How to Build a Fence

As should be expected, there are many plans on how to build a fence. Post and rail fences aren't constructed in exactly the same way as a wood privacy fence or an aluminum security fence. The number of possible fence building plans is as numerous as the kinds of available fencing. Still, all fence building the same general principles of good fence building. Knowing what the principles of how to build a fence are will set you off on the right foot for your fencing project.

The Basics of How to Build a Fence
First, you'll need to deal with some preliminary surveillance and paperwork. Know where your property line is. You don't want to take the time and money to build a fence, only to discover your neighbor has the right to tear it down. You might try talking to your neighbor to see if they're interested in having a fence. This will enable you to build the fence directing on the property line, and your neighbor may be willing to chip in some money for the project. You'll also need to check on whether your fencing project requires any building permits before you begin.

The most important part of quality fence building is the part you can't see: the depth and construction of the fence posts. Not only must fence posts support the weight of the fence, they must also act as an anchor for your fence against strong winds. They must also be dug deep enough to withstand crumbling or shifting soil in your yard. A good rule of thumb is to dig your fence posts deep enough so that one-third the length of the fence post is underground. If you're uncertain or know that your home receives high winds and/or soft soil, err on the side of digging your fence posts a little deeper than necessary.

Privacy Fence Paneling
If you're building some sort of privacy fence, you may need to take some extra steps to properly attach your fence panels. DIY fencing kits can be tailored for your lawn. To deal with a sloped lawn, fence panels can be "racked." Essentially, this means the panel has been contorted from a rectangle into a parallelogram to accommodate the slope. You'll need to measure the length and angle of your lawn slope to ensure you get an adequately racked panel section.

Fence panels, particularly if your fence is made from wood, should be at least six inches from the ground to keep moisture off your fence and to allow for easy mowing. You may also want to find the highest point on your lawn to make sure you maintain a six-inch clearance throughout your fence. Make sure your fence nails or screws are specifically designed and treated for fencing installations. This will prevent them from becoming loose and reduce the chances of them splintering the wood.

Try Your Local Hardware Store or Handyman
Once you have a grasp of the basics of how to build a fence, you should try to find a local expert that can supplement your knowledge. You might try your local hardware store, but don't expect a teenager stocking shelves to know much, if anything, more than you do. Some local contractors may be willing to talk to you for free on the phone about your fencing project, but again, you have to get lucky to find a professional willing to donate his or her time to your fencing project. If you do find such a contractor, you might want to keep his or her number for future projects. You've probably found an honest, quality contractor if he or she is willing to offer such advice.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Fence Builder
You may decide you don't have the proper skills and tools to build and install the fence you want. Even if you can complete the project on your own, there are several reasons you may want to consider hiring a professional fence builder. First, they will bring local knowledge of wind, soil conditions, and how different materials will hold up over time given the climate you live in. It's unlikely you'll be able find this information from general fence building advice. The precision and craftsmanship of a professional fence builder will also ensure a seamless, sharp-looking fence that may last for much longer than the fence you will build. Plus, you save time and the inevitable headaches that come with virtually any DIY project.

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