Common DIY Fence Building Mistakes
The list of DIY mistakes to avoid includes:
Buying low-quality material
Forgetting to treat the wood before installation
Not using long enough fence posts
Using a privacy fence when a picket will do
Not securing the posts in the ground
Using the wrong material for the fence installation
Let’s take a closer look at each mistake.
Buying low-quality material
This is a common mistake but an understandable one for larger installations. Cheaper material may look attractive when on the shelf and you are planning your first DIY fence install. The problem is the quality isn’t there with the cheaper product, and you are only buying trouble. Low-quality wood will rot quickly, cheap vinyl breaks under pressure, and iron will rust quickly. Always use fencing material which will last the tests of time.
Forgetting to treat the wood before installation At Titan Fence Co we only use pressure-treated wood for all our fences. If you buy non-treated wood, then you will quickly see a few problems. The wood will soak up the rain, and other moisture and the fence will rot. Termites and other insects will make their home in the wood, eating the fence from inside out. The hard summer sun can dry out the wood and cause it to crack and splinter. Always, always use pressure treated wood and do not forget to treat it with a sealant after you install it.
Not using long enough fence posts You need to anchor the fence posts deeply into the ground. We recommend that the post should go down at least one-third the height of the fence. By doing this you will give the fence a strong foothold and allow it to stand tall during storms and high winds. The fence post which does not go in deep enough will blow over easily and will not support the fence properly.
Using a privacy fence when a picket will do It often happens that a first-timer will look at a fence after a DIY install and realize it is the wrong one. A tall privacy fence in the wrong garden will look entirely out of place and can give the feeling of being in a prison yard rather than a home. The picket fence or a smaller privacy one may do a far better job. Not securing the posts in the ground Along with using posts which aren’t long enough, not securing them properly causes similar problems. You should secure the posts in concrete if possible, going down to the depth as recommended. Sealing the join around the post, and using pea-gravel to help drain the area is vital to keep moisture and ice out of the structure. It is essential not to skimp on securing the posts as the fence can easily blow over in a storm.
Using the wrong material for the fence installation Another prevalent mistake. Clients often use the wrong type of wood for their area, or choose aluminum when a vinyl picket fence will look better. Concrete Fencing is strong, full of UV and impact inhibitors and is very low maintenance. Take time to consider the fencing product as you will be looking at it for a very long time.
Call us At Titan Fence Co we have the experience to help the DIY installer. Check out our previous blog: https://www.titanfenceco.com/post/to-hire-a-fence-contractor-or-diy on more DIY or hire a professional.
Give us a call today - 250-808-6991