Whether you’re looking to keep out pesky neighbors or just want to make sure your backyard is safe for you and your pets, a fence is a great way to achieve that goal. But before you start building your own, you need to know a few things about the process.
How to Calculate Your Fence Measurements
Once you’ve determined where the fence will go, it’s time to figure out how long it’s going to be. There are several ways to determine this. You can use a fence calculator, or you can use a tape measure to figure out how long each side is. Once you’ve got the length of your sides, you can calculate how many posts you’ll need.
The number of posts you need depends on the height of your fence, and how often it will have horizontal rails. You’ll also need to calculate the width of the panels. In most cases, 8 feet is the standard post spacing. If your sides are 50 feet, for example, you’ll need six posts spaced by 8 feet on each side.
Step 1: Confirm your property lines
The first step in figuring out where to build your fence is to check with your neighbor. If you’re in a multi-family property, this can be particularly tricky, as you might have neighbors on each end of your yard. You’ll need to know exactly where your yard ends and theirs begins so that you can build the right size fence to both maximize your space and keep your neighbors happy.
Consider terrain slope when measuring your fence line
The last thing you want to do is start the project, then discover that you’ll have to enlarge your fence because of terrain slope. That can add a lot of extra cost, so it’s a good idea to check the best Houston fence company about how much material you’ll need if your ground isn’t perfectly flat.
Be aware of underground utilities and other obstructions
Finally, you’ll need to check to see if there are any underground utility lines that run under your fence line. These will be a source of additional cost, so it’s a good plan to get this done before you begin any work on the fence.
Depending on your situation, you may need to enlist the help of an expert to get the job done. However, if you’re willing to tackle the project on your own, then you can take advantage of the satisfaction that comes with creating something yourself. Not only is it an exercise that’s fun and rewarding, but it also helps you learn a skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life. It’s also a great way to spend some quality time outdoors, which can be difficult to do in our increasingly sedentary lives.
