A fence serves multiple purposes, from delineating property lines to enhancing security, curb appeal, and livestock containment. Whether installing a fence for residential or commercial purposes, understanding the key dos and don’ts can ensure a smooth and efficient process. This guide provides essential tips for a successful fencing project, especially for those based in Australia.
Let’s get straight to the point.
When installing a fence, following key dos and don’ts for success is essential. Check local regulations, use durable wood like pressure-treated or cedar, ensure deep postholes, and apply a gravel base.
Pay attention to hole size, neglect caulking post bases, or ignore utility lines. Use rapid-setting concrete carefully, apply caulk for water protection, and perform regular maintenance. Compacting gravel in the posthole can also secure fence posts without concrete. Proper planning, correct materials, and regular upkeep will ensure a long-lasting, effective fence.
Do Your Homework Before Installation
1. Check Local Regulations And Permits
Before starting any fence project, check with your local council or Homeowners’ Association (HOA) to understand any regulations, permits, or restrictions. These rules may cover fence height, materials, and proximity to property lines.
It’s easy for those installing the fence themselves to overlook this step, but avoiding legal complications later is essential. Also, contact utility companies to mark underground wires or pipelines before digging postholes.
2. Call Utility Services
Before digging, always call the relevant utility companies. You must know if electrical, water, or gas lines are underground to avoid damaging them. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines or dangerous situations.
Choose The Right Materials
1. Do Select The Best Wood For The Job
Different types of wood have different levels of durability and performance. Pressure-treated wood is often the most cost-effective and durable option for outdoor use. Cedar, cypress, and redwood are more expensive but naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, making them ideal for long-lasting projects.
If you opt for cheaper options like spruce, oak, or pine, ensure these are treated with a preservative to resist decay. Always use wood rated for in-ground use to prevent it from rotting prematurely. Heartwood is preferable to sapwood because it’s denser and more resistant to pests and moisture.
2. Don’t Skimp On Posthole Size
The depth and diameter of your postholes are crucial for fence stability. A good rule of thumb is to make the hole at least one-third as deep as the total post height. For instance, a 6-foot post should have a hole at least 2 feet deep. The diameter of the hole should be about three times the post width. The ideal hole diameter for a standard 4×4 post would be 12 inches.
A posthole or clamshell digger helps create holes with straight sides, ensuring the posts are secure and stable.
Proper Installation Techniques
1. Do Use A Gravel Base Layer
Fence posts often fail due to moisture damage. To avoid this, start with a gravel base in each posthole. Filling the bottom of the hole with around 6 inches of gravel provides a drainage layer that helps prevent water from pooling around the post.
After placing gravel, tamp it down with a piece of wood to create a compact, solid base. This ensures that water drains away from the post, reducing the likelihood of rot. Some contractors rely solely on gravel for added durability in regions with heavy rainfall, while others recommend a combination of gravel and rapid-setting concrete for extra stability.
2. Don’t Prepare More Concrete Than Necessary
Rapid-setting concrete is designed to harden quickly, usually within 15 minutes. Therefore, mixing only the amount of concrete you can place and work with within that short window is essential. For example, a 60-pound CTS Rapid Set Concrete Mix bag yields about 0.5 cubic feet of concrete.
Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency. Once mixed, fill the posthole, ensuring the concrete slopes slightly away from the post to help with water runoff.
3. Do Apply Caulk Around The Post Base
Even after the concrete hardens, moisture can still seep between the post and the concrete, causing the wood to rot over time. To prevent this, apply exterior acrylic latex caulk around the base of the post where it meets the concrete. This seals any small gaps, preventing water infiltration. Be aware that freeze-thaw cycles may cause the seam to expand, so regular checks and reapplication of caulk may be necessary.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
1. Don’t Overlook Due Diligence
Before breaking ground:
- Ensure all your paperwork is in order.
- Contact local authorities to confirm you comply with all building codes and regulations.
- Remember to check your property lines thoroughly before placing any fence posts.
Misplacing a fence could lead to legal disputes with neighbours.
2. Don’t Ignore Regular Maintenance
Fencing requires regular upkeep. After installation, inspect your fence posts at least once a year to check for signs of wear, rot, or instability. Repaint or re-stain the wood as needed to protect it from the elements. Checking the posts in spring and autumn ensures that any damage from seasonal changes is caught early.
Additional Tips For Success
Do’s For Effective Fence Installation
- Dry-fit components before installation: Test all parts before drilling or fixing anything to avoid alignment issues.
- Use a level: Ensure your posts are plumb and level to avoid crooked fences.
- Plan gate placement: Gates need proper bracing and alignment, so plan their location before setting posts.
- Use post caps: Installing them protects the posts from water infiltration, extending their life.
- Use gravel in clay-rich soil: If you’re working in an area with heavy clay soil, gravel can improve drainage and reduce the likelihood of waterlogging around your posts.
Don’ts To Remember
- Don’t rely on your eyes for alignment: Always use a tape measure to ensure evenly spaced posts.
- Make sure to skip corner bracing: Corner posts need additional support to handle the tension of the fence pulling in both directions.
- Don’t rush the installation: Fences must be installed correctly, and soil needs to be tamped thoroughly around posts to ensure stability.
- Don’t forget the post caps: These small additions can significantly reduce water damage and rot.
- Avoid using soil alone. Simply refilling postholes with soil and stamping it down will not provide the needed support—gravel or concrete is essential.
How To Strengthen Fence Posts Without Concrete?
Concrete is the traditional method for securing fence posts, but gravel or crushed stone can be as effective if compacted properly. This method also allows for easier removal of the post in the future. Here’s how to do it:
- Dig the posthole to the correct depth: Aim for a depth of 40 inches for optimal stability.
- Create a base with gravel: Fill the bottom 6 inches of the posthole with gravel and compact it with a digger bar.
- Insert the post: Using a level, ensure it is plumb. If needed, adjust the positioning before backfilling.
- Backfill with gravel: Gradually fill the hole with gravel, compacting every 6 inches. This provides a sturdy anchor that can resist shifting over time.
Conclusion
Installing a fence is a significant investment, but following these dos and don’ts can ensure the project goes smoothly. From selecting the right materials to understanding local regulations, each step plays a critical role in the success of your fencing installation. Proper planning, attention to detail, and regular maintenance will extend the life of your fence, providing you with years of security, privacy, and curb appeal.
FAQs About House Fence
What Type Of Fence Is Most Durable?
Masonry wall fencing is the most durable, and it includes brick, concrete, stone, block, and stucco. It’s known for its longevity and can last over 100 years without issues.
Does Putting Up A Fence Add Value To Your Home?
Fencing increases the value of your home by a fraction of the cost. If you have a $10,000 fence installed, your home value will likely go up $6,000. You want to ensure that fencing is in the back of the home, that it is well done, and that it is kept up well.
What Is The Easiest Type Of Fence To Install?
Aluminium fences are often considered the easiest to install- you simply have to assemble the sections of rails rather than chopping your wood and then nailing it together.
Can I Build A Fence Without Digging Holes?
A metal spike anchor might be the easiest option if you don’t want to dig to set your fence post. Instead of digging a hole to put the post in, place a metal spike anchor like this one (Amazon link) where you would like the hole for your fence post.
Should Fence Posts Be Set In Concrete?
No, fence posts don’t need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix them if this seems too permanent. Concrete may be the worst option if you are using wooden posts.
