In the 27+ years I have been building fences, most involved fencing for a dog, our other children
Do All of the Following
Do compare prices. Get at least 3 estimates
Ask for references. A reputable contractor has plenty to show
Experience counts. It doesn't mean the contractor should be a master carpenter but experience does make a difference. {refer to rule #2, ask for references}
Buy during the off season. Winter months will save you money
Treated pine over cedar. It's cheaper and lasts longer
Small contractors over big companies. More likely you'll get a better fence
Do not pay for job up front. It's a good policy to let customers personally pay for materials at Home Depot/Lowes or purchase a cashiers check paid directly to the wholesaler. At Home Depot/Lowes it also let's you use credit
Get a warranty. A good rule of thumb is one year on wood fencing and 3 years on chain link. In most cases manufactures provide even longer warrantees on materials
Insist on a written contract. And read it. It protects you and the contractor
Don't buy in a hurry. Some contractors/companies want to sell you on a type fence. It you can do with a less expensive fence, don't be talked into a more expensive one
Ask questions. Use this list when getting an estimate. An informed buyer usually saves money, and headaches
Ask if estimates are free. Set a time and expect the saleperson to be there as promised. If they can't do that, what can you expect from the product you buy?
What you should know and expect from wood fencing
Posts should always be set in wet concrete, not dry concrete. If it isn't wet when installed it may not set up properly and the posts are likely to lean
6ft high treated pine fencing should ALWAYS have three 2x 4s. Anything less will guarrantee bowing
As a rule of thumb posts should be set at 8ft intervals. A contractor can set posts a bit further but 9ft intervals should be the maximum
Most wood privacy fencing comes in 6ft heights. 8ft heights are also available but may require a special permit or may be restricted all together. 5 ft wood fencing is normally not available but can be cut from 6ft boards. It is often more expensive than 6ft
Know your property boundaries. Building a fence on your neighbors propery may require the fence to be taken down and re-installed. Contractors are not responsible for property boundaries {Even though a conscientious contractor will offer solutions}
Top and bottom 2 x 4 rails should be installed no more than 6-7 inches from top and bottom of fence. This prevents bowing. {there are a few exceptions to this rule}
Most Important: On a 6ft high wood fence gates should have three hinges and should have a 4 x 6 post for support. Most problems with wood fencing are from gate installation
Double gates and over-sized single gates should have a hand latch, a foot latch and a 4ft center drop rod {drop rod required for double gates only}. Support posts should be 4 x 6s. Larger gates tend to bow and leave an openning that small animals can get through
In-ground depths of posts should be from at least 18" to 24" on a 6ft fence. If posts are in solid rock then the depths can be a lot less, if properly installed. In rocky ground post depths can be a little less if the installer is experienced
The new treated materials require a special nail. At least that is what the manufactures are saying. A reputable contractor always uses the new specified nails
Wait at least 3 months before weather proofing or staining your fence. New wood has a lot of moisture and treating too soon is a waste of time. I don't recommend painting a fence
Cedar fencing is more expensive and does not last as long. It is prone to rot, especially when in contact with water. It often developes a mold or fungus also
Expect about 15 years of life in a properly installed treated pine fence. Deterioration fluctuates depending on many factors but treated pine has a good life span
If you have a dog or the fence ius just a barrier and you can live without the more expensive 6ft privacy fence, purchase a 4ft picket fence. You will save money and picket fences are very attractive
To save even more money purchase a chain link fence to fence your animal or child. Most newer sub-divisions have restrictions on chain link fences so be sure to inquire before buying
Corner lots may have special codes restrictions, especially on wood privacy fencing. A contractor should mention this when providing an estimate
Fencing built from the ground up, whether privacy or picket, are a much better fence than wood panel fencing. One, the panel fencing is usually of less quality. Second, a fence built from the ground up will better fit the landscape and prevent opennings at the bottom that let animals in or out
What you should know and expect from chain link fencing
Residential chain link fencing comes in 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft heights. Commerical chain link fencing can be bought in greater heights
Residental chain link fabic, the wire, should be 11 - 1/2 gauge. The top rail should be at least .047 gauge and 1 - 3/8" diameter. Line posts hould be .047 gauge and 1 - 5/8" diameter. Terminal posts should be 2 - 1/2 " diameter and .055 gauge so the fabric can be stretched tight to prevent animals from pushing under it
Line posts should be set at approximately 10 centers compared to 8ft centers for wood fencing
Ground depths are the same as wood fencing, 18" to 24" in ground. Rock conditions are the same as wood.
Terminal posts should be mostly in concrete. Line posts can be driven with a lot less concrete but in loose soil should have more concrete
Vinyl coated chain link fencing is great for appearance but not as good as regular galvanized chain link fencing for keeping animals in or out. It doesn't stretch as tight and needs a guide wire at the bottom. Animals often chew on the fabric. Vinyl coated chain link is regular galvanized chain link fencing coated with a vinyl material
If you have a dog that digs use the very in-expensive 2ft wide chicken wire to solve the problem. Attach a small portion of it to the bottom of the chain link fabric and lay the rest on the ground. Dogs have a much more difficult time of digging through it
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