Knowing how to build a fence starts with a fair amount of preparation and planning. Look up the frost line in your area online or contact your local building office. If you are using a paint sprayer, work in the same method, but stop every few feet and use a wide brush to back-brush. Clean the fence surface by applying a cleaner a small amount of a soapy bleach-water solution may be all you need, but seek out a fence/deck cleaner for tough stains. Now that your fence or fences are prepped, you can give it a new lease of life with a fresh coat of paint. Use the spacer block at the top, middle, and bottom of each picket. 2023 Warner Bros. However, there are instances when you must take things concerning a fence into your own hands. Complete the repair by connecting the mender to the post with galvanized hex-head screws. Using a wide nylon or polyester brush (4-6 inches), begin dipping the brush into the paint and applying the coating. Attach the fence panel to the two posts with screws. You can also apply stain with an electric cup sprayer. Home improvement expert Mina Starsiak shows how to give a brilliant new hue to your entry door. One is a clear coat on cedar. Start by running a string line parallel to the house first. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon HYDE X2 Dual Blade Carbide Scraper Extension pole Wood nails or screws Replacement wooden pickets HYDE Black & Silver5in1 MultiTool Handheld random orbital sander 120grit sandpaper Exterior primer with a blocking agent Exterior alkyd or acrylic paint with UV protectants and mildewcide HYDE Painters Assistant Paint tray Paintbrush One and twoquart containers Narrow roller with an extension handle Drop cloths. Use a level to plumb the first picket. It's often best to simply replace the fence board with one that doesn't have holes. Wood panel fences are one of the easiest fences to install yourself, consisting of pre-built panels with pickets that can be attached to new posts set in the ground. Use this string line as a guide for the height of your pickets. Check with your local government to determine if the fence requires a permit. If running your fence parallel to the house: Dig holes using a post hole digger or two-person auger. To finish building a fence, attach a post cap to each of the posts. If you do wish to stain and finish your fence, do so by rolling, brushing, or spraying the compounds onto your fence. Working in manageable sections, scrub the surface with a stiff brush to remove any coating and dead wood fibers. Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Sand away any small imperfections and replace boards with major flaws. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Adjust the line until the marks are exactly 5-feet apart. A roller is great for covering large areas of the fence quickly, and a brush can be used to get into the hard-to-reach spots. How to Restore a Fence | Home Projects Done Right - The Family Handyman Depending on the extent of the damage, these can easily be repaired with a wood filler or putty. Panels are splintery, so wear heavy-duty gloves. Your local utility company will mark the location of any water, gas, and power lines in your yard. Apply a stripper, if necessary, and allow it to penetrate the surface, but not dry. To avoid this, you need to lay out a process for determining whether something is yours when its installed on your property. Its critical to have an agreement since pulling down and rebuilding a fence between properties would eliminate that border for a short period of time. Maintenance and upkeep arent your neighbors obligation, just as a new fence isnt. It's usually necessary to dig a new hole for the new post. This is an important distinction, since spacing the posts 8 feet apart on-center would not allow enough space for the panels. Grab a standard extension pole and connect it to the X2s Acme-threaded handle so you can scrape high spots while keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground. Rotting, sagging, and leaning are just a few of the problems that wood fences experience. 4. Use an exterior-rated oil-based wood stain and sealant combination. If youre seeking a traditional look, its natural that youd land on a wooden fence. 3 Things You Should Know Before Installing a Wood Fence Once you have invested in a fence, routine maintenance can keep it strong and looking good for years. You can also look to the fence base for clues about potential problems, like pooling water. Check out our page on fence ideas if youre looking for some inspiration. The fence is yours if it is built on your side of the property line between your home and your neighbors. Your fence is an important part of your home. Moisture is the biggest enemy of a wood fence. Fix Rotting Wood Fence Post Tops On top of that, wood fences add beauty and substantial value to your home. Its easy to learn how to build a wood fence using either fence pickets or ready-made panels. Continue for the remaining fence panels. Your fence will follow this line. With the hammer, tap two wood stakes 34 feet apart. Before (left) we painted the fence it looked worn and weather. The concrete then hardens in less than an hour. 290 views 7 minute read By admin April 20, 2022 Many homeowners have been victimized by contractors or other people who were installing fences and gates. And with the X2, you wont have to slow down too much to deal with popped nails, which can quickly wear out and damage a carbide blade. Read on for steps on how to build a wood fence from scratch. With this stain, youll see some grain and some color on the wood. Then, turn the multi-tool so you can use the flat front end of the blade to scoop up wood putty and patch any holes in the fence. You usually don't even need to remove the gate. Wood Fence Painting and Staining Instructions and Tips | HGTV With corner braces, clamps, and a steel cable, an anti-sag cable kit will force the wood gate back into square, so that it can open and shut properly again. The Positive and Negative Sides of a Fence. This allows a fresh surface before applying any protective treatments or staining. Wedge the fence post mender between the fence post and the concrete footer. Youll find a variety of fence tops to choose: solid, lattice, dog-ear, and venetian (a slatted horizontal style). 