Here at H&B Fencing, we understand the construction of a top-quality fence is a difficult task requiring years of experience to perfect. However, we know there are plenty of reasons for our fellow Waxahachie residents to venture into a DIY Privacy Fence project. In this article, we are here to provide you with tips for your DIY Privacy Fence.
Determine What Type of DIY Privacy Fence You Want
The DIY fence building process begins with determining the type of fence you are wanting to build. The choices most common in Waxahachie, Texas are Wood Fences, Chain Link Fences, Wrought Iron Fences, and Vinyl Fences. We are fence installation experts and can help you through the process of determining which fence type will work best for you.
DIY Privacy Wood Fence in Waxahachie, Texas
Wood fences are the most common type of privacy fence in Waxahachie, Texas. The two most common types of materials used for a wood fence are Treated Pine and Western Red Cedar.
Treated Pine
Treated Pine is a common and inexpensive option for building your DIY privacy fence. The wood is pressure treated with a chemical that makes it resistant to water and insects. A common issue with Treated Pine however is that these chemicals will deteriorate over time. This can leave your fence susceptible to premature failure if it is not properly maintained.
Western Red Cedar
We recommend Western Red Cedar wood for your DIY wood privacy fence. Western Red Cedar is a softwood with natural wood and water-resistant oils in the wood. This allows for a great looking fence that can last 20-25 years with proper maintenance.
DIY Chain Link Fence in Waxahachie, Texas
Chain link fences are a great option to securing your yard, without sacrificing your view. This fence type is also a cheaper option than wood fencing and provides a much longer life expectancy. The two most commonly installed chain link fences in Waxahachie, Texas are Black Vinyl and Galvanized Chain Link. Tools needed to install a chain link fence are also more accessible than that of a wood fence which is ideal for your DIY privacy fence installation.
DIY Wrought Iron Fence in Waxahachie, Texas
Wrought iron fences are another great option to securing your yard, while also providing an elegant appearance. Material used by H&B Fencing are made out of galvanized steel tubing that is then powder coated through a 3-step process for maximum protection. Wrought iron fences most commonly have two “rails”, which are the horizontal metal pieces, and square pickets that connects the rails. The panels are then either secured to posts with brackets and screws or welded to provide a more secured attachment.
DIY Privacy Vinyl Fence in Waxahachie, Texas
Vinyl fences are the least common fence in Waxahachie, Texas due costs and availability. This type of fence though provides you the privacy of a wood fence, with a much longer lifespan. Wood fences require yearly stain and sealing for proper maintenance. Vinyl fences on the other hand only require washing with a hose and a mild detergent soap when dirty. This minimal maintenance cost with a longer lifespan compared to wood fences makes up for the higher initial investment costs.
DIY Privacy Fence Design and Preparation
H&B Fencing understands designing your DIY privacy fence project can be overwhelming. A great resource for designing your DIY fence is our fence Design Tool. It is easy to use, and we even provide step by step instructions to help you through the process.
Try it out!
Call Before you Dig
Another very important step when preparing to install your DIY privacy fence is to schedule a utility line locate through Call Before You Dig | Texas811. This a FREE and MANDATORY step when digging. Not only can the cost to repair a cable or gas line be expensive, but the potential danger of striking an underground electrical line can be fatal. H&B Fencing schedules a utility line locate with every fence project we do. This protects both H&B Fencing and the homeowner from potential financial liabilities.
Removing Your Existing Fence
Work Smarter, Not Harder!
If you have an existing fence where you plan on building your new DIY privacy fence, then removing it will be needed. This may seem like a very challenging task, but we will provide you with tips on how to make this process easier. First start by cutting the existing panels down into smaller section by cutting the rails in between the posts. Then you can cut the panels away from the existing posts making handling the old fence panels easier.
What to do with the old Fence Posts?
A common question for most DIY fence projects is “How to remove my old fence posts?” Depending on the length of fence you are removing, the amount of time it would take to pull every post out of the ground could be substantial. The only posts that need to be completely removed are the corner posts, and gate posts. The “line posts” can be cut flush to the ground with the new posts being set in between the old ones. Lastly properly disposing the old fence is a must. You can contact your city code enforcement department to schedule a bulk trash pickup. Another option could be to contact a local dumpster rental company who can drop off and pick up a dumpster.
Locate Your Property Lines and Corners
If you are removing an existing fence, this step of building your DIY privacy fence is easy since you will be setting your corner posts in the existing holes. However, if you are building a new fence, you will want to first ensure that you are setting your posts in the correct spot. You can accomplish this by locating the metal pins that are commonly placed in the ground on the corners of your property. You can also use a property survey which will show where your property lines are located. Our fence Design Tool can help visualize your property by providing you with an aerial view.
Properly Setting Your Fence Posts
A common question for DIY privacy fence builders in Waxahachie, Texas is “How deep should my fence posts be?” Fence posts are the foundation to a well-built fence. The answer to how deep should your fence posts be is depending on location. The goal is to get the bottom of the hole below the “frost line” of your area. Water located inside of the soil will actually start expanding as it freezes. If the base of the posts is above this “frost line” the expanding water will actually begin lifting the posts out of the ground. This is what we call “Up Heaving” and explains why you may see a few inches of concrete sticking up out of the ground around a post. H&B Fencing recommends setting all of your posts at minimum 24 inches in the ground. If you are building a heavier gate or taller fence, we recommend setting your posts at minimum 36 inches in the ground.
Your Local Waxahachie Fence Contractor is Here to Help!
You are now on your way to building a great looking DIY privacy fence. If you feel that you are up for the challenge, then we are happy we were able to help you. Check out our website for more information and inspiration on your DIY fence project.
