A good fence can transform your property into a more private and attractive space. Many homeowners are opting to go the DIY route to save money on installation. Need instructions on how to build a fence in Union County, NJ? Our fence store can help.
Preparation Is Everything!
As exciting as it is to start a fence-building project, you can achieve much more satisfying results if you take your time with the preparation phase. Just like a house needs a good foundation, taking your time planning a fence will result in a fence that is built well and will last.
Here are the basics of using ActiveYards fences from My Fence & Railings 2 Go. Because of their simplified installation process, they’re top picks among DIY enthusiasts. And we’re here to help you with specific preparation and installation instructions.
1. Check local zoning and HOA guidelines and determine whether you need a permit. Various regulations may dictate the size, placement, and style of the fence. Knowing where your property lines are is vital. You may want to discuss your plans with your neighbors to avoid problems.
2. Plan your fence line well. If there are any obstacles such as trees, rock outcrops, or structures, this can affect the post-placement and even the style of fence you choose. This can be the trickiest part of planning. You may need to go around or over obstacles or address uneven or steeply sloping land. There are several potential solutions, including building a retaining wall and installing a fence on top of it to avoid awkward gaps below the fence and mismatched top rails.
3. Plan exact gate post locations (if any) and exact fence post locations. If you need a permit, you may need to draw up a plan that notes the location of all posts and gates. Knowing how many posts you need will help you avoid last-minute delays because you didn’t get quite enough material.
4. You could use string and batter boards to lay out the fence on your property. Place the batter boards just outside where your fence corners will be located. Run strings between them to ensure a straight fence line. You could keep the strings 6 inches away from your property line or follow local regulations for the exact measurement.
5. Use stakes to mark post-hole locations. You’ll want to make consistent measurements from the center of one post to the center of the next, not from the edge to the edge.
6. Dig the post holes below the frost line to prevent frost heave. The post hole diameter should typically be about three times the width of the post.
7. Set posts in concrete, but don’t fill the entire hole with concrete yet. Be sure to rest the posts gently against the string, and use a level to ensure they are perfectly plumb—otherwise, your fence will be uneven no matter how well you put it together. Brace the posts until they are firmly set, and then fill the hole the rest of the way with concrete.
8. Install your fence panels. That’s right: When you use ActiveYards fences, you don’t need to worry about ensuring perfect spacing for each picket. Just snap the panels into place securely, and enjoy a beautiful new fence.
It pays to plan and to be meticulous in your fence installation, to ensure a good result. If you need answers and guidance, we’re here for you!
Related: How to Build a Fence That Brightens an Outdoor Living Space in Morris County and Bergen County, NJ
Comments