804.752.7992, 1526 Early StreetNorfolk, VA 23502 In any case, sanding will help to prevent further cracking or splitting in certain areas over time, and between coats of paint. Your replies to the following questions, according to MMC Fencing & Railing, may assist persuade a neighbor to start maintaining their fence: We suggest that you take action if you replied yes to any of the following questions. How to Install a Wood Fence - The Spruce Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Think about the future, too. All Rights Reserved. However, not every area has pleasant neighbors who are prepared to pay for their portion of the fence. Wooden Fence Repair: How to Repair a Fence 10 Ways - The Spruce It is time to replace a pre-built wooden fence panel when the bottom is rotted out, the stringers are sagging, or when many fence boards are missing. Measure and document all gate sizes. Alternatively, you may opt to modify the look of your fence to better match the rest of your house. Also check the boards for signs of wood rot, especially wherever fence posts come into contact with the ground (though this deterioration can also occasionally be found on exposed posts and pickets). If you plan to paint your fence, expect to invest lots of time scraping, sanding, priming, and repainting every five to seven years. If the fence is placed on your side of the property line between your house and your neighbors, the fence is yours.article:https://backyardscape.com/how-can-you-tell-if-a-fence-is-yours/ Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. There are plenty of colourful shades available to add a splash of colour to your yard. Categories: fencing | Tags: fence material, professional help, and repair This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Tamp the gravel using the bottom of the post or a tamper. Allow to dry completely, then add another coat, if necessary. Position the post in the middle of the hole on top of the gravel. There is some debate on whether to paint or stain a fence. The Complete Guide to Sealing a Wood Fence for Beginners For example, discolouration, splintering, and warping are all signs that a repair is required. If the screw holes will no longer grip the screws, replace the screws with longer screws. Fences, particularly wooden fences, often have two sides: The debate about who owns which side of the fence often comes down to who has the good side and who has the evil side. Apply stain to broad surfaces using a -inch nap roller. Strong, healthy fence posts should only slightly shutter, even under the heaviest winds. To do so, youll need to contact a land surveyor who can come to your house and survey the property appropriately. Hole Refurbish Back to Top Wood fences need the occasional repair to keep them in good condition. In fact, if you want to make your garden look bigger experts recommend painting your fences green. Spread canvas drop cloths on the ground beneath the fence. Divide this number by the picket width (in inches) plus spacing inches. A beautiful wood fence can give your home more curb appeal. Depending on how sturdy or grimy your fences are, it might be better to use a pressure washer to clean them properly. Follow these tips and instructions to turn your tired, old fence into a backyard statement piece. As the years go by, fences take on normal wear and tear, leading to the need for a renovation. 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Apply the paint as you did the primer, working from the top down on posts and pickets so you can catch any runs as you go. Always prime the bare wood first, then apply the best-quality exterior paint you can afford. Avoid painting your fence on windy days to prevent paint from drifting into unwanted areas. The tools curved shape fits right over your paint roller cover and allows you to squeeze excess paint directly into the paint can. Fence panels, at around 110 pounds per panel, are not just heavy but also large and unwieldy. If heavy winds are causing your boards to sway, thats a bad sign. Measure 3-feet from where the lines intersect and make a mark on the string line. If the rotted fence post top is damaged around the edges, cut down the post top to solid wood before adding the post cap. Heres how to maintain your wooden fence and keep it in top-notch condition. Check the weather forecast. Remaining footage will require a partial panel. Paint the vertical pickets, working from the top of the fence to the bottom. To maneuver around shrubs and bushes near your fence, keep a piece of plywood handy to place between the shrub and the fence, leaving enough space for you to get between the two. A partially leaning fence can become so unstable that it pulls down the rest of the fence. Allow to dry completely, then add another coat, if necessary. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. Once you're finished, remove any masking tape and the drop cloth. Keep your back straight. Pour in concrete. In any case, sanding will help to prevent further cracking or splitting in certain areas over time, and between coats of paint. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Move to the next hole until finished with all five holes. For large areas, apply the stain/sealant with a paint sprayer. Make sure that both sides of the fence panel touch the posts but aren't so tight as to spread the posts. Many homeowners have been victimized by contractors or other people who were installing fences and gates. Which side of the fence am I in charge of? Types of Digging Tools To Use In Your Backyard, Why You Should Not Put Mulch Around Your House. Will the presence of this fence depreciate your homes value? When it comes to maintaining our yards and gardens, we tend to overlook the humble fence. Once youve thoroughly scraped away the loose paint, its time to examine the fence and make repairs. 757.316.3600, 11074 Air Park RoadAshland, VA 23005 You simply rotate the triangular blade as needed. sides of the fence without consulting your neighbor, The finished side is often considered to be the good side., The side displaying structural components such as support beams is often considered the bad side.. When using an auger, avoid any areas marked by the utility company. Your Wood Fence Has Become Desiccated. You may be trapped with an ugly yard for the time being if your neighbor neglects the fence and refuses to do regular upkeep. However, knowing how to maintain your wooden fences are an essential part of yard care, and can make all the difference. Every fence post should be set in concrete to keep the fence sturdy between each panel. Rails should start and end in the middle of posts. Continue in this manner until the entire surface is covered. Polywood vs Teak: Which Outdoor Furniture is Better? Typically, homeowners are unconcerned about renovations that improve the appearance of their property. Instead of chipping and peeling like paint, the color will just fade away over time. Rinse the area with a high-pressure nozzle attached to a hose or a pressure washer. To tell if a chain link fence is yours, you can look for any signs that prove the fence is your property. Otherwise, moisture can begin to find its way into your wood fence. How Can You Tell if a Fence is Yours? - The Home Expert Catching pests early enough can help prevent further damage, so be on the lookout for issues. One gallon covers about 125 square feet. For best results, begin with any top trim or horizontal pieces. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. How to Build a DIY Privacy Fence on a Tight Budget. Pour 3-inches to 4-inches of gravel down the base of the hole for proper drainage. 5 ways to maintain your wooden fence and keep it looking new Place stakes every 8 feet between them, adjusting the length of the fence as needed to ensure posts can be set on 8-foot runs. Whether you are in need of wood fence repair or replacement, First Fence of Georgia is here to help. After youve finished these simple steps, rough-grain fences such as cedar should be ready to paint. On a sloped yard, attach a picket at each post. Of course, you may always talk with your neighbor directly about your worries, but we urge exercising care in the case that your neighbor isnt the pleasant sort. 5 Ways to Help Determine Which Fence is Yours - Captain Patio Drape drop cloths over nearby surfaces and objects to protect them from stain spatters. Secure each picket with No. Wood fences need the occasional repair to keep them in good condition. 757.321.6700, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), How to Prevent Fence Damage Caused by Insects, Ways That a Wrought Iron Fence Can Be Damaged, How Summer Storms Harm Fencing, and How You Can Prepare for Them, Facts About Fence Post Caps You Should Know. If the fence just need basic upkeep rather than replacing, the whole project is not always your duty. Each one should fit snugly onto the post. While some fences have the completed side facing one way and the structural side facing the other, others have the finished side facing one direction and the structural side facing the other. Gates can vary in width, so fence posts must be spaced properly to allow for even 8-foot runs between panels when a shorter gate will be added. Many experts recommend every two to three years, but a better way to determine your need is to check for beading. Horizontal vs. Vertical Wooden Fences: Which Is Best? Horizontal vs. Vertical Wooden Fences: Which Is Best? Once the concrete has cured, it's time to build the fence. Stringers in pre-built fence panels usually cannot be replaced, so the entire panel will need replacement. Allow the concrete to set per the manufacturers instructions. A new coat is only needed every 5 to 6 years. Your local assessors office can provide information on your property line. The clearest sign that you need fence repair is fairly obvious: broken sections or downed boards. Unfortunately, there isnt much that can be done about an unattractive fence from a legal standpoint. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Whats more, the simple task of applying treatment can not only offer extra protection against the elements, but will give your fences a nice finish too! You can either use medium-grit sandpaper and a sanding block to tackle those small areas, or a hand-held power sander to lightly sand fences. Water or snow can cause the fence post to rot at the ground level. A sagging gate is not just unattractiveit can become a hazard for children and pets if it does not fully close and latch shut. Do you have a flaking eyesore of a fence that plagues the perimeter of your property? Decide if you plan to install a gate in your fence. Replacing a single wooden fence post is possible without taking down the entire fence. Instead of building the wood fence from scratch, an alternative is to set four-by-four vertical posts in concrete and to run pre-made wood fence panels between the posts. Otherwise, purchase a new wood fence board and use that as a replacement. Working with a friend or neighbor will make the process faster and more manageable. Before you even take out the paint, though, cover the entire fence with a quality exterior primer that contains a blocking agent to keep the excess oil in wood knots from bleeding through your paint job. Once the wood has dried completely, this is the ideal time to inspect fences for repairs that need fixing. Your "new" fence is now ready to make a statement. Begin by installing the pickets on the exterior side of the fence. Wood is especially prone to expanding and contracting over time. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush to remove dirt, debris, and mildew. Instead of putting up an entire fence, build a unique barrier with freestanding wood panels that will add curb appeal and style. You can find decking oils and wood preservers available in a range of shades to suit your home. Of course, informing your neighbor about your plans to renovate your shared fence is usually a good idea, but it isnt required. Not only do our fences outline the boundary of the yard, offering privacy, but it plays a vital role in the overall aesthetics of the garden. Proper maintenance like applying a fresh coat of paint or stain to your fence will help make it last longer and keep it looking great. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Follow these instructions to repair leaning fence posts. It typically requires two coats and if you want to paint you can do so over this coating.. "Knowing how to maintain your wooden fence is an essential part of yard care.". It may eventually be the case that you have to look into wood fence repairs. There are no wasted materialsor timewith this hardworking multi-tool, which means youll soon be lounging in your yard and enjoying thesunset after one highly productive weekend. If youre thinking about how to build a wood fence, consider cedar. If you'd prefer to have a professional build a fence on your property, we have fence installation services. Make sure your fence posts are in line by staking the ends of the fence first, then using a carpenter's square at the opposite corner for a perfect right angle. Installing panels requires a second person to hold each panel level while another person attaches it to the fence. Does the fence follow local and Homeowners Association guidelines? Prepare the concrete mix according to the manufacturer's direction. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Next, determine the number of posts you will need. Be sure to maintain the proper distance from the fence and overlap each pass. On the other hand, stain absorbs into the wood better than paint. Measure the perimeter of the fence area to get the total linear footage. Spread canvas drop cloths on the ground beneath the fence. How to Stain a Wood Fence - This Old House PVC fencing is cheaper than wood fencing, and it's also more lightweight and weather-resistant. Heres how it works. Determine where you want to locate your gates. How to Build a Wood Fence | DoItYourself.com 3. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland. And since this helps to make your fences last longer, this will save you the money (and hassle) of major repair jobs in the long-run. Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Refer to stain, finish or paint manufacturer instructions for specific directions. If you dont own a pressure washer, you might be able to hire one from your local gardening center. Step 4 - Set the Fence Posts. Rinse thoroughly with a high pressure nozzle attached to a hose or a pressure washer. But if there are too many holes or they are placed at eye level, privacy is lost. Before making any major adjustments, you must first identify whether or not the fence is yours. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The hole's depth should be half the above-ground height of the post and three times the post's width. On top of that, wood fences add beauty and substantial value to your home. After all, theres nothing worse than having a beautifully landscaped or striped lawn framed by a damaged or tired-looking fence! Add two to the number of panels to determine how many posts you will need. Read more in detail here: how to tell if a chain link fence is yours. Stringers on scratch-built fences can be replaced. If the fence is squarely on your neighbors property line, however, you and your neighbor share liability. Once the wood degrades, however, that shuttering becomes more apparent. Youll need to re-apply a new coat every 2 years. Position the post in the middle of the hole on top of the gravel. Use four screws per side. Work with care, especially if youre scraping older, weathered wood, which is easy to gouge. Working down the line of posts, fill each hole with dry quick-set concrete to just under 3 or 4 inches below ground-level. Use the rigid bottom end of the Painters Assistant to slip around the paint can and pop off its lid, then clip it to your roller tray; the magnet will firmly hold your paintbrush without letting it sink into the paint until youre ready to dip it again. See how we cleaned, pressure washed and painted a multi-level deck to give it a fresh look and to maintain it so it will last for years to come. Pre-built panels should be replaced one for one; repairing or replacing individual parts is difficult. Cant quite reach the top of a high fence picket? Make a mark. Fence panels are 8 feet long when measured from the side of one post to the adjacent posts facing side. Keep the rails down about 6-inches from the top and up about 6-inches from the bottom. If you do leave a gap, it's helpful to make the top of the fence level while measuring height to keep the gap as even as possible.
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