Robert Frost once said “Good Fences make Good Neighbors”. Good Fences can also keep the dog (or cat, or bunnies, or goat…) out of your gardens, and/or in their own “area.” A good fence can protect your children and create a safe place for them to play at home. Good fences also can provide us with privacy. Fences can be a great addition to a property and can also add value to your home.
Putting up a fence is a pretty easy process. But before you get to the “putting up” stage, you’ll first need to decide what type of fence you want to build. A fence is something that will visually define an area, so it will need to blend with its environment as well as your home. You’ll want to take your time during the planning stage so you don’t have to take extra time during the building stage and possibly end up with costly mistakes. The laws are different in every area, but some cities or townships may require some kind of building permit for putting up a fence, so be sure to check into any regulations for the area where you live.
Once you have a design in mind for your fence you’ll need to take a look at material options. The purpose of the fence will help you determine the best materials to use. For privacy you’ll probably want to go with wood or vinyl (often made of recycled plastics). When looking at wood, cedar is a great choice because it is strong and rot-resistant. Maybe you want to go with a medium sized rock wall if the fence is for a flower garden or for definition of your property. Or, when paired with the right need and structure, an ornate iron fence may be the way to go. If you’re having trouble choosing a material, try getting some price estimates to help you determine what you can afford.
It’s very important to measure your space correctly. If your measurements are off it will affect your material needs and also, of course, the end result of your fence.
Once you have all of your materials on site, get ready to dig some holes! Before you get to digging though, make sure to mark the spot for each post. You want to set your posts, if possible, below the frost line. It will be different in each geographical area. For example in the south west it’s near 2ft and in New England it is about 4ft. Once the holes are all dug the same depth (don’t forget to measure) you’ll want to begin mixing up concrete so you can set each post, but only if the material you are using requires it.
After your posts are set, you can begin attaching your fencing material. As you go, make sure to measure the space (if any) in between each of your slats so they are evenly spaced apart. After this, you’re done!
If you decide that you might like skip the whole “Do it Yourself” thing and hire a general contractor in Maryland or in the Washington, D.C. or the Fairfax, Virginia areas to help with your fence, you can contact DR Hartman Construction at hartmancanbuild.com or by calling 301.926.9000.
Leave a Reply