Building A Fence: What Not To Do

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.

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.

Beautiful Fences Are Vinyl Fences

Wooden fences are beautiful, but they require a lot of upkeep and maintenance. Vinyl fencing is just as beautiful, yet it is practically maintenance free! Of course, there are many other benefits of a vinyl fence that you should know about if you are considering between wood and vinyl fencing.

First of all, practically no maintenance is required on your vinyl fence. This was already stated but it needs to be expanded some. You will not have to paint your fence to keep it looking pretty and new. In fact, you won’t even have to sand or stain. Your vinyl fence will simply retain its beauty without you doing much of anything to it!

In addition to this, you will notice that even after years your vinyl fence still looks like it is brand new. That is because vinyl fencing does not splinter or crack. It will never, ever rot! That’s certainly not a claim wooden fences can make.

Insects are another hassle when you have a wooden fence, but that is not the case with a vinyl fence. The vinyl is resistant to insects and the damage they can cause. This means the only maintenance you might have in regards to your vinyl fencing is keeping it clean. Dirt buildup is natural and your vinyl fence might look dirty once in a while. If this is the case then all you need is a little water to clean it off and make it look new again.

Another benefit of vinyl fencing is that it has amazing quality. The vinyl fence appearance will always look new and beautiful, just like the day you bought it. Many vinyl fences also come with a lifetime limited warranty so even if you aren’t sure to begin with you have that security. But, you probably won’t ever need it because vinyl fencing is strong and durable.

Everything you might need from a fence can be provided by a vinyl fence. They are long lasting, sturdy, perfect for animals and have easy installation, not to mention amazingly affordable for what you are getting.

If you are weighing the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of fences you will notice that vinyl fencing always wins out. That is because it’s a beautiful fence that requires no work and it always looks as if it is brand new. What else could you want from a fence?