Wood fences are a timeless, durable choice for homeowners who want to protect their property from intrusion and unwanted guests while adding a sense of privacy. Whether you choose cedar, redwood, or another type of wood, you can customize your design to fit your home and budget. There are also various types of stains and colors that you can use to protect the wood from natural damage like mold, sun exposure, and insect infestations.
Regardless of the style or design you choose, you should always start with a plan. This will help you get a better idea of how much the project is going to cost and can prevent you from running into problems that may require additional materials or time in the future. A plan will also help you determine the best location for your fence to minimize impact on natural landmarks and terrain features, as well as your neighbors.
Once you have your plans in place, it is important to contact your local fence company and request a free site survey. This will allow the technician to mark where your buried gas, water, and power lines are located before starting the project. This will prevent you from accidentally damaging these lines during the construction process.
After the concrete is poured, it is a good idea to brace the posts. This will add extra strength to the post and make sure it is straight. You can do this by attaching a board to each end of the fence and then driving it into the ground. Once the posts are secure, you can begin installing the rails of your wood fence.
Before you begin this part of the project, it is a good idea to remove any braces and batter boards from the posts. Then, using a level, measure and mark where you will be placing the rails. If you are building a four-foot fence or shorter, one top and bottom rail will be sufficient, but taller fences benefit from having a rail in the middle as well.
Then, it is a good idea to install the rails by using either screws or nails. It is a good idea to use galvanized fasteners for this, as they will be more resistant to corrosion and weathering. You should also consider adding a galvanized trim piece to the top of the rail, which will help keep the finish of your fence looking nice and clean for a longer period of time.
Once your rails are installed, you can begin installing the pickets. When doing this, it is a good idea to have a ladder handy in case you need to climb up and down to reach the pickets. It is also a good idea to wear gloves during this part of the project to prevent the wood from becoming too slippery or cold when working with it. Also, it is important to use a level to ensure the pickets are all installed at the same height.