The installation of a fence in your backyard is a great way to enhance your home's yard and garden's curb appeal, value, and style. Depending on the variety of fencing you have in mind, there are several factors to consider since you aren't the only one who has to live within the fence.
Whether for privacy, security purposes, or to prevent the entry of wildlife such as deer, the right backyard fence is the best solution that can also boost the value of your property. If you're ready to install one, there are several tips to help you decide on the suitable fencing for your home.
Let us check out several valuable tips to ensure suitable fencing for your backyard here.
1. Plan the Fencing Project Carefully
Remember that there's nothing worse than a current neighborhood feud brought about by fencing on the property line's wrong side. With this in mind, you should know where you'll draw the line.
During the planning phase, make sure that you'll carefully check the plot plans to determine your lot's corners and work within them. The best approach to avoid any misunderstanding is to discuss with your neighbors about the fencing project before starting the construction.
2. Making the Fence Legal
Not all fencing projects necessitate permits, but it's a smart move to check with the local authorities to confirm any building guidelines. The local ordinances might have strict guidelines for the fence height, picket spacing, materials, post-hole footings, and the minimum setback distance from the street or sidewalk.
3. Fencing Material
Today, fencing is available in a wide selection of materials, including natural and pressure-treated wood, vinyl, composites, and metal. Aside from the fencing appearance that you prefer, you should also consider the upkeep or maintenance requirements of the fencing material you'll choose. If you select natural wood as fencing, it requires regular maintenance especially repainting and refinishing jobs every few years.
4. Right Finishing
You can ensure the best coverage and protection in a hassle-free manner by applying the appropriate finish to the fencing of your choice before assembly. Remember to avoid overlooking this step if you're going to work with a professional. You can schedule the drop-off of the fencing material a few days ahead of the installation so you can tackle the finish.
When it comes to the right finish, avoid using a transparent topcoat such as polyurethane varnish or shellac. These options couldn't endure the elements which eventually resulting in blisters to a point where you've no other choice but to sand the surfaces down and start with a new finish for the fencing.
5. Reinforcing the Gates
The fence gates endure most of the wear-and-tear, so ensure that it's secure and reinforce it with diagonal cross support to avoid sagging over time. Additionally, make sure that the gate closes even if children leave it open by adding a spring hinge to help it swing shut.
6. Avoid Drag Fence
One of the usual mistakes during fencing installation is positioning the base rail near the ground. In such cases, it'll enable rapid breakdown due to rot and insect infestations. The railing should sit four to six inches above the ground level to ensure adequate clearance for adjacent grass and good airflow. Take note that the fence will set after installation, so maintaining the fence in an upright position at the start is the ideal way to keep it free from insects.
7. Space Fence Out
The spacing amidst the fence posts will vary on the type of fencing, terrain, and its primary purpose. However, the typical range is six to eight feet between posts.
8. Setting the Fence Posts Correctly
Many homeowners assume that setting the posts in concrete is the best way to ensure durability, resulting in incorrect settling, drainage problems, and even damage. The majority of fencing will have a better condition if the post holes are in line with well-leveled gray gravel. Take note that the gravel pressure against the ground is relatively more robust than concrete and maintains the fence posts in a straight position as the natural drainage handles the rest.
9. Fencing Sides
Aside from matching the overall look of your house, the style of fencing you choose should look great from both sides, match the functions of your outdoor space, and makes the most out of your lot boundaries.
Once you go for board-on-board fencing, it's an excellent choice since it looks equally great on both sides. As for stockade fencing, it only has one finished side. In case you're going to settle for this type of fencing, most of the building codes will require you to make sure that the good side is facing out.
10. Cap Fence Posts
Make it a priority that you'll secure your fence with a slanting, rounded cover or a metal surface to ensure proper runoff of water and prevent rot.
Fence cap spots are specially designed material that comfortably fits over the top of the posts on a fence, deck, or any similar type of structure. You can find the post caps in various colors and materials such as vinyl, resin, or wood, depending on your preferences.
The fence post caps are crucial for your fence since they function as a protective feature and a design element to inject a visual appeal to your fencing. When selecting the fence post caps, you should make sure that they're tight but not too snug around the fence post. If the post cap is too tight, it can be detrimental in the long run.
Vinyl might be a suitable short-term option but not resistant to UV and eventually fade and turn brittle over time. For a long-term solution, choices that come in resin are good options that boast UV protection and impact resistance.
Conclusion
There are several choices to choose from these days when it comes to fencing options for your backyard. With the help of these helpful tips when fencing your backyard, it'll ensure the best possible outcome depending on your objectives while keeping your property an attractive space at the same time.
