banner

How to Build a Fence?

2024-12-16

Author By ShineHope Equine

How to build a fence ?



Preliminary planning and preparation

Clarify the purpose of the fence

Before a privacy fences is built, it is necessary to determine its purpose, such as increasing privacy, demarcating boundaries, providing security, keeping pets in captivity, or decorating a garden, which will set the direction for the design and style of the fence.

Determine the location and layout of the fence

Accurate measurement and marking according to land ownership boundaries and use needs (such as surrounding specific areas, isolating specific functional areas, etc.). You can use a total station, GPS measuring instrument or measuring tape, long rope and other tools, while taking into account the surrounding buildings, roads, trees and other factors, and follow the relevant retreat requirements, to assess the impact of trees on the fence foundation.

Consider the relief, surrounding buildings and natural landscape to ensure that the fence is properly installed and aesthetically pleasing.

Understand local regulations and licensing requirements

Investigate the regulations regarding the construction of fences in the area, including height restrictions, distance requirements from the boundary line, material use restrictions, etc. Regulations vary from region to region, and you should consult the municipal planning department to determine if you need to obtain a permit and what conditions you need to meet.

Understand the process of obtaining construction permits and the required documents, emphasize the importance of compliance with regulations, and avoid consequences such as fines or demolition due to illegal construction.

Understand the site

Know the location and size of the site, consider the impact of terrain, slope and other factors on the fence design, such as determining the location of fence posts and reinforcement needs according to the slope.

Select the type of vinyl privacy fence

Choose the right fence materials according to your needs and preferences, such as wooden fences are classic but require more maintenance, vinyl fences are low maintenance and durable, metal fences are strong but prone to rust in some climates, chain link fences are economical and practical but have poor privacy and aesthetics, and composite fences are environmentally friendly and have both wood and low maintenance. Also study local building codes and regulations, including fence height restrictions, whether building permits are required, and the location of underground pipelines, to avoid violations and construction hazards.


Prepare tools and materials

List of materials:

Pvc fence panels or coils, fence posts (wood or metal), fence crossbars, concrete mixture, fence gates, gravel (for column base drainage), fence hardware and fasteners (nails, deck screws, brackets, hinges, latches), etc.

According to the fence design and planning, list the required wood (type, specification and quantity), metal materials (specifications and quantity of barbed wire, steel pipe, etc.), concrete, nails, screws and other materials in detail.

List and use of tools:

1. Measuring tools (tape measure or measuring wheel) : used to measure the length of the fence, mark the position of the post, etc.

2. Digging tool (column hole excavator or auger) : digging column hole.

3. Level: Ensure that the column is vertical and flat, and the cross bar and fence plate are installed horizontally.

4. Saw (hand saw or circular saw) : cut fence material.

5. Hammer or nail gun: Install nails.

6. Screwdriver: Tighten screws.

7. Rope (used to ensure that the fence is straight) : assist in marking the fence layout.

8. Stakes and rope or marking paint (for marking the perimeter of the fence) : define the perimeter of the fence.

9. Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, earplugs) : ensure construction safety.

10. Trolley: Carry materials.

11. Shovel: cleaning column pits, auxiliary digging, etc.

12. Ramming rod: when pouring concrete, it is rammed to remove bubbles.

13. Electric drill and nail gun: Install screws and nails.

14. Fence tensioner (for barbed wire fences) : adjust the tension of the fence mesh.

 

You can consult professionals for material purchase advice and buy some spare materials appropriately to prevent material shortage or damage during the construction process.


Construction steps

Measurement and marking

Measure fence length: Start with a corner post and stretch the measurement along the length of the planned fence, avoid obstacles and record the measurement data for subsequent purchase of materials and installation of posts.

Mark the post position: Determine the post spacing according to the type and purpose of the fence, generally set a post every 6-8 feet, use rope or spray paint to mark the position, for heavier materials of the fence may need closer post spacing to ensure the structure is stable.

Digging column pits

Prepare for excavation: Wear safety equipment, remove large tree roots at the site of the column pit, and contact the local utility company to mark the location of underground pipelines to avoid digging damage.

Digging the column pit: use the column hole excavator or auger to dig, the depth of the column pit is usually one-third to one-half of the height of the fence, considering the soil type to adjust the depth, such as sandy soil may need to be deeper, the bottom of the pit should be wider than the top, and the depth and width of all the column pits should be the same, when digging, you can place two fists to initially determine whether the depth is enough. Normal 4-6 foot fence, pit depth 2-3 feet, diameter 12-18 inches. Soft soil pit bottom widened, hard soil or rock layer can be used percussion drill and other tools. Clean the bottom of the pit. In windy areas, deepen the pit and lay gravel or concrete blocks.

