Perhaps you need a new, solid fence to keep the pets in the yard. Or maybe you want to replace a wood fence that is slowly rotting away. Whatever the reason you need to upgrade the fencing for your garden, there are a number of steps you need to take in order to end up with the result you want. Let’s take a look at the exact steps to upgrading to a new fence, from the planning stages to the finishing touches.
Contents
Measure the Perimeter
Measure the perimeter where the fence will go. This ensures that you get enough materials and won’t end up short. Determine how tall you want the fence to be, too. Mark it with string, stakes or another method that ensures you’ll install the posts in a straight line.
Prepare the Perimeter
Regardless of which type of fence you’re installing, you’ll need to prepare the perimeter. If you’re putting in a new fence, you’ll need to dig holes where the posts will go. This is best done with a post hole digger. Post holes should be roughly 1,800 millimetres apart. If you’re replacing an old fence, you probably already have post holes but need to remove the old one. Perimeter markings should remain in place.
Select the Right Materials for the Project
Don’t go with a wood or metal chain link fence because that’s what you’ve been using. There are so many new materials out there that come without the weaknesses of traditional materials. Materials like composite look like wood, but they won’t rot, split or splinter. It won’t need to be repainted every few years. It lasts at least twenty years, too. Try to look for a fencing supplier that offers eco-friendly fencing that gives you the look you want without the guilt. Once you choose the right material for your project, you can order the fencing materials.
Install the Posts
This step starts with the installation of the first post along the perimeter. Each post should have at least one-third of its length in the ground. Next, secure the post to the ground. This could be done with steel mounts or concrete. If you’re using concrete, you could dig out a bowl shape at the bottom of the post hole to push water away from the base.
Once the post is secure, install the next post. Secure that post before moving on to the next one. After the posts have been set up along the perimeter, ensure that they are all at the right height and level. This makes it much easier to install the boards.
Install the Boards
This process will vary based on the materials you’ve chosen. With a composite fence, you can simply slide the boards into the grooves on each side of the post. Let the boards slot together before you slide the next board in. Continue this process until you reach the top of that section of fence. Then you can move to the next set of posts and begin installing the boards. You may have to cut boards down to size, but you want to know that the posts are properly spaced and aligned before you start cutting up boards.
Put on the Finishing Touches
Once the boards are installed, you can put board caps over the top of each section of fencing. This prevents water and insects from getting inside the fence posts.
Conclusion
The steps for installing a new and improved fence are rather similar no matter which type of material you use. However, make sure that you understand the process thoroughly and do not cut corners if you want to get the best results possible.
