There are many things to keep in mind when planning a wood fence. Many people rush into a project thinking it will be fairly straightforward, only to end up with a botched job or a fence that falls to pieces after only a few years. Doing the job right the first time will save you not only grief, but money and pride as well. To avoid fence builder's remorse, follow these suggestions for what NOT to do when planning to build a wood or vinyl fence:
Don't make assumptions about your fence's height. Most people build fences hoping to find a little backyard privacy, whether that means blocking out an ugly view or avoiding the prying eyes of a neighbor. Few things are as crushing as building a fence and then finding out it doesn't hide that view or block neighbor's window after all. Neither do you want to install a fence for privacy only to find out it makes your backyard feel too closed in.
Before finalizing plans for your fence, make sure it will fit your needs. First, take a look around where you intend to install your wood fence and note the contours of the land around it. Does it slope upward or downward? A fence that sits on property sloping downward away from your home will offer more privacy than if the land slopes upward. Do the neighbors have a deck from which they can peer directly into your yard despite your fence's height? These are things that all must be considered before you even start your wood fence design.
Before finalizing plans for your fence, make sure it will fit your needs. First, take a look around where you intend to install your wood fence and note the contours of the land around it. Does it slope upward or downward? A fence that sits on property sloping downward away from your home will offer more privacy than if the land slopes upward. Do the neighbors have a deck from which they can peer directly into your yard despite your fence's height? These are things that all must be considered before you even start your wood fence design.
Next, test out your fence design by making a cardboard screen cut to the exact height of your proposed fence. Have someone walk the screen around the perimeter of your yard to get a feel for how the fence will look and how much it will block.
Don't be too eager to get started. The last thing you need is to have a long, laborious job go to pieces due to bureaucracy. There is always the chance you might build your fence in the wrong place, or make it too high. Take the time to find out exactly where your property lines and underground utilities are, and research neighborhood restrictions and city building codes to make sure you don't inadvertently violate a rule that could end up causing you to have to tear down your fence.
Don't cut corners. Taking shortcuts is a surefire way to end up with a collapsible fence. When you start tallying up the cost and labor involved in building your fence, it might seem like a good idea to cut a few corners on fencing materials, such as buying fewer posts and placing them farther apart. Resist the urge! Conform to your supplier's recommendations, such as placing posts the proper distance apart (usually about eight feet), as these guidelines will help ensure that your vinyl or wood fence design is capable of standing up to strong winds and other weather conditions that could threaten its stability.
Don't neglect adequate access. As you plan your fence, think about how you want to incorporate access gates to your backyard. While most people plan for at least one gate, it's a good idea to consider including two wide gates in your fence design. Furthermore, if you ever plan on having anything else done to your yard then you will want to have at least one removable panel. This will allow for a truck to get through for jobs on your land without having to painstakingly remove the fence from its foundation.
By taking pains to sidestep these common pitfalls, you can avoid many of the headaches that come with building a fence.
Don't be too eager to get started. The last thing you need is to have a long, laborious job go to pieces due to bureaucracy. There is always the chance you might build your fence in the wrong place, or make it too high. Take the time to find out exactly where your property lines and underground utilities are, and research neighborhood restrictions and city building codes to make sure you don't inadvertently violate a rule that could end up causing you to have to tear down your fence.
Don't cut corners. Taking shortcuts is a surefire way to end up with a collapsible fence. When you start tallying up the cost and labor involved in building your fence, it might seem like a good idea to cut a few corners on fencing materials, such as buying fewer posts and placing them farther apart. Resist the urge! Conform to your supplier's recommendations, such as placing posts the proper distance apart (usually about eight feet), as these guidelines will help ensure that your vinyl or wood fence design is capable of standing up to strong winds and other weather conditions that could threaten its stability.
Don't neglect adequate access. As you plan your fence, think about how you want to incorporate access gates to your backyard. While most people plan for at least one gate, it's a good idea to consider including two wide gates in your fence design. Furthermore, if you ever plan on having anything else done to your yard then you will want to have at least one removable panel. This will allow for a truck to get through for jobs on your land without having to painstakingly remove the fence from its foundation.
By taking pains to sidestep these common pitfalls, you can avoid many of the headaches that come with building a fence.
Fences are important components in the exterior aspect of your property and it ought to be given utmost attention if home improvement is basically in mind.
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