning to plan the job and mounting the posts and panels yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Plan the job
Step 1. Measure the area to be fenced
You will need to calculate the amount of material you will need depending on the size and shape of the area you will need to close.
- If you just want a decorative fence, measure the length of the garden side you want to close. If, on the other hand, you want a fence that closes everything, you will have to calculate the total length of the area to be fenced.
- If you are going to buy a pre-made fence, you can buy a single panel first and measure the width of the panels and mark the distance with posts. You will end up putting the fence posts on each pole, lining them up with string and piling some soil around.
Step 2. Find and mark all underground utilities
Call the relevant offices to find out where the utilities are if you are unsure. Do not dig until they have been found and marked.
Step 3. Buy the appropriate amount of material you need
Take the measurements with you to the store and buy the type of fence according to your tastes and needs. Larger sized wooden fences may need to be fabricated from scratch, while prefabricated ones come in different varieties and installation methods.
- If you want to take the prefabricated ones, take your measurements and go around the shops in search of what you need.
- If you want to cut the posts yourself, you will need wood suitable for direct contact with the ground or treated wood. With treated wood you will need to add a layer of preservative to extend its shelf life. Most wood paints aren't made for the wood to stick to the ground so you'll need something else. Make sure you treat each end with a preservative.
Step 4. Treat the posts and panels as desired
Before installing the fence, you need to do any varnish and paint you want on the wood. It will be easier to do this before putting it all together. This step must also be done on the poles you have cut yourself, and possibly also on the prefabricated models that are not treated.
- Use an oil-based paint for posts and panels. Remove any excess paint and let it dry completely.
- A good idea is to wipe the wood preservative on the posts up to one third of their height and then let them dry according to the factory instructions. This will delay decomposition caused by direct contact with the ground.
Step 5. Place a post at each corner of the fence
Whichever type of fence you use, it is good to put a post at each corner. For each corner put a wooden stake to mark the spot well.
Part 2 of 3: Assemble the Fence Posts
Step 1. Make a hole for the first post at the corner of the fence
To start you will need to plant the posts that will form the corners of the fence. Make a hole that is twice the diameter of the pole and a third of its height deep. The bottom will need to be slightly wider than the top so that it can be positioned correctly and safely.
- It is a good idea to collect the debris in a cloth in order to keep them piled up and then put them back in place and fix the pole. Remove rocks and roots from the hole and if necessary cut the largest roots.
- If you have to dig many holes and plant many poles, consider using a planter. It will save you a lot of effort.
Step 2. Put some gravel
Add 10 - 12 cm of gravel to the hole, distributing it evenly across the bottom. This is to have good drainage and extend the life of the fence.
For this job, fine gravel is the cheapest and most effective type
Step 3. Set up the pole
Place the first stake in the hole and add 15 - 20 cm of soil. Check that it is level by placing a carpenter's level on at least 2 sides. Once level, compress the ground to secure the pole firmly in the hole. Add another 15 - 20 cm of soil, check that it is level and compress the soil again. Repeat until you've completely covered the hole.
Instead of filling the holes with soil, you can mix some concrete and pour it over the gravel. Even easier, there is a specific type of concrete for poles that can be dried and then wet so that it settles quickly and easily
Step 4. Create a mound at the base of each fence post
At the base of each pole make a mound with the debris and round it with a spatula. This way rain and snow will be kept away from the pole and make it more stable in the ground.
If you use concrete you will want to have a slight slope away from the post. Fill halfway with concrete and make sure the post is still level when you install it, then fill the other half until it reaches ground level
Step 5. Set the height between the posts with the string
In most pre-made kits, twine is used to join the posts to the posts and to ensure that everything is installed at the same height to match the fence panels. If you are installing your own fence you can use the same technique.
- Tie the string to the pole about 6 inches from the ground. Extend it up to the support, hold it taut and attach it. Place the fence corner post there and repeat for the remaining corners to make sure the fence is level and square.
- Continue repeating the steps in this section until you have planted all the stakes.
Part 3 of 3: Install the Fence Panels
Step 1. Join the first two supports
Depending on the type of fence you are mounting, you may need a crossbar to hook the individual panels to, or prepare a large piece of fence and slide it between the posts. Each fence is different, you will have to proceed according to the project you are doing yourself or follow the instructions of the kit you have purchased.
- If you are cutting the panels yourself, install stringers with wood screws between each set of posts. You can put them "X" or parallel to the ground depending on what you need to do. Cut the panels to the height you need.
- If you are installing a pre-made fence, you will see that most of the panels are quite large but you will need to put a post between each panel which means you may have to put more posts as you go along with the work. You can mount a post, attach a panel and support it while you put the next post, or go around to mount all the posts before you start putting up the panels.
Step 2. Attach each panel with screws
As you work it is good to use galvanized screws to firmly attach the panels. Drill guide holes to keep the wood neat and tidy and then put in as many screws as needed to secure the panels well.
Step 3. Support the panels as you work
Whatever type of fence you are installing, it is a good idea to support the crossbars with some blocks to avoid putting pressure on the wood as you work. You can use wooden wedges to level the panel.
Step 4. Continue installing the panels
The most difficult part of installing a fence is planting and fixing the posts. After this it is just a matter of filling with panels or boards. Take some time to check that each new panel is straight using the carpenter's level and fix each piece according to the directions.
