Putting up a new fence around your property can keep your home, pets, and family safe. And the right fence can add significantly to your home’s curb appeal. To save on installation costs, many homeowners opt for do-it-yourself fences. If you’re wondering if it’s as hard as you imagined (or heard) to install a fence yourself, let’s talk about debunking seven misconceptions about a DIY fence in the Union County, NJ, and Westchester County, NY, areas.
Myth #1: Fences Simply Mark The Boundaries Between Properties
A perimeter fence does not necessarily mean it’s sitting on the boundary. It’s advisable to get a survey with the mutual agreement of your neighbor, to potentially prevent legal troubles and bad feelings if there’s a dispute.
Depending on the height of the fence, you may also need to obtain permits. You would not want to face any penalties or fees after the fact (or forced to remove the fence) if your DIY fence violates any local ordinances.
Myth #2: You Won't Save Money With a DIY Fence
Most of the time, cost savings are realized with the DIY option, when your only expenditure involves the materials. However, depending on the type of fence you want and any site challenges such as buried utilities, you could be spending a lot more in your own time (and hassle) than if you hired someone. DIY is generally only recommended if you’re handy, have the time to build a fence, you choose easy-to-work-with materials, and the installation is fairly straightforward.
If you’re not ready for a full DIY project, you could opt for a pre-made fence kit which will save time and money. Pre-made DIY fence kits are available in wood, aluminum, and vinyl, with panels or sections that snap together easily. Which material you choose depends on what the fence will be for, as well as your own design aesthetics.
What you will get with a DIY fence is the satisfaction of doing it yourself, saving money, and adding any personal touches that would cost you extra when using a fence installation company.
Myth #3: Aluminum And Vinyl Fencing is Hard to Install
The fact is, with just some basic tools, you may be able to assemble your new fence in just a weekend.
Myth #4: Aluminum Fencing is Low Quality, Which is Why It’s So Cheap
Aluminum fencing is actually less expensive because the material is abundant and common. Aluminum can be recycled many times, which makes it a great eco-friendly option.
Myth #5: Vinyl And Aluminum Fencing is Lightweight, So It Must Be Weak
Today’s vinyl fencing is incredibly tough; in fact, quality vinyl fences are often used in horse pastures! Good fences last for multiple decades.
Aluminum fencing is less dense than wrought iron, which accounts for its lightweight, but it’s also strong. It’s good that aluminum fencing is light—it makes DIY installation that much easier!
Myth #6: You Won’t Get a Classy Look With Aluminum Or Vinyl
Aluminum fencing can be shaped to look just like the wrought iron fences around grand estates, but at a fraction of the cost. Vinyl fencing looks just like painted wood, so it tends to be ideal for privacy fences and decorative picket fences. Both aluminum and vinyl fencing is available in a wide range of styles, which makes it easy to express your style preferences.
Myth #7: Aluminum Fencing And Vinyl Fencing Won’t Last As Long As Wood
Aluminum fencing is considered a long-lasting metal fence solution because it won’t rust or corrode and does not need sealing or painting. Vinyl is long-lasting because it is also highly resistant to weather. Wood fencing will require periodic sealing, but with proper care it can last decades.
Related: How to Build a Fence That Brightens an Outdoor Living Space in Morris County and Bergen County, NJ
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