Installing columns

Prepare the concrete: Add the quick-drying cement to the column pit and mix with water according to the manufacturer's instructions to form a thick paste, ensuring that the amount of concrete is sufficient to cover the column and the ratio is appropriate, neither waste nor shortage.

Place the column: Two people work together to place the column into the column pit. Use a column level to ensure that the column is vertical and horizontal. Gravel or concrete base material can be placed at the bottom of the pit first.

Pour concrete: Pour concrete into the column pit and tamp it down to remove air bubbles so that the concrete reaches the top of the column pit and is flush with the ground. Repeat this procedure for each column.

Wait for solidification: According to the weather conditions, waiting for concrete to set, generally takes a few hours to 24 hours, during which the plastic or tarp cover to keep wet, prevent too fast drying and cracking.

Install the cross bar

Mark the position of the horizontal pole: Use a square or level to ensure that the pole is straight. Use slats or construction lines to ensure the level. Select a drill bit according to the material and the size of screws or bolts.

Install the bracket: Fix the bracket on the column, ensure that the spacing is uniform and firm, and can be assisted by gaskets.

Install the bar: Place the bar into the bracket and tighten the screws to secure it. Install the bar upward from the bottom and ensure that all the bars are level and the distance between the brackets is even.

Install fence panels or pickets

Mark the panel or picket position: Measure the bar spacing and mark the post to determine the starting installation position of the panel or picket.

Install panels or pickets: Place the first panel or picket in place, ensure that it is horizontal and straight, fasten it evenly to the cross bar using screws, install it one by one and check levelness and verticality to ensure even spacing, ensure that the joints are tight and flush when installing the panel, and install picket in accordance with local building codes and fence style requirements, while considering the later maintenance of the material, such as wood requiring anti-corrosion treatment. Metal or vinyl should be cleaned regularly.

Install the column cap

Choose the post cap: Measure the outside diameter of the top of the post, purchase the appropriate size and style of the post cap, so that it matches the fence.

Prepare the column: Clean the top of the column with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris, and apply silicone sealant on the top to prevent moisture.

Install the column cap: Place the column cap horizontally on the column and fix it using woodworking glue, screws, or nails. If screws are used, drill holes in advance to avoid cracking of the column.

Sealing or dyeing (for wooden fences)

Select the product: Select the wood sealant or stain suitable for the type of fence and the desired effect, and ensure that the product is easily accessible for subsequent maintenance.

Prepare the fence: Clean the fence with a pressure washer or soap and water to remove dirt, debris and mold. If the fence is rough or splintered, gently sand it with fine sandpaper to smooth the surface and lay protective cloth around the fence to prevent dripping.

Apply sealant or stain: Apply with a brush or roller from the top of the fence down, making sure to cover all surfaces and gaps, wait for complete drying depending on the product and weather conditions, or apply a second coat if the fence is porous or as recommended by the manufacturer.


Common mistakes and worries

Common mistakes

Failure to study local building codes in advance, resulting in illegal construction, may face fines or demolition.

Inaccurate measurement, uneven column spacing or overall size deviation, affecting the beauty and stability of the fence.

The depth or width of the column pit excavation is not enough, so that the column installation is unstable, and it is easy to tilt or even collapse in the later period.

The underground pipeline problem is not properly dealt with, which causes pipeline damage during excavation, leading to safety risks and maintenance troubles.

The installation process is not guaranteed horizontal and vertical, resulting in the overall skew of the fence is not beautiful, and the structural strength is affected.

Worries

The heart itself lacks the construction experience and skills to complete the complex installation steps, resulting in poor quality fences.

Not sure whether the selected material is suitable, such as worrying that the wooden fence is susceptible to weather decay or deformation, affecting the service life and appearance.

Concern about the damage caused to the surrounding environment during the construction process, such as damaging the garden landscape, affecting the access or sight of neighbors, etc.

Worried that the construction time is too long, affecting the normal order of life, especially when DIY construction may face many unexpected circumstances to extend the construction period.

If it is built by itself, it does not have a clear understanding of the complexity and cost of the later maintenance work, and worries about the difficulties of subsequent maintenance.


