How to Build a Fence

Is it easy to build your own fence?

Fence installation is difficult and time-consuming. No matter what material you use for your fence, it takes a lot of material and tools to get the job done right. If you have the knowledge and tools for the task, you can save some money by doing it yourself. But if you’re new to fence-building, you may want to hire a professional so you can be sure your fence is built properly and up to local building codes. If you’re in the US, you can search for licensed fence-building contractors in your area by visiting the American Fence Association’s website at: http://www.americanfenceassociation.com/.

Is it cheaper to build your own fence?

Yes, it’s much cheaper to build a fence yourself if you know how. The cost of labor for building a fence is between $30-$70 per hour. If you’re able to build a fence yourself, you can cut that cost out of your budget and save some pretty serious cash. But building a fence is time-consuming, requires the proper tools (drills, saws, etc.), and can be difficult, so just keep that in mind.

What is the cheapest fence to build?

Treated pine, chain-link, and wire fencing is the cheapest. Treated pine costs between $12-$19 per linear foot once it’s installed, and is an affordable option if you want a fence that provides privacy. Chain link costs between $10-$20 per linear foot, making it a really affordable material for building a sturdy fence that will last a long time. The cheapest material is barbed wire and hog wire, which cost between $1.50-$2 and $3-$5 per linear foot, respectively. Be aware that these costs don’t factor in labor costs if you plan to hire a professional. It usually costs between $1,673-$3,983 USD to build a wooden fence.

How far apart should fence posts be?

Space the fence posts out about 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) apart. For a sturdy fence, your posts need to be spaced out the right length to help support the weight of the boards. Use a tape measure or ruler and mark the spaces with stakes so you know where to place your fence posts. The exact spacing can vary a little bit depending on the terrain. Heavier materials such as thick wooden boards may need to have posts that are closer together to provide greater support.

How do you build a wooden fence?

Start by checking local building codes for building a wood fence. Before you get started building your fence, look up local building codes and neighborhood association covenants. Read the rules regarding the height, design, and materials you can use for your fence. If you need to get a building permit, fill out the forms and apply for one so you aren’t breaking any laws. Call your local utility company to make sure there aren’t any buried power lines where you plan to build your fence. You also may need to check an official survey of your lot so you build your fence on your property.

Decide on a style and choose your materials. There are a variety of styles of wood fences such as picket, lattice, concave, convex, shadowbox, privacy, and others. Take a look at the different styles and choose one that suits your needs and aesthetic. Then, choose a type and color of wood you want to use. Some types of fencing, like picket, come in specific designs and may already be painted a certain color. Treated wood, such as treated pine, will last longer than untreated. You can also stain or paint your wood if you want to alter the color.

Install your posts, support boards, and fence boards. Use a post-hole digger to create holes that are 2 feet (0.61 m) deep so they can support the weight of your fence. Then, pour concrete into the hole around the posts and let it dry. Once the concrete has set, you can nail or screw wood stringers, also known as rails or support boards, to connect your posts near the top, bottom, and middle. Then, attach fence boards to the rails and use the space of a nail between the boards so they’re even.

How do you build a chain-link fence?

Check for any permits you need and measure the length of your fence. Check your local building codes and neighborhood association covenants to make sure you can build a chain-link fence on your property. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the total length of the fence you plan to build. Check with your utility company to make sure there aren’t any buried power lines where you plan to build your fence.

Dig the post holes, install the posts, and set them with concrete. Use a post hole digger to holes for each of your posts. Make the hole 3 times wider than the diameter of your posts and to a depth that’s ⅓ of the length of the post. Place a post in the center of the hole and fill it with concrete. Allow the concrete to fully dry and harden.

Install the fittings, rails, and fence mesh. Apply tension and brace bands to each of the posts and then install a post cap on top of each post. Slide the top rail through the loop in the post caps and secure the rail to the terminal brace bands. Fasten the fence mesh to the first end post and then unroll it along the length of your fence. Fix it to the top rail with fence ties so it’s held securely. Building a chain-link fence can be tough to do by yourself. Ask a friend to help or hire someone to install the fence for you to make it easier.