Having a wood fence can help you keep the space you own private. A wooden wall ensures security and gives your property value. You can create a barrier that keeps your yard private and secure. The perfect wood fence provides peace of mind for you and your family.
A wood fence is also visually appealing and offers you a timeless look that blends well with various landscapes.Its natural beauty can level up the overall aesthetic of your property and will add charm and character.
If you’re thinking, “How should I install a wooden fence?” By the end of this article, you’ll find a perfect way to create your DIY project. However, keep in mind that installing a wooden fence is cheaper when you get it done by a professional who knows his craft.
But if you want to try it yourself, it’s fun, no doubt. With proper guidance and the right tools, you will get to know how to build a wooden fence and gate. A project that will be long-lasting and close to your heart.
What a Wood Fence is and When You Need It
Have you ever sensed someone peaking in your yard or lawn? If you have no wall, you've got no privacy, as anyone who passes can literally see what's on your list today!
Structure built from wooden posts and panels that help you create your boundaries while you enjoy your outdoor me-time moments. A wooden fence encloses your yard, garden, or property and gives you the comfort and security you desire for your exterior.
Wood fences come in various styles and sizes. The diversity makes the wood fences versatile for different needs and preferences.
Why You Need a Wood Fence
You might need a wood fence for several reasons. The most important factor is that you’d never want someone to disturb your privacy. A good fence keeps your yard secluded so that you can enjoy your outdoor space without prying eyes. Also, it enhances security.
A well-built wall acts as a barrier and undoubtedly helps you protect your home and loved ones.
Moreover, a unique, genuine, and natural wood fence adds value to your property. Its fine and finished look and charm can boost your home’s exterior allure. Your wooden fence defines boundaries clearly and gives your property a neat, refurbished appearance.
Never Forget To Check Your Local Restrictions
Before you jump into the process of creating and installing the wooden fence, don’t forget to check for local regulations. Make sure to find out if you need any permits. This step helps you to avoid fines or having to remove your fence later.
These fines can add up quickly and affect your budget. Authorities might also require you to tear down the fence if it violates regulations. This way, you may waste your money and time. In addition, buildings without proper boundaries can cause disputes with neighbours over property lines.
You may also end up damaging your utilities if you let the checking part go. If you don’t check on the location of gas, water, or electric lines, you might hit one while digging and may have to face safety hazards and expensive repairs.
You can visit your local building department or city website for information.
Materials You Must Keep in Your List
Your project’s success starts with the material you go for. Today, you’ve got several options for wood at Guerrero Landscaping, each with its benefits.
- Cedar: Cedar is popular for its durability and resistance to insects. Cedar comes with its unique properties, such as fine odour and a vibing natural reddish colour that makes your fence look classy.
- Pine: You can find pine in the market as it’s one of the most affordable and easy to work with. However, you’ll need to treat it properly to resist rot and pests.
- Redwood: Redwood is another go-to, highly durable, and beautiful material you can choose for your project. It resists decay and insects naturally, which makes it a premium choice.
Other Material You’ll Want For the Process and Installation:
- Nails or Screws:
- Concrete
- Hammer
- Gravel
- Pencil
- Shovel
- Fence posts
- Drill
- Electric Saw
- A Fence Panel
- Paint
- Measuring Tape
- Gloves
- Eye Protection Gadgets
Things You Must Look for Before You Build a Wood Fence
If you want to create a wood fence that reflects your personality and choice, consider a few must-haves before you hire a professional or do a DIY. Choose the right style, height, and theme for your wood fence.
Styling
When you choose the style of your wood fence, you must go for your needs and preferences. Here are some popular styles you’ll definitely love to consider:
- Picket Fence: This is a classic style that features evenly spaced vertical boards and is perfect for adding charm to your front yard. It’s ideal if you want to keep your pets and children for a while, creating an open, welcoming feel.
- Privacy Fence: If you want to block out noise and prying eyes, a privacy fence is the way to go. It normally has closely placed boards with little to no gap, which provides it with a solid barrier.
- Split Rail Fence: A rustic style you’ll adore. It uses horizontal rails connected to posts. It’s great for large properties and adds a country feel to your landscape. It’s more decorative and works well for marking boundaries without obstructing views.
