A DIY Guide to Fence Building

There is an old adage that tells us that "good fences make good neighbors." The addition of a fence to your existing property is a major step, and there are quite a few things that must be decided and tended to before you even begin. However, don't let this discourage you. There are also several good reasons why the building of a fence is an ideal DIY project, and not beyond the abilities of the normal homeowner.

There are a lot of reasons one might have to build the fence, and these considerations control the decision as to what type of fence to build and the materials that will be used in its construction. Privacy is a prime consideration, and usually leads to a desire for a high and forbidding type of material selection. It is important to control this a bit. You do not want to spoil any possible views by making the fence too high.

It is also true that thieves are not very fond of fences and the presence of a fence can protect you from unwanted access to your property, but when a fence is too high it provides a sanctuary for them. Once they are inside the fence, they are shielded from view.

When the major purpose for the fence is to provide a pen for a pet, and privacy is not a major concern, this would suggest a smaller and more open type of fencing. Chain link would get the nod here. It might also be possible that the fence has a limited purpose beyond the closing in of the entire property. A fence around a garden is an example of this. When this is the case, a good choice might be vinyl fencing. This is a newer and very versatile fencing material.

Once the decision is made as to the type of fence, and the material is selected, it is a good idea to take a good look at the code requirements for the area where you reside. Codes vary widely from locale to locale, and you need to make sure you have this area covered before you begin. It is also a good idea to have a survey of the property done prior to getting started. Nothing ruins a day more than finding out your new vinyl fence is two feet onto your neighbor's property.

When the preliminary matters are all tended to, it is time to begin the actual construction process. It is pretty much accepted that you are going to have to dig some holes. In fact, the digging of the holes, and the placing of poles constitutes the major labor output of this project. A good post hole digger, an item that can be easily rented, is a necessity here. The placement and distance between poles is going to depend on the type of fence and the building material selected. When the fence is going to be wood, and you are planning on doing the carpentry yourself, you have a little more leeway in the hole placements. The use of chain link, or the very popular and versatile vinyl fencing material, or the use of precut and prepared lumber dictates the placement, and you should be sure to follow the recommendations of the supplier.

Once the holes are dug, and the poles firmly planted, it is a simple matter of attaching the rails, nailing together the posts, or installing the chain link. Then you can sit back and enjoy your privacy, and perhaps your security, and certainly your new and improved relations with your neighbors.

Natalie Aranda writes on home and garden. When the major purpose for the fence is to provide a pen for a pet, and privacy is not a major concern, this would suggest a smaller and more open type of fencing. Chain link would get the nod here. It might also be possible that the fence has a limited purpose beyond the closing in of the entire property. A fence around a garden is an example of this. When this is the case, a good choice might be vinyl fencing. This is a newer and very versatile fencing material. It is also a good idea to have a survey of the property done prior to getting started. Nothing ruins a day more than finding out your new vinyl fences are two feet onto your neighbor's property.

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