what do i need to install a fence

Fence Materials and Tools Checklist

Full Answer

How do you install a fence step by step?

Whatever kind of fence you're installing, it's a good idea to mark each corner of the fenced-in area with stakes. At each corner, plant a small wooden stake to mark the spot clearly. Dig a hole for the first post at the corner of the fence. To get started, you'll need to start installing the fence posts, which will form the corners of the fence.

What materials do I need to build a fence?

Fence Materials and Tools Checklist 1 DIY Fencing Kit 2 Stakes and String 3 Tape Measure 4 Torpedo Level 5 Circular Saw 6 Ready Mix Concrete (1½ bags per post) 7 Post Hole Digger 8 Digging/Tamping Bar

What do I need to know before installing a fence?

Here are some matters to check on prior to fence installation: To find out if you will need to obtain a building permit prior to the fence installation, ask your town's building inspector or inquire at your local city hall. Often, this information, and more, can be obtained by visiting your city's website.

How do you build a simple fence post?

Installing Fence Posts Dig a hole for the first post at the corner of the fence. Install some gravel. Seat the first fence post. Build a mound at the bottom of the fence post. Set the height between the fence posts with twine. Repeat with the rest of the posts.

What materials do you need to install a fence?

Fence Materials and Tools ChecklistDIY Fencing Kit.Stakes and String.Tape Measure.Torpedo Level.Circular Saw.Ready Mix Concrete (1½ bags per post)Post Hole Digger.Digging/Tamping Bar.

What do I need to do before installing a fence?

How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence InstallationGet Your Plat. ... Get the Permits. ... Start Preparing Your Yard by Cleaning. ... Stake Out the Property Line. ... Stake Out the Fence Line. ... Clear the Fence Line. ... Talk to Your Neighbors. ... Find a Quality Fence Builder.

Do you need a permit for a fence in NJ?

While no specific laws against "spite fences" exist in New Jersey, installing any sort of fence requires a zoning permit. Any fence built must satisfy local building ordinances and codes.

What do you need to put up a wooden fence?

InstructionsPlan Wood Fence. Discuss the fence with your adjacent neighbor. ... Mark Site For Buried Services. Call your local utility locator hotline. ... Obtain Permit. ... Stake Out Fence Location. ... Dig First Post Hole. ... Dig All Other Post Holes. ... Add Base Fill. ... Set Posts in Concrete.More items...•

Do I need a permit to put a fence around my yard?

Even where you will be installing the fence within your own property makes a difference. A privacy fence in your backyard will often not require a permit unless it is to be over 6 feet tall, depending on where you live, while the cut-off for the same type of fence in your front yard may be just 3.5 feet.

Will a fence increase property value?

A fence itself does not add as much value to the home when compared to material and construction costs. It will enhance the value of the home only if there is a true need for such an outdoor structure.

How close to your property line can you put a fence?

Check Rules and Regulations Typically, fences are installed anywhere from 2 to 8 inches from a property line in most areas. Some areas might allow to go right up to a property line, especially if you live in an urban row house where every inch makes a difference!

How far off the property line should a fence be in NJ?

No fence higher than four feet shall be erected in any front yard in a residential zone. With the exception of rear property lines, no fence higher than four feet shall be erected along a public right-of-way. Any fence erected along a public right-of-way shall be set back at least five feet from the property line.

Who gets the good side of the fence?

The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it's the standard. Your property will look a lot nicer with the “good” side facing the outside world. Otherwise, your fence will look like it was installed backward.

How far apart should fence posts be?

Most fence posts can be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. While this is a general criteria, it doesn't cover all scenarios. For instance, high tensile fence can have larger spacing, requiring line posts every 15 to 20 feet for field fence styles, and as much as 20-30 feet for high tensile barbed and smooth wire.

How deep should a fence post be?

2 feetThe depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

What is the easiest fence to install?

The quickest and easiest fence to install is with wood panels. The wood panels are not always the cheapest, but they save time rather than installing the rails and pickets separately.

How do I prepare to build a fence?

6 Tips for Preparing Your Yard for Fence InstallationMark Your Property Line Prior to Fence Installation. ... Make Nice with the Neighbors Prior to Fence Installation. ... Call Miss Utility Before Fence Installation. ... Remove All Obstacles for Fence Installation. ... Stake Your Posts Prior To Starting Fence Installation.More items...•

How close to property line can I build a fence?

Check Rules and Regulations Typically, fences are installed anywhere from 2 to 8 inches from a property line in most areas. Some areas might allow to go right up to a property line, especially if you live in an urban row house where every inch makes a difference!

How do I mark my yard for a fence?

Marking and measuring your yardMeasure your yard's perimeter in feet and divide by the measurement of your fence panels. This will enable you to determine how many panels you'll need. ... Mark your corner posts by staking each corner of your yard. ... Beginning at the corner posts, mark your line posts. ... Mark your end posts.

Where do you start the fence on the side of a house?

Start the fence as close to the front of the house as possible to provide a long dog run. Push the fence forward or backward enough to park a trailer in or out of the fence. Balance the fence placement on both sides of the house. Line your fence up with the neighbor's fence.

12 Things You Need to do a Fence Install

Yes, you can do a fence install on your property! Here is a quick checklist and my personal 2 cents from running 13 crews.

What to do next for your fence install?

Get a quote now for your project and don’t forget to ask any questions you have to Richard.

Preparing to Build a Fence

Check local codes and homeowners association guidelines that might govern fence style, size and placement. Codes may also specify post hole requirements.

Installing a Shadowbox Wood Fence

The instructions below show you how to build a DIY privacy fence . This shadowbox fence has pickets alternating on each side, offering some privacy but allowing you to look through the fence at an angle. A solid fence has all pickets attached tightly together on the outside only, blocking views and offering complete privacy.

