Backyard Fence Installation
Backyard fences give you an opportunity to define space that traditionally constitutes the more private area of your landscape, as compared to front porches and lawns. Homeowners use backyards for anything from barbecues to gardening to playing fetch with their dog to napping in a hammock. Fences help to keep visitors from barging in on your activity or lack of activity. Backyard fences allow children and pets to run around within the space without you having to worry that they will run off the property. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fence posts
- Prefabricated fence panels
- Post hole digger
- Concrete mix
- Hammer
- Screwdrive
- #10 hot-dipped, galvanized-casing nails or 2-½ inch screws
Instructions
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1
Excavate the portion of the backyard that will house the fence. Remove large stones or plants that may interfere with the installation process.
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2
Measure the area. Divide the perimeter by the width of each fence panel to determine the number of panels you will need to complete the project. Purchase posts and fence panels from specialty suppliers or large home improvement stores.
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3
Drive wood or metal stakes into the ground immediately outside the perimeter of where the fence will stand. Tie string around the stakes and pull tight to create an outline for the fenced area.
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4
Measure and mark the location of each post hole along the length and width of the fence allowing for one post before every panel. Use a post hole digger to dig holes where the bottom of the hole is, to 6 inches below the frost line in your area. Tamp down the soil in the hole.
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Stand the fence posts upright in the holes. Check that the posts do not lean left to right or back to front. Back-fill the holes with the soil you removed. Tamp the soil down around the posts. Alternatively, mix bagged concrete. Follow the manufacturer's specifications for the amount of water to add for the conditions in your area. Fill each hole with the concrete mix and leave the concrete to cure.
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6
Align the fence panels with the posts. Prop the panels up with temporary supports. Nail #10 hot-dipped, galvanized-casing nails or screw in 2 ½-inch screws to join the panels to the posts. Use two nails or screws per rail, the horizontal section spanning the width of the panel, per post. Check that the fence panels are level as you install each panel.
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Tips & Warnings
Identify the purpose of the fence and choose a style of fencing material to fulfill the purpose. Choose a solid design for privacy and deer-proofing and an open design to fence in pets and children, while maintaining air circulation and visibility.
Contact utility companies to locate buried wires or pipes in the area before you do any digging.
Consult with local regulatory bodies, including home owner associations, to learn about any restrictions on the size and type of fencing you are allowed to install on your property.
If your fence is on the border of your property, invest in a survey to avoid any chance that you infringe on your neighbor's property.
References
Resources
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