Are you thinking about fence installation in Vancouver but don't want to hire a professional to do the work? Perhaps you like doing small projects around the house but feel that a fence is outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised to learn that it is easier than it seems.
Aluminum fencing is rust-resistant, affordable, easy to maintain and looks great. It's an excellent option for any yard or outdoor space.
Follow the instructions below to get started with your fence installation. With a little bit of planning and know-how, your DIY fence project will be off and running.
UTILITIES AND PERMITS
Before you begin, make sure you won't be disrupting any underground cables, pipes, or electrical wires. Contact your utility company or local sewer district. They should have a map of where underground cables and pipes run on your property.
If your fence is going up on the edge of your lawn, you may want to talk to your neighbours to find out the same thing.
Also, check on local and provincial building codes, as well as any homeowner association bylaws, if you live in a subdivision. Some municipalities restrict the height of fences or what materials you can use. And some homeowner associations only allow certain materials and designs to give a uniform look to the neighbourhood.
PURCHASE FENCING
Take measurements of the area where the fence will run. Note all corners, angles, and where you would like to install gates. Draw out a rough blueprint for these dimensions for the hardware store personnel or fencing manufacturer.
Consider purchasing your fencing from a company like Western Fence and Gate that can custom pre-fabricate it. This can cut down on the hassle of guesswork and make the process go more smoothly. Once you get the main posts in place, it will be like putting together a puzzle.
There are many different heights and styles to choose from. You may select a flat-top or a pressed-point fencing. Fence post caps also come in different shapes and designs.
BUILDING THE FENCE
You will want to gather up some tools and supplies before you get started, in addition to the fencing itself. These include:
Posthole digger or shovel
Measuring tape
Screwdriver
Level
Hacksaw
Ready-mix cement
Start with where you would like any gates to go, then build out from them.
For gates, you will want to cement the posts in place first. Dig the holes to the desired depth and cement the poles in place. Wait for the cement to dry before you hang the gate.
If you purchased pre-fabricated fencing, use the included screws to secure the panels together. Check every three or four boards to ensure it is staying level. You could also use string run taught between corner posts to ensure that the panels are level with one another.
If a slope is less than 30 centimetres over 3.5 meters, it will be acceptable to let the panel slope. If it is more significant, then stair-step the panels up the hill.
Once you get to the point where the fence panels come together, you may have to use a hacksaw or some other type of saw to make them fit. But pre-fabricated fencing should be exact.
BEGIN YOUR FENCE INSTALLATION TODAY
With pre-fabricated fencing and the information above, you will be able to tackle your DIY fence project. For further information or professional assistance, contact our offices.
Western Fence and Gate has been doing fence installation in Vancouver since 1976. We are a trusted fabricator and installer of aluminum and ornamental fences, including automated gate systems.
We custom fabricate our products to ensure that they meet the demands of each unique space. We offer free quotes and consultation, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us to discuss your fencing needs.