The weekend warrior isn’t a samurai in their first go. Often, DIY also involves re-doing it yourself if you haven’t planned or executed it properly. Regarding fences, mistakes can be especially critical since mistakes can prove costly from a materials or even health perspective. Still, the benefits of building a fence yourself are numerous and worthwhile as long as you take your time and plan properly. At Fencing Direct, we ship top-quality products to your door at a savings. This article will share some common DIY fencing mistakes we come across so that when you get your fence, you’ll have all the know-how to set it up properly the first time.
Cutting Rails Too Short
This common mishap can result in unworkable rails that do not fully attach to the fence posts. It happens when a builder cuts rails just long enough to reach the fence posts but forgets to leave enough rail to join to the post. This results in a post that goes up to, but not into, the fence post. The specs on each fence should list the length of the rail, including the extra inch or two that goes inside each post.
Not Accounting for Grade Change
Often, fences are not installed on evenly-graded ground. Even a slight grade change can make things difficult for fence installation or affect the look and utility of the final product. For instance, while a flat graded fence may be 25 feet, a fence on a slope could actually cover more ground, depending on the design.
Grade changes require planning and thought as to the design. Based on your preferences, you can think about implementing the following solutions:
Racked fences create an even look across a grade change by sloping the rails between posts at the angle of the grade. This will require adjustments in calculation for the length of the rails to account for the additional distance they need to cover. While somewhat complicated, this style results in an even-looking fence with a sloped top.
Another option for a racked fence would be to adjust the height of each post so that they all reach the same height. Any panels would need to be adjusted to these heights as well. This results in a fence with a level top and a bottom that contours along the grade, basically the opposite of the racked fence above. Aluminum fences will commonly rack.
Stair step fences are a simple way to account for grade change by adjusting the rail height at each post. This creates a fence that will always be the same height above the ground but differ in height from post to post in a stairway fashion. While it is easy to implement, it can look less tidy than other strategies. This is often the strategy for vinyl fences.
As you can see, grade changes the level of difficulty but can be managed by proper planning. Our experts are always available to help you plan and think through your fencing aspirations in addition to troubleshooting any issues as they arise.
Poorly Matching Fencing Materials
Fencing, like engineering and architecture, turns complicated equations of force and gravity into elegant finished products. Yet, like those disciplines, errors in planning can result in unstable structures prone to collapse. These calculations generally center around the height of the fence and the weight of the materials. A common mistake would be to construct a tall fence without the proper reinforcement to stabilize the structure. Rails help keep fences standing and prevent warping. Sometimes, a middle rail will be necessary toward these ends, or other fences might benefit from reinforced railings.
As in architecture and engineering, the more height and weight, the more need for reinforcement. If you’re building a larger fence or one in an area with high winds, snow, etc, make sure you purchase the correct rails to avoid catastrophe down the road.
Poorly Installing Posts
Posts are the anchors of your fence; they are the pillars into which the rest of the project is integrated. For this reason, it is important to install posts plumb, or straight up and down. While each fence comes with instructions about how to set the posts, make sure that you use a plumb line or level to ensure proper installation.
Under-ordering Materials
Weekend warriors often have to restock their supplies if they purchase what they think to be the exact right amount for the project. Inevitably, something will go wrong, and with no materials to spare, it will mean going back to the home improvement store or online retailer. Give yourself some breathing room by ordering an extra length of wood or a few extra parts to avoid the hassle of procuring new supplies and paying for shipping again. Mistakes happen, and it would be a mistake not to plan for them. Often, this is the cheaper option in time and financial cost.
Forgetting Permits
Cities can be extremely difficult around permits even if going through all the proper channels. Building without a permit can result in fines and an even more difficult time securing the paperwork to build your fence. Most cities have phone numbers or websites to submit permit requests ahead of a project. Be sure to look at the local regulations in your area to create a plan that conforms to your municipal code.
Not Calling About Utility Lines
Similar to permit issues, digging without inquiring into utility lines can result in a legal headache. Yet perhaps more immediately dangerous is the risk of serious injury or death in the event of striking an electricity line. Localities keep track of where utility lines are buried, so all you need to do is inquire about their location and proceed with caution.
Remember, the professionals at Fencing Direct are here to support your project every step of the way. Consulting with our staff is perhaps the best way to avoid these common mistakes or others that you might not even yet know about. Check out our website for planning tools or give us a call today.
