How to Put Up a Wood Fence?
Wood fences are a great way to enhance the aesthetic of your property while keeping out trespassers and unwanted animals. Installing a wooden fence can be a DIY project that requires few skills and is very rewarding once completed.
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The first step in putting up a wood fence is to determine the location for it. This is important since a lot of communities will have restrictions and requirements that you must observe before a fence can be installed. It’s also important to check with your HOA or CC&Rs to see if you need to get a permit to build the fence.
Next, you will need to dig post holes in the correct locations. These should be at least a third of the height of the fence posts and ideally buried about six inches into the ground so that they can withstand the weight of the fence. A good tip is to place a large stone or two shovels of gravel in the bottom of each post hole, which will provide drainage and prevent excessive moisture at the base of the posts.
Once the posts are buried, they should be braced in both directions with stakes. If not, the panels and pickets will not be held together by the posts and could eventually separate from them.
For extra support, add a horizontal board between each pair of posts, and use 2×4 rails to hold them in place. This will make the installation much easier and quicker and saves time and money on nails or screws.
Before putting the fence in place, you should make sure that it is level and straight by using a spirit level. This will help the fence last for a long time and be as beautiful as it can be.
Once the fence is set up, you need to ensure that it is weatherproof by treating it with a water-resistant stain or paint. This will protect the fence from rain and sun and keep fungi and insects away for years.
When choosing a stain or paint for your fence, you should choose a color that will match the surrounding area and complement the existing fence or house. A natural wood stain, such as cedar, is usually a good choice because it provides a protective coating that can help keep a wooden fence looking good for many years.
If your fence has gates, be sure to oil them regularly with wood grease or car grease that will not only protect the metal but also the wooden hinges. This will also keep them from rusting and staining.
Finally, bevel the tops of your fence posts to prevent water from accumulating at the top, which can lead to rotting and mold. It’s a simple and inexpensive solution that will keep your fence looking good for years to come.
Once your fence is in place, you will need to put a fresh coat of paint on it to preserve it and prevent fading. This will also make it look new again.
