DIY Fence Basics

It’s winter, so outside projects are basically done if you live in Utah or its neighbors, but those times when you are stuck inside are great for planning for next spring’s projects. One project that many homeowners like to think about is fence-building. Fences add privacy and security to a home, plus they can be aesthetically pleasing additions to a yard.

One of the first things to plan is what kind of material to use. Chain link, wrought iron, wood, and vinyl are all common choices. The next thing to think about is how many posts you’ll need. Most of the time, posts should be set 6′-8′ apart, so a 50′ needs about 7-9 posts. That doesn’t seem like much, but you have to remember that each post will need a hole dug that is about 1/3 of the post’s height so that it will be deep enough, then each hole will need dirt or concrete to hold the post in place.

Another important planning decision is the style of railings. There a many ways to attach railings to posts, including butt joints, lap joints, mortised joints, slotted joints, and grooved joints. Some of things joints can be made with just the wood, some nails, and a hammer (or nail gun) but other types need to have spaces cut out of the post to slide the railing in.

Third on your list should be to decide what kind of fence you want–picket, shadowbox, or others. This choice will affect how you hang the pickets/boards and how many of them you will need. Remember, each board or picket should be about 2-5 inches off the ground to protect it from moisture from grass and soil. Fences that are higher from the ground are easier to mow under, but might also let small critters in your yard.

Plan on taking several hours working on each post. You will also need a friend or other helper; fence building is not a one person job! You will need to make sure each post and board/picket is level and plumb (vertically straight). So buy a level if you don’t have one.

If you think about it, fence building is hard work. The benefits are wonderful, but be prepared for this to be a multiple-day project. Or you can skip the hard part and let Vinyl Industries’ professionals install your beautiful for you. We sell the best quality vinyl in Utah, and our installers will make sure your fence is put in correctly. If you still want to install the fence yourself, we have supplies, tools, and tips that will make your project easier. Contact us today; it’s never to early to start thinking about improving your yard.