Investing in a new fence? A carefully planned and constructed fence, made from quality materials, adds lasting beauty and security to any property. Here are some basic dos and don’ts to remember during fence installation.
The dos
Fence installation generally isn’t a DIY job. While it’s best to leave this job to the professionals, here are two of the main things you should do to ensure your investment in a fence is both structurally sound and aesthetically appealing for years to come:
- Select the right type of wood: This is the most basic step in quality fence installation. Different types of woods offer different levels of longevity and resistance to the elements of nature. Many homeowners choose pressure-treated wood for long-lasting, beautiful fences. It’s both durable and affordable, making it a great option if you’re working on a budget but still want to have a fence that’s built to last. Other options include naturally resistant species like redwood, cedar and cypress. While these options are more expensive, they contain natural resins that repel both insects and moisture, and they provide stunning aesthetic value. Only choose other species like spruce or oak if the lumber is treated with a brush-on preservative to boost its longevity.
- Use a base gravel layer: All fences require a base gravel layer within the postholes to prevent against the damaging effects of moisture. You generally need a six-inch layer of gravel at the bottom of fence posts. The gravel should be installed in two parts. You’ll start by adding one three-inch layer of gravel and tamping it down, followed by another three-inch layer and more tamping. Taking the time to add a sufficient base layer provides proper drainage into the subsoil, allowing water to drain away from fence posts to prevent any moisture damage.
The don’ts
There are also some things you shouldn’t do during fence installation: Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your new fence looks and functions as it should:
- Don’t use eyeball measurements: Don’t guesstimate when it comes to determining the placement of your postholes. Measure very carefully for evenly spaced fence posts, and always make sure placements are in a line before you do any digging.
- Don’t make postholes too small: It can be tough to dig postholes, even if you have the right equipment like an auger at your disposal. Make sure every posthole is deep enough, though, or you risk non-compliance with local codes and ordinances, as well as weaken the overall stability of your new fence. As a general rule, dig postholes to a depth of one-third to one-half the overall exposed height of the post from the ground to the top.
Proper fence installation requires plenty of proper planning, as well as plenty of physical labor. If you want your investment in a new fence to last, it’s generally best to rely on the knowledge and expertise of a professional fencing company. Contact Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC today to learn more about making the most of your investment in a new, attractive fence.