The fence follow-up maintenance issues

maintenance materials acquisition

May encounter material production or replacement problems, special parts production is difficult to find matching materials, new materials and old materials are incompatible affect the appearance and performance after maintenance; It may also be due to supplier reasons, such as supplier failure, change of supply channels or long distance, high transportation costs, long supply cycle, etc., resulting in material acquisition difficulties and delayed maintenance.

Maintenance work itself

For wooden fences, if the anti-corrosion treatment is not timely or not in place, the wood is prone to rot and deformation, affecting the life and appearance of the fence; When repainting or dyeing, it is necessary to clean and polish the surface first. If the early treatment is not good, the new coating will not adhere well, and it is difficult to choose the paint or dyeing agent that matches the original coating.

Metal fence rust treatment trouble, if the rust removal is not thorough or anti-rust paint is not uniform, rust will appear repeatedly.

When the fence parts are damaged and repaired, such as loose columns, broken crossbars or damaged panels, due to the association of the overall structure of the fence, local maintenance may affect other parts, and it may be difficult to restore the original strength and stability after maintenance, resulting in repeated maintenance work and delay of time.


Finishing touches

Inspection and repair

Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire fence to see if the various parts are firmly connected and if there are any loose, deformed or damaged parts. Repair and adjust the problems found in the inspection in time, such as tightening screws, replacing damaged boards or fence nets.

Surface treatment and decoration (optional)

If it is a wooden fence, introduce the methods of anti-corrosion and anti-insect treatment on the wood surface, such as painting preservatives, paint, etc., to extend the service life of the fence and improve the appearance.

For metal fences, rust removal and spray painting can be mentioned to prevent metal rust and enhance beauty.

If necessary, describe how to add decorative elements to the fence, such as vine plant climbing frames, decorative top molding, etc., to make the fence more personal and attractive.


Safety precautions and maintenance suggestions

Safety precautions

Throughout the fence construction process, emphasize the importance of safe operation, such as wearing personal protective equipment such as hard hats, goggles and gloves. Remind the use of power tools when the safety specifications, such as to avoid electric shock, to prevent tools out of control and wounding. In view of the dangerous situation such as underground pipeline that may be encountered in the excavation of foundation pit, it provides suggestions for identification and countermeasures to ensure the construction safety.

Maintenance suggestions

Provide methods and frequency of routine fence maintenance, such as regular inspection of the tightness of fence components, cleaning surface dirt, timely treatment of wood decay or metal rust problems. According to different seasons and climatic conditions, corresponding maintenance points are given, such as checking the stability of the fence after the strong wind season, paying attention to drainage in the rainy season to prevent the foundation from soaking, etc., in order to extend the service life of the fence and keep it in good condition.

 



In the process of completing the fence construction project, whether it's the careful planning in the early stage, the rigorous operation during construction, and the subsequent continuous maintenance are crucial. Our Shinehope Equine are here to provide you with high quality solutions.Our white PVC fences, including 2 rail fence, 3 rail pvc fence and 4 rail fence hurdle ones, as well as PVC fence gates, are tailored for horse owners and equestrian facilities.   These PVC vinyl fences are made of high-grade materials, possessing excellent durability and good weather resistance, which require minimal maintenance.   They don't need painting and won't fade, and with advanced technology, they effectively resist ultraviolet rays, maintaining color and quality even under the sun.   Their unique material properties make it impossible to break clearly, so we highly recommend them for use as decorative fences around courtyards, hippodromes or driveways.   However, it should be noted that the horse fencing system doesn't completely prevent the horse from escaping.

 

At Shinehope, we firmly believe that these PVC farm fences, like the white vinyl PVC fence used as pasture fence or rail fence, are safer than high-tension wire horse fences and other traditional style fences. They don't require frequent replacement for maintenance due to plate damage. The PVC fence post is double-walled, and the track has reinforced ribs inside, which greatly enhances stability. 

The PVC fencing system is not only beautiful and practical, but also provides a beautified vinyl and traditional look in the 2, 3 and 4 rail systems, with hats, posts, fence rails like PVC fence rails, and more. Moreover, we also offer various PVC fence parts such as PVC fence post caps, PVC fence brackets, PVC fence caps, PVC fence gate latches, PVC fence accessories, and PVC fence screws.

Shinehope's high-quality PVC horse fence supplies help you maintain this beautiful PVC fence in top working condition at all times to protect your livestock and investments and add a bright and lasting landscape to your farm, driveway and riding arena.Email and call shhinehope:+86 138 6989 8222