Before any fence construction begins, it’s important to consult a professional for guidance on material selection and zoning requirements. A good installer will also contact local utility companies to schedule a locating service before digging to avoid damage to underground utilities.

The rails and panels can be attached once the posts are securely seated in the ground. This is where your fence starts to take shape. Contact R.C Fence LLC now!

Whether you’re looking to add privacy, enhance security, or define property lines, there are several considerations to consider before starting your fence installation project. Choosing the right materials, understanding maintenance requirements, evaluating the cost of professional help versus DIY, and more can help you make an informed decision.

While it may be tempting to save some money by doing it yourself, fencing can be a tricky task. Many homeowners aren’t well-versed in woodworking or construction, and attempting to install a fence without the proper tools could lead to costly errors that can result in repairs down the road. Plus, it can be dangerous for inexperienced people to work on or near power lines and underground utility pipes.

Before you get started, make sure to check with your local zoning laws and homeowner’s association (HOA) rules to ensure that the fence you are building complies with all regulations. You’ll also want to have a copy of your property survey on hand to ensure that you’re not building over the property line. This is a big no-no that can lead to legal issues, costly changes, and even a ruined fence.

To avoid any potential problems, it’s best to start by having a professional assess your property and determine the best location for your fence. This will be based on factors such as existing landscaping, sloping ground levels, and utility lines. A professional will also be able to help you find a good design that suits your property’s layout and goals.

When installing your fence, it’s important to follow all local zoning regulations and obtain any required permits. You’ll also want to keep in mind any homeowner’s associations or neighborhood covenants that may dictate the style, height, and material of your fence. For example, some neighborhoods have rules that stipulate that fences be set back a certain distance from sidewalks and properties lines, or require special consideration for sloped yards.

The next step is to dig the holes for your posts, and if needed, brace them while waiting for concrete or other fill to cure. Typically, post holes should be dug at least one-third to one-half of the final fence height. This allows for stability once the fence is installed and prevents settling in the future.

Post Installation

Before beginning construction, you’ll want to clear the area of any obstructions that may hinder your work or make it difficult to finish the project. This includes anything from loose debris to landscaping plants. It’s also a good idea to contact the local utility locator hotline to see what underground services (water, electricity, gas lines, etc.) are located on your property so you can avoid damaging them during fence installation.

Once the site has been cleared and any necessary permits have been obtained, it’s time to dig post holes. This is one of the most crucial steps in the process and, if not done properly, can lead to weak, unstable fence posts that will eventually fall over. Dig holes that are at least two fists deep and about as wide as the bottom of your fence post. It’s a good idea to make the holes slightly bigger at the bottom than the top to prevent them from tipping over during inclement weather. When digging, always keep in mind that the soil type can significantly affect how deep you need to go when installing fence posts.

When it comes to installing your fence, there are many factors to consider that will determine the success of the project. By carefully planning the layout, selecting the right materials, complying with local regulations, assessing maintenance requirements, determining security and privacy needs and deciding whether to use panels or build your fence from individual pickets, you can ensure that your fence is built safely and properly.

It’s also a good idea to check with your local government office and neighborhood association to see what restrictions or guidelines they may have on fence construction. Many jurisdictions require that homeowners obtain a permit before starting work on a new fence and there are often rules limiting the height, material and design of the fence you can install on your property.

Once the first corner or end posts have been set, you’ll be ready to start the rest of the fence. When seating each fence post, remember to use a level and twine as a guide for straightness and plumbness. Before you seat each post, add 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) of gravel to the hole. This helps to allow for proper drainage away from the posts during inclement weather, and it will extend the life of your fence.

Rails & Panels

While fence posts are the foundation of your yard’s security and privacy, fence panels and rails complete the look. Whether your fencing is made of wood, metal or vinyl, the materials can vary widely in both style and durability. Front Range Lumber can help you select the best options to meet your home and property needs.

If your fence is built on a slope, there are several different methods that can be used to adjust the height. Racking is the most popular and gives your fence a consistent, smooth appearance that contours to the ground.

The first step is to install the fence posts on a level line across the slope. Next, use a post hole digger to dig holes that are 4-6″ wide and 24 “-42” deep. The depth depends on your frost line. When digging the holes, make sure they are plumb (level vertically on two adjacent sides) and then pour in concrete to anchor the post. Once the concrete is dry, cut off the excess.

After the posts are installed, it is time to add the fence rails. There are various options for this including wood split rail fencing, cedar or PT pine and composite fences. Cedar is a durable and attractive option for privacy fences. It is less likely to bow than other woods, and it is naturally resistant to rot and insects. It also ages beautifully and is easy to stain.

Once the fence rails are in place, you can install the fence panels. There are several different types of fence panels, including solid panels and spaced picket panels. Solid panels are a good choice for privacy fences because they are tightly spaced and are available in many styles such as flat top or dog-ear. Spaced picket panels, on the other hand, are evenly spaced to allow some visibility through your fence and come in a variety of sizes and thickness levels.

A cap board is a finishing touch to the fence, covering the exposed ends of the pickets or boards and providing a finished appearance to the structure. The cap board is typically made of the same material as the fence and can include decorative features like caps that resemble flowers, filigree or acorns to compliment the overall design of your fence.

Final Touches

Once the foundation is in place, the final touches can be added to make your fence stand out and provide a polished look. These steps may include lighting, gates, and additional security features.

Before the fence installation process begins, be sure to research local zoning laws, building codes, and homeowner association (HOA) regulations to ensure your project is in compliance. You will also want to determine the level of privacy and aesthetics you desire in order to choose the right materials.

Inspect and Clear the Area

Prior to starting the actual work, inspect your proposed fence site to identify any rocks, roots, or existing structures that might interfere with construction. Then, clear the area of any debris and vegetation so that you have a clean and clear space to work.

Set Posts

Depending on your design, you will need either corner or end posts to serve as reference points for the rest of the fence line. Then, use stakes or spray paint to mark the exact fence line, ensuring that the posts are evenly spaced and aligned. After setting each post, check the alignment and height using a string line and a level to achieve uniformity.

Next, the rails and slats will be affixed to the posts. Whether you are choosing a stepping or racking method, be sure that all rails are of the same length to maintain consistency. Slats can be placed directly on the rails or anchored to them with fasteners such as screws, nails, or galvanized brackets. Be sure to countersink the fasteners for a smooth appearance.

If necessary, you will need to trim slats to fit around corners and obstacles. You will also need to space slats evenly between each other based on your desired level of privacy and the design of your fence. For example, spacings range from no gap (full privacy) to a few inches (semi-privacy).

Once the slats are in place, you can add additional details such as gates, hardware, and decorative trim. This is an excellent time to review any final changes with your fencing contractor. Once the fence is finished, your fencing professional will remove any waste materials and clean up the work area. Then, you can enjoy your new fence!