A wood fence installation company should walk the property and take measurements to provide a quote for material cost. They should also ask if the homeowner has any add-ons in mind, such as gates or post caps. Visit Website to learn more.
The homeowner may need to call 811 to have buried gas, water, and electricity lines marked before beginning construction. Obtaining a permit and getting HOA approval are other possible obstacles.
Wood fencing is an economical way to enhance your yard and provide privacy while protecting children, pets, and other family members. However, wood fence installation costs can vary widely depending on your preferences and the type of wood you use. This is why it’s important to compare different options and prices before making a decision. Additionally, you should factor in the cost of any add-ons that may increase your overall project.
There are several factors that can affect the cost of wood fencing, including the type and size of your yard. Larger yards require more materials and will cost more to build. In addition, the cost of your wood will depend on its type and quality. Some wood types are more expensive than others, and some are difficult to find or purchase (such as black locust).
A fence’s height can also impact its price. A shorter fence will be cheaper than a taller one. In addition, you’ll need to consider the cost of additional hardware, such as posts and gates. These accessories will increase the price of your wood fence significantly.
Other costs associated with installing a wooden fence include land preparation, permits, and waste removal. Land preparation can be a significant expense, and may require the excavation of dirt or the removal of existing trees and plants. In addition, if your property has an incline, your contractor will likely need to grade the land before building the fence.
Post caps and toppers are another popular add-on that can boost your wood fence’s cost. These items can range from $5 to $50 per item and are available in a variety of styles. If you choose to add a cap to your wood fence, be sure to choose a durable material that will hold up to the elements.
Adding a waterproof sealant to your wooden fence will help it stand up against rain and snow. It is recommended to reapply the sealant every six months to two years. You can purchase a wood-safe sealant online or at most home improvement stores.
Materials
Wood offers the most design flexibility of any fence material with options for picket, panel, board-to-board, shadowbox, and rustic boundary fences. It also is among the most affordable materials to install. With proper maintenance, a wood fence can last 20 years or more. Whether you’re building a fence to mark your property line, keep pets or children safe, or enhance your curb appeal, it is important to choose the right type of wood for your project.
Cedar wood is a popular choice because of its durability and aesthetics. It has a light color that allows for easy customization with stain, and it can resist warping over time. It also is resistant to insects and rot, making it an ideal fencing material for dry climates.
Cypress is another popular wood fencing option that can be used alone or in combination with pine and other softwoods. The dense wood is weather-resistant and can dispel water, but it is not as durable as cedar or redwood. Cypress is also more expensive than other woods, as it contains the preservative cypretine that naturally blocks insect infestations.
Douglas fir is another common wood choice for fences, and its varying coloration — from light brown to a yellowish hue with sporadic knots — makes it an attractive option. It is also easily stained, allowing homeowners to create a custom look for their home or business. While fir is cheaper than cedar and redwood, it does not have as much resistance to termites and rot.
Pressure-treated wood is another economical option for wooden fences, and it comes in a variety of colors and finishes to suit any style or budget. This type of wood is treated with preservatives and chemical stabilizers that help prevent damage from bugs, fungus, and swelling. While it doesn’t have as long a lifespan as other types of wood, it is more stable than pine and spruce.
Before beginning the construction of a new wood fence, you should check with local government officials to see what restrictions or permits are required. It is also important to consult your local utilities company for information about buried power lines or other underground services that could be affected by the fence installation.
Installation
Before you start building your wood fence, you must prepare the area where it will go. This includes trimming any trees that hang over the spot where you want your fence, or even removing them completely if needed. Many fence contractors will do this for you, but they will usually charge an additional fee. You also need to dig holes for the fence posts and install a concrete base. If you’re planning on hiring a contractor to do this for you, be aware that they may add a surcharge based on the size of your yard.
You should then outline the area for your fence using mason’s line, and use a spray can of paint to mark the location of the gate, as well as where you want to walk along it. This will help you get a visual of how your finished product will look, so you can make sure it’s the right style and layout for your needs. You’ll also need to determine if you want a gate, and decide whether to have it at the end of your fence or midway through it.
When it comes to wooden fence installation, the type of wood you choose can greatly affect the cost. Cedar, for example, is an attractive material that offers long-lasting durability. It also resists the elements and insects better than other varieties of wood. Other popular options include pine and spruce, both of which are less expensive than cedar.
Once the posts are in place, you can remove the braces and batter boards. After that, you can measure and mark the locations of the rails. Ideally, the rails should be evenly spaced apart. For a 4-foot fence, one top and bottom rail will suffice, but taller fences benefit from a third rail in the middle for support.
You should check with your local municipality to find out if you need a permit for a wooden fence. If so, you’ll need to follow height restrictions and setbacks from property lines. It’s also a good idea to call your utility company to find out what services run through or near the area where you plan to build your fence. This will save you from accidentally digging into a live wire or other important service.
Maintenance
Most fences, including wood fences, require some level of maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning properly. The amount of work required will vary depending on the type of materials used, and the location of the fence. Staining and sealing are typically the largest jobs that must be undertaken. A professional fence installation service should be able to provide you with pricing estimates for these services, as well as other maintenance tasks.
It is recommended that you reseal the fence every couple of years, even if you don’t use a lot of water on your property. This will help prevent both dry and wet rot, which can cause the wood to deteriorate and lose its structural integrity. Staining also helps to protect the fence from fading in color due to exposure to sunlight and other weather elements.
To keep the fence clean, you should wash it down with a hose or garden hose at least once a year to remove dirt and other debris from the surface. You can also use a pressure washer for more thorough cleaning. Chlorine bleach or white vinegar will help kill mildew and algae stains.
Keeping your wood fence free from weeds, vines, and other plants will prevent moisture build-up. This will help you avoid rotting and the growth of moss, which can damage the fence’s structure and appearance. Adjusting sprinklers so they don’t hit the fence will also help, as will trimming back bushes and other plant life.
Once a year, you should walk around the entire fence and inspect it for signs of rot or other damage. If any sections of the fence are loose or have a crack in them, you can fix them by using a wood epoxy to seal the crack. It’s important that the epoxy is waterproof to ensure it won’t leak into and deteriorate the surrounding wood.
Check for any damaged or rotted posts and replace them as needed. You can also add a concrete spur to the bottom of each post to prevent it from sinking into the ground, which can weaken it and cause it to break or collapse.
