Looking for some fencing options for your property? Thinking of what do you need to know before getting a fence? What is the process of fencing? What is the easiest way to install fences? What sort of materials is available in the market for easy fencing? What are the types of fencing options? What is a no-dig fence? What are the no-dig fencing options? What are the brands of no-dig fences? What option is the best for me? Does the weather affect the type of material I want to use? Or should I choose DIY or hire a professional? These are some of the questions you might be asking yourself if you don’t know much about fences and DYI trends.

If you would like to know answers to the above questions and, then you are at the right place. In this article, I am going to talk about all these questions along with the number of interesting information I experienced thanks to my property development projects.

However, before jumping into no dig fencing, let’s find out what we meant by a fence here.

What is a Fence?

Let’s first start with the definition of the fence, a fence is a type of barrier. It usually surrounds an outdoor area. It’s mean to protect the property from the outside world all the while giving a sense of privacy as well.

A fence can be used for a variety of purposes. For instance, you can use a fence for enhancing the curb appeal of your property, for the protection of your pets, for security and privacy reasons.

There are many options available on fences in the market. You can select them or even have them customized.

Use of Fence in War

The fence was used to keep the defectors at bay in East Germany during the time of the cold war when the trains of West Germany passed through East Germany. It was a defense tactic then.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Fence

There are some things you need to know when you are thinking of getting a new fence. Here are them:

1. Reason – The Why?

You have decided to get a new fence. Have you wondered why? What is your need? What should be the reason you are getting the fence? Ask yourself that question before jumping into a decision. You need to know why you want the fence in the first place.

Do you want it for the purpose of security and privacy? Do you want it to enhance the curb appeal of your property? Set your priorities straight.

Knowing these things will help you a lot. Because only, when you know these things, you can find the right material for the type of fence you want. This is why clearing the reason beforehand will make things easier for you.

2. Budget

In this paragraph, I am going to be talking about the importance of setting your budget beforehand. It’s related the ‘why?’ which we just discussed above.

When you are done deciding the material, only then you can estimate the cost of the whole project. After deciding on the budget, the next step is to stick with it. Don’t overspend.

3. Neighbors

Take your neighbours in confidence about your need and the plan.

Having your neighbours approval is also very important. Tell them about your plans. Make sure you do not step over the boundaries and accidentally place the fence on their property.

Tip: Make sure to follow these tips if you are fencing on a slope.

4. Permits

Gather information regarding the fence you plan to establish. Visit the local Council. Require if the type of design you intend to build requires a permit.

Generally, if the height of the fence is more than 7ft (in Australia, over 210cm), then it requires a permit. It can be different for other areas. So, its best to check before going ahead with your plans.

5. Climate Consideration

Sometimes, it happens that the type of material we liked to work with may not be best for the kind of the climate you are living in (or the property is located in).

For instance, if you live in a warm and damp area, wood may not be the best choice for you. Vinyl is what you want to go for in case of a warm climate. For chilli areas, wood is better suited.

6. Maintenance

Second to budget, ‘maintenance requirement’ is the most important thing to know. If you want to avoid the maintenance, choose a material that doesn’t require ongoing maintenance. There are many attractive options available out there, that require almost no maintenance. Look for these types of option if you don’t want the hassle of taking care of the fence.

7. Employ Professionals

Installing a fence can be and seems like a DIY project. But the quality of DIY is no match of a professional installer. So, it’s better to hire a professional for the job. It’s a bit expensive but the results will be worth the penny.

When someone wants to install a fence, they want it to work for a long time. If the panels are not fixed properly, it will decrease the durability factor. Moreover, the installer can also guide you about the local Laws and even guide you about the permit.

What is The Fencing Process?

Following is the process of fencing for the wooden fence, which is the type of fencing option.

Step 1: Setting of the corners

This is the first part of the fencing process. It’s fence a very crucial step. In every fencing process, the corner parts are the most important. They control the whole fence.

If the fence line is irregular and has jogs in it as well, then the set the post in it as well. Be careful as it can affect the integrity of your fence.

Step 2: Installation of the corner posts

The spans running in two different directions may create a lot of pressure for the corner posts. For the complete accuracy in your point of reference, install the corners post with a great deal of care. The string lines come from these posts. From here, a direction is created for where the other posts should be placed.

Step 3: Connect string lines

Connect the string lines with the control posts when they are placed. This is how each straight line is established.

Step 4: Mark and Measure the location of posts

In order to determine the location of all the other posts, you can now measure the string lines. The next step is to check the difference and if you find a difference in a span, adjust the other spans. Be careful, do not adjust too much.

