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We Know: All About Fencing
About Fences
Fencing is usually sold in sections or by feet or yards. Some fencing companies include installation while
others charge extra, and many don't offer installation at all. Some fencing is available in raw form where the pieces
are pre-cut but you have to assemble all of it.
Types of Fence Material
You have several choices for fence material, depending on the fence's purpose:
- Metal chain link: Affordable, and is good for security and keeping pets and/or children within the property
parameters. Doesn't need maintenance like painting or staining, and it's graffiti-proof. Easy assembly.
- Vinyl: Great for privacy, and is affordable. Scratches don't show up easily, and painting or staining isn't
necessary.
- Wood: Cheaper than some other materials, wood is naturally attractive and can be painted or stained to fit your color
preference. Assembly is easy. The downside is that the wood can chip, crack, or break. Also, it needs to be periodically
painted or stained.
- Wrought iron: Very decorative and strong, but extremely expensive. Can be designed for security and/or for
decorative purposes.
- Aluminum: Cheaper than wrought iron, but looks very similar. Strong, but can also be decorative and used for
security purposes.
Things to Know Before Choosing a Fence
- In some locations, permits are required for fences. Check with the proper authorities.
- When determining the length of fencing you require, plan for any gates you intend to install. The same is true for
posts because you'll need one on either side of the gate.
- Be certain of where the property line is before you install the fence.
- Inquire whether delivery is included, and if it's not, what it will cost.
- Before you dig, make sure you're not going to hit any buried utility lines or pipes.
- There are a few choices for cement when installing the post. The cheaper kind is first mixed with water and
then poured into the post hole. The other kind of cement is more expensive but faster to set up and easier to use. You can
pour the cement directly into the hole, then add water.
- When assembling the fence, use a level to make sure the horizontal pieces are level.
- When installing chainlink fence, you'll need a fence stretcher to stretch the chain link taut. These can be expensive
and you only need it for the installation, so try to borrow or rent one if possible.
- Fence posts should be cemented into the ground to withstand the stress the fence will absorb. Install the fence posts
before you attempt to assemble the rest of the fence.
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