Height
For front yards, a lower fence, around 3-4 feet, is often sufficient and keeps the area open and friendly. For backyards, especially if you want privacy, go for a taller fence, usually 6-8 feet.
Also, consider local regulations, as some areas have restrictions on fence heights.
Remember, you’ve got the main thing: function. If you want it for privacy or security, keep it taller. If you want it more for decoration, get a shorter fence, and that works well.
Theme
Well, that’s the aesthetic part where your house theme comes in. Match your fence style with the overall theme of your property for an alluring look. If you have a modern home, a sleek, horizontal slat fence complements it well.
Have you got a traditional home? Go for a white picket fence to add a classic charm. Rustic homes benefit from the natural look of a split rail fence.
Take a walk around your neighborhood and take inspiration from the different styles you see. Your fence should enhance the beauty of your home, not clash with it.
Process to Build a Wood Fence / Fence Installation
Before you begin your fence installation, it’s important to prepare flawlessly so you never get into trouble.
- Find your property line: It’s important to locate and mark your property boundaries precisely so you know you’re building within your property.
- Decide on the height: Make sure you are done with deciding your desired height of the fence based on your needs for privacy, security, or aesthetics.
- Stake the corner locations: You can use stakes and string to outline the corners of your fence. This way, you create a clear guide.
What’s next? It’s time to dig holes and set fence posts securely:
- Prepare the holes: Start by digging holes at regular intervals along the fence line, and make sure they are deep enough to accommodate the height of your fence posts.
- Reset the layout lines: Once the holes are dug, reset your layout lines to ensure the fence will be straight and properly aligned.
- Set the posts: Now, you can place your fence posts in the holes. Keep them upright and use concrete generously to secure the posts and fill the holes.
- Fill in the holes: After setting the posts, fill the holes with soil and compact them firmly around the posts for stability.
Finish the holes: End up smoothing out the soil around the base of the posts and check for any gaps or unevenness.
How To Install Rails Perfectly?
- Mark the rail locations on the posts: You should measure and mark the places where the fence rails will be attached to the posts.
- Begin installing the rails: Attach the first rail to the marked locations on the posts.
- Attach the remaining rails: Continue to attach the remaining rails along the length of your fence. Space them evenly and maintain a consistent height.
Attach the boards: Finally, you can attach the fence boards or panels to the rails. And that’s all how to fix a wooden fence.
How to Give a Perfect Finish to Your Fence
Once your wood fence is installed, it’s time to give it that perfect finish:
- Sanding: It’s the most relaxing part of the process, where you smooth out any rough edges or imperfections with sandpaper. This helps you get a uniform surface for staining or painting.
- Staining: Now, Choose a quality wood stain that complements your property’s aesthetic. Gently apply the paint evenly with a brush or roller.
- Sealing: Give your wooden fence a finishing touch with a protective sealant to increase durability and weather resistance.
What’s even better? The sealant also adds a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference!
How Should You Maintain Your Wooden Fence?
If you regularly maintain your wood fence, you’ll never have to replace it or go for a new one!
Cleaning: Always remove dirt, debris, and mold regularly with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.
Inspecting: Don’t forget to check for loose boards, damaged posts, or signs of rot.
Sealing: You can protect your wooden fence’s surface by reapplying sealant every few years. It keeps them safe from UV rays and moisture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a wooden fence that’s durable and exceptional doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, the key is proper planning and using the right materials. Remember to check local regulations, select a style that complements your home, and follow the installation steps carefully.
By maintaining your wooden fence regularly, you’ll ensure it remains a beautiful and functional addition to your property for years to come. Happy fencing, and enjoy the privacy and charm your new fence will bring! For expert advice and quality materials, visit Guerrero Landscaping.
FAQS
Well, that depends on how much time you've got and how much weight you can pull. If you can do all the digging and hole filling yourself, it's perfect, but if you want an even refined look and a strong result, you can go for a professional service.
The most preferred and common types of wood materials you can use are spruce, pine, cedar, and cypress.
Yes, it is. If you maintain your wooden fence surface by cleaning and regularly inspecting it, it can last up to 15-17 years easily. However, you can always go for a new style and look as the trends change.
If you research the price, you'll find numerous price ranges. However, the normal cost of setting up a wooden fence ranges from $8 to $15 per linear foot for materials. And if you include labour, the price rises from $14 to $35.
