Installing a Vinyl Fence: How to Measure Your Yard

Vinyl fencing is both easier to install than other options and does not require as much maintenance - and is becoming more common and popular because of it. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, where the rain and wind can more quickly deteriorate other fencing materials. Salem, in particular, is becoming a center for fence production, and the panels being produced are easily assembled and durable.

If you're considering installing your own vinyl fence, don't skimp on the measuring stage to avoid an uneven or flawed fence, or one that may require you to replace sections at a later time. Before you order your Salem fence materials, follow these tips in the planning stages of your fencing project.

Preliminary Steps

Before you even begin measuring, avoid major fence installation problems by planning ahead. Preliminary steps include:

Review local zoning or building laws. Some cities and local communities have codes that govern the measurements of your fencing. Review these codes so you are not required to tear down or alter your vinyl fencing.

Locate underground lines. Underground utility lines will help you determine many of your fence's characteristics because they will affect where your fence posts can be placed. Make sure to plan around any underground lines.

Check for obstructions in your yard. Make sure to plan your fence around any obstructions or variances in your yard, such as large rocks, plants, dips and slopes. All of these will affect both the placement and the construction of your vinyl fencing.

Confirm where your property line is. This may seem simple, but done incorrectly can cause some pretty significant issues. As part of this process, also consider where you want to build your vinyl fence - do you want to build it a few feet inside the property line so you can access both sides of the fence or do you want to leave as much yard space as possible?

Begin the Measuring.

Start your measuring by placing a stake in each corner of your yard where you plan for the fence to be installed. Add up the measurements between each stake for the total length of fencing you'll need, taking into account if and where you want any gates. Put this general plan down on paper, with an outline of the yard as well. Make sure to mark where you would like each fence post to go, and how many corner and end posts you will need overall. For vinyl fencing, a good rule of thumb is a post every eight feet, as most vinyl fencing materials come in eight-foot panels. Knowing these measurements, then calculate the number of fence panels you'll need by dividing the total length of fencing by eight.

You can also use an online fence materials calculator, which can tell you how many posts, panels and other materials to order. When ordering Salem fence materials, keep your notes and diagrams handy in case of any questions, and make sure to ask whatever questions you have.

Are Vinyl Fences Better Than Wood Fences?

As with any home improvement project, it is always best to do your homework before going ahead with your plan. Whether you go with vinyl or wood, keep in mind that these fences will be around for at least 10 years, so it's even more important that you like the fence that you are getting.

So, are vinyl fences better than wood fences? There are homeowners who prefer vinyl fences and then there are those who are all for wood fences too. Both camps swear by their choice of fence, but when you get down to the details, is there really a clear winner? Let's find out.

Affordability

The price of the fence is a major issue for most homeowners and here's the deal: Wood fences are cheaper upfront. Vinyl fences cost more initially but then once they are put up, you can leave them there for the next 15 years or so without having to fix or repaint anything. But even if say that wood is more expensive in the long run, it would all still depend on the resources you have on hand (i.e. can you afford a vinyl fence now?).

Look

The natural look of wood is what most homeowners who opted for wood fences really like. Wood fences come with a rustic charm that blends perfectly with most landscaping designs. In addition, wood fences can be custom made with a lot of options to choose from with respect to texture and design. This is the true beauty of wood that remains unmatched by vinyl fences until now. Sure you'd need to do a lot of maintenance work to keep your wood fences looking the way they are, but who says beauty doesn't come with a price?

Maintenance and Durability

Vinyl fences clearly have the edge in this aspect. They can last up to up to 50 years without the need for much maintenance work. Just a hosing down every now and then to remove dust and loose dirt will keep your vinyl fences in top condition. Plus, they don't rot or crack, and are weather and termite resistant.

Wood fences on the other hand, need to be sealed, stained, and painted on a regular basis. Cedar and redwood are the best wood materials for fences. Properly finished, fences from these types of wood can last up to 20 years, maybe a little more, even under the harsh weather conditions.

Warranty

Vinyl fences also trump wood fences when it comes to warranty. Because wood is naturally susceptible to decay regardless of how well you have it treated, wood fences rarely come with a warranty. For a vinyl fence, a 20-year warranty is quite common, and even labor and installation comes with up to 5 years warranty.

Again, which is the better choice? vinyl or wood? I'd say it all boils down to what aspects of a fence matter most to you. The advantages and disadvantages of both types have been laid out for you and ultimately, the decision is yours to make.