Depending on the height of the fence, top and bottom rails and a third rail are required. In either case, the rails are 6-inches from the top and bottom of the posts. The rail joints should not be on the same post, making the entire fence less sturdy. Installing panels can skip this step. Pickets are then attached to the rails. Here are some tips for installing panels.
Cost of installing a fence
Investing in a fence is an investment in your home’s exterior. This type of security barrier will add to the aesthetic appeal of your yard and can serve many purposes, including keeping animals and children within. You can use a fence calculator to estimate how much materials and labor it will take to complete the job. There are several factors to consider when deciding the cost of fence installation Lake County, IL, including material and the type of fence you want.
The average cost to build a fence ranges from $2,050 to $9,050 per acre. The cost to install a fence is generally lower for larger acres since fewer feet of fencing are needed. A typical acre requires around eighty-five linear feet of fencing. If your property is not perfectly square or sloped, your fence installation cost will be higher. If you have an expensive yard, consider hiring a professional to do the work.
The type of wood you prefer to use
While many wood types can be used to build a fence, only a handful are suitable for outdoor use. Pressure-treated pine, for example, is a cheap and sturdy option for fence posts. Its natural resistance to pests and rot makes it a good choice for most fence applications. Pressure-treated wood also has a higher fire risk, so you should avoid burning it to prevent it from igniting. Tropical hardwoods are good for fence posts because they resist below-ground rot and can withstand high winds. These woods will require special drill bits and saw blades to be effective. Finally, you can use a garden hose to rinse the fence’s surface after it has been treated.
Cedar falls short in shady climates despite its sturdiness because it can hold moisture, allowing mold and fungus to grow. In addition, it results in a faster deterioration of the wood than that of treated lumber. Most cedar fences are constructed with pressure-treated posts to prevent this problem. If you are unable to find a pressure-treated post, consider redwood instead. It has higher levels of natural oils and is more durable than cedar.
Installing a fence on your own
Installing your new fence yourself will significantly reduce the cost of a new fencing project. However, you’ll need special tools, such as a circular saw, and may need to rent or buy these supplies. Remember that fence installation requires time and effort. You may waste materials while trying to do it yourself. You may also make mistakes and leave large holes in your yard, and your neighbor might not be a fan. You might also waste money, time, and materials on a project you’ve never tried before. In addition, if you’re a first-timer, it’s better to purchase pre-made fence panels rather than spend time doing it yourself.
Cost of hiring a professional to install a fence
While you can easily purchase all of the materials you will need yourself, you can also hire a professional to install your fence. You will pay between $350 and $500 for this service, depending on the type of fence you want. A professional will come to your home, lay out the posts, and dig them six feet deep. They will also set the pole supports at an eight-foot distance. After the posts are set, the contractor will install the horizontal rails between them. Then, they will attach the fence panel boards and other hardware. Their labor costs will include planning the installation and preparing the site.
Hiring a professional is usually more affordable than doing it yourself. Fence contractors will complete the work in half the time, and you can be sure that they’ll have the proper permits and materials for the job. For an average fence, a professional can charge between $1,300 and $2,250. Be sure to ask about their pricing, as materials can add 25% to 30% to your budget.