Another thing, if the difference is too much use another span of the same size in order to overcome the difference.

Step 5: Prevention from decomposition

In this step, use the chemicals to prevent the decomposition of wood. This is done by digging holes for each of the location of the post. The location will be indicated by string lines. Set the posts treated with chemicals in the holes.

Step 6: Attach the concrete

Attaching the concrete with a fence is a choice. Concrete is usually added to a fence, to make it durable. The concrete protects the wood from touching the soil.

If you are adding the concrete, make sure to set each post in the concrete perfectly. Take the measures to prevent leaning as concrete takes some time to set before continuing with the next step.

Step 7: Connecting of the top and bottom rails

Before doing this step, make sure the concrete has fully set in the soil. Wait if it hasn’t. To hold the board of the fence, add the rails. Add as many as needed. Carefully attach them with the help of the nails or screws to the post.

Step 8: Attach rails with face board

In this step, the planks are added to the face and then attached with the rails. You can either use screws or nails.

Step 9: Paint and Seal

This is the last step. As the title suggests, in this step, you will have to paint and seal your fence. This will make it look nicer.

Easy Fence Installation Options

Following are some of the easiest fence installation options available out there:

1. Preassembled fence

Installing a fence, made from scratch, requires a lot of effort. Not only you have to attach the post, but you also need to add horizontal braces. After that, you have to attach the picket with the horizontal braces. At some point, one thing going wrong can make your fence look bad.

 

To avoid this issue, you can buy the preassembled fence from the market. In preassembled fence, panels are pre-attached to horizontal boards. You just have to attach the horizontal boards with a vertical post all the while holding panels the vertical posts.

Drawback

• It can be an expensive option as compared to buying the separates and building the fence from scratch.

2. Woven wire fence

Woven wire fence is another option. With the help of T-posts, they can be installed in no time.

This option works really well to hold the pets from going out. It also helps to keep the plants safe from the animals.

 

The woven wire fence is made up of a grid of wires, which hold the panels between the posts. Enclose the wire around the wire fencing and the post tightly. You can always use wood staples if you don’t want to use the wires.

Drawback

• It’s not aesthetically appealing.

3. Woven wattle fences

If you have access to the flexible green branches, then you can make the woven wattle fences. It doesn’t require any special tools to construct. Nor does it requires much money.

 

To weave the fence, you can use any branches from the tree but alder and willow is the best option.

What are No-Dig Fences?

In no dig fences, you don’t have to dig holes. They are easy to install. They are also inexpensive as compare to the traditional fencing types. They can be installed within minutes to hours.

Installation of No-dig Fences

It doesn’t require augering and cementing of posts. With the help of spikes, the holes are secured to the ground.

Types of No Dig Holes

There are two types of no-dig fences

• Semi-permanent fence
• Permanent fence

1. Semi-permanent Fence

These types of fences are made for temporary use.

2. Permanent Fence

As the name suggests, these fences are used for permanent installation.

No Dig Fencing Brands

1. Ironcraft

This is a very famous brand for no-dig holes.

Ironcraft manufactures no-dig fences as well as the traditional style fences. They refer to the No-Dig fence as ‘decorative fences’ on their website.

Note: Ironcraft fences are sold exclusively at Lowes.

2. Hampton bay

Hampton bay is also a famous brand that offers two types of fences. They only manufacture no dig fences. These are Westbrook and Beaumont.

Note: Hampton is available at Home Depot.

3. Wambam

Wambam is a brand that comes with a variety of options. They only make no dig fences. They have aluminium and vinyl fences option.

 

Note: Wambam is sold through there headquarters, Home Depot and Amazon.

4. Zippity

They sell vinyl no dig permanent fence in two styles. They also sell semi-permanent fences, but they are not that durable.

 

Note: They are sold directly from their websites, Home Depot, Wayfair, Amazon and Houzz.

Pros of No Dig Fencing

• They are very easy to install.
• They are sturdy.
• They have a long life span.
• They do not require much maintenance.
• You can install them easily by yourself.

Cons of No Dig Fencing

• They are expensive as compared to the traditional fences.
• Not many varieties are available.
• They are not as aesthetically pleasing as the traditional ones.

Conclusion

At last, I just want to say that plan ahead. Getting a fence is an important decision. It can change the whole outlook of your property. So, choose carefully whether you are choosing a traditional or a no-dig fence.

Here’s a suggestion, if you are choosing a traditional one, look for the type that suits best with your climate. For no-dig option, choose the best by looking at the reviews that are posted on the website of the fence manufacturer. Make the decision wisely. Also, look at the pros and cons of the fences. It can prove beneficial in your decision.