Fence Layout and Post Locations

Follow these steps to mark the layout and establish the post locations.

Dig Post Holes and Set Fence Posts

Follow these five steps to dig your post holes and set the fence posts.

Install the Fence Pickets

One of the keys to installing fence pickets is keeping the tops at a uniform height. For this fence, the bottom of the pickets will be about 1-1/2 inches above the ground. There are a couple of ways to keep them at the correct height.

Build and Install the Fence Gate

When building a fence gate, you'll need a gate hardware kit. The hardware keeps the gate square and prevents sagging over time.

Finishing and Maintaining Your Fence

Wait a few months before staining or painting to allow the lumber to dry completely. Pressure-treated lumber should be stained or painted every few years. Follow the product manufacturer’s guidelines for preparation and application.

What does it mean to work with a fence contractor?

Working with a company that specializes in fences means that there will be an expert you can talk to about your project. Your local fence contractor is also a great resource if you’re unsure about whether you’re buying the right DIY tools.

Where is Fence Authority located?

The Fence Authority, located in West Chester, PA, can arrange pickup of fence materials for local residents.

Do you need a fence kit with EZ Fence 2 Go?

If you use a DIY fencing kit like EZ Fence 2 Go, most of what you need will already be included once you purchase your kit. Kits are also great for first-time DIYers. However, there are still a few other materials you’re going to need that won’t come with the kit.

Do you need a torpedo level for a fence?

The basics you may not have to buy mainly include the materials for marking and measuring—the tape measurer, stakes, and string. As for materials you need during installation, you may also already have a level. However, a torpedo level, which can check whether a surface is plumb or level, is recommended for fence building.

1. Calculate Your Budget

This is much easier to figure out if you know the reason you need a fence. This allows you to easily understand the specifications you want when you build it, allowing you to budget appropriately. Make sure to build in some variable costs as unexpected changes are bound to occur.

2. DIY or Contractor

It might seem like something you want to decide before setting your budget but really your budget dictates what you can afford. If your budget doesn’t allow for a contractor, then you need to decide if you are handy enough to do this on your own. Also, calculate the time it takes.

3. Choosing Fence Materials

Now that you have determined your budget and who is going to build it, you can see what materials you can afford. There are a lot of different materials and styles. Make sure you check with your county and homeowner’s association before you start deciding. There could be mandates on what you can and cannot use.

4. Know Your Property Line

It is important to know the legal perimeter of your property. If you do not own a copy, or cannot locate your deed, hire a Land Surveyor. You need to figure this out before you even design the fence if it is going along your perimeter or could possibly impede on your neighbor’s property.

5. Create Appropriate Access Points

Don’t box yourself in! It is important to have gates and access points into the area you have fenced in. Two points of entry are recommended. If it is a backyard, having a fence big enough to have a truck back into usually is helpful.

Vinyl Fence Installation Considerations

Before planning and purchasing your fence materials, ask yourself these questions:

Vinyl Fencing Styles

Vinyl fencing comes in three basic styles of preassembled panels. Gates are available to match each type of fence. Post-and-rail fencing is also available in vinyl, although the installation of that type of fence is different. Privacy This style provides the most solid barrier. It's commonly used around swimming pools and between property lines.

Vinyl Fencing Terminology

Vinyl fence posts are 4-by-4s that are set firmly into the ground and provide stability for the fence.

Laying Out the Site for Your Fence

Take time to lay out the fence carefully. An incorrect measurement now could result in problems later. Use graph paper to make the drawing easier. Make provisions for the widths of the fence panels and gates so you don’t end up with odd-sized bays that can complicate installation.

Dealing With Slopes

Installing a vinyl fence on a slope requires the use of the step method: the fence gradually steps up the slope so that each bay section is the same length, and the rails are level instead of parallel to the slope.

Vinyl Fence Post Holes

Make sure you dig your post holes deep enough and wide enough when you install vinyl fence posts.

Attaching Vinyl Fence Panels

Attaching the hardware and panels is a simple step if your posts are installed properly.

How far back should a fence be from the street?

For example, building codes and local zoning ordinances may stipulate that a fence 6 feet tall or more must set back at least 15 feet from the street. Such restrictions may annoy you but are often sensible. For instance, privacy fencing on a corner lot should not be so high as to obscure drivers' views at the intersection of the two roads your property abuts, which could create a safety hazard.

How tall is a privacy fence?

A privacy fence in your backyard will often not require a permit unless it is to be over 6 feet tall, while the cut-off for the same type of fence in your front yard is just 3.5 feet.

Can neighbors pay for privacy fences?

Consent is one thing, getting a neighbor to pay for a privacy fence that will run along the property border that you share is quite another. Even though some people adopt the attitude that neighbors should share the burden, since they, too will be profiting from the added privacy, it is not a good idea to ask for such a payment out of the blue. Doing so could breed ill will. Of course, it is entirely different if you have had conversations with the neighbor right along and have already come to an agreement that a mutual investment in a fence to achieve privacy for both of you makes sense.

Preparing for a Chain-link Fence

Check all local building codes and homeowner’s association guidelines for acceptable fence styles, size and placement. Codes may also specify post hole requirements. If you’re still not sure if a chain-link fence is the right choice, watch Need to Know? Choosing a Fence for more options and check out our Fence Materials Guide.

Dig the Post Holes

Check local code for post hole size. Typically, the hole diameter should be about three times the width of the post. Some codes might require the depth to be below the frost line — the level at which water in the soil typically freezes — to help prevent the ground from pushing up the posts (known as heave) during a freeze.

Install the Post Hardware

When installing the hardware, leave it loose at first. You’ll tighten the nuts and bolts after the fabric is installed.