WOOD FENCE – INSTALL, by Mira Veskovic

Besides acting as a boundary, a fence can accent landscaping and highlight the architecture of a home or building. Wood fences create a delightful look and feel and allow an infinite number of possibilities with respect to design and texture.

Check bylaws when planning your fence

Planning a fence should involve a trip to the local building department to find out what restrictions might exist. Some zoning laws can be highly restrictive as to where fences can be used, their height and even the type of material. Some sub-divisions may have deed restrictions that further prohibit the fence size and type.

Inquire about any specific local requirements for choice of materials, post-hole footings, picket spacing and setback distances from the street, curbs or property lines. Although fences are normally placed exactly on the property lines, a fence might be required to be set back from the front property line.

There may be regional restrictions or requirements

Furthermore, zoning laws in many municipalities dictate the maximum acceptable height for fences. Often a front-yard fence cannot exceed 42 inches. There may be regional requirements you need to know about, such as the minimum and maximum depth of footings, or regulations to meet earthquake standards and safety issues for special hazards. Fencing for special hazards includes cordoning off swimming pools, spas and other areas that require extra precaution.

Be sure that your fence is planned so that it doesn't collide with underground facilities such as water, sewer and power lines. Check with your local utility or private service to locate underground lines.

Will it affect your insurance?

Your insurance coverage often dictates that certain fence requirements be met to keep your policy in full effect. So, be sure to check with your insurance agent before starting.

Nature also creates obstructions. A tree should not be used as a fence post, for as it grows, it can uproot the fence. Rocks are sometimes like icebergs - often 90 percent of the mass is below grade. Make sure the rock can be removed before deciding on a fence-post layout.

Consult your neighbors

Always talk to your neighbors when planning a fence or privacy wall. Fences between property lines can have an impact on your neighbor's property too. Your neighbor might have valuable input and might even be willing to share the cost.

Some zoning laws can be highly restrictive as to where fences can be used, their height and even the type of material.

On the other hand, if you have a neighbor who doesn't want to help with the design or the cost, build the fence a few inches inside your own property line. Have your property line surveyed to ensure that the location of the fence doesn't become a cause for dispute.

How to plan your fence

Start by walking the entire proposed fence line to determine precisely what you'll be dealing with in the construction phase. You might find that your planned fencing will meet a number of physical obstacles – small hills and valleys, large boulders, trees and drainage ditches. Solutions can involve moving the fence line, removing the obstacle or building around it.

The wood fence

From the variety of materials available, the redwood and cedar are among the most popular due to their natural ability to resist rot. This is especially important for fence posts, which are most susceptible.

Pressure-treated wood, redwood or cedar resist moisture and pest damage better than others. Redwood and cedar also make superb long-lasting fencing materials, with very affordable grades – construction heart redwood or a similar grade of cedar.

How to protect against rot

Fence posts, usually four inches square for most conventional fences, can be purchased pressure-treated with a pesticide for added protection against rot and termite damage. The portion of a non-pressure-treated post that goes in the ground should be dipped in a solution of copper or zinc naphthenate.

Rot can be reduced by placing a foot of gravel or drain rock at the bottom of the post hole. The bottom of the hole is filled with about 6 inches of drain rock, the post is set on the gravel and the concrete poured around the post. The concrete should be crowned so that water will shed away from the post. Two feet of concrete and a foot of rock are sufficient for a 6-foot-tall fence.

About post holes

Post holes should be 6 to 8 feet apart. Each post hole should be 10 to 12 inches in diameter and about 2 1/2 feet deep. The post can be placed atop a concrete pier, bolted to a steel anchor, or it can be set in the concrete. Placing the post into the concrete pier adds strength, but it is more susceptible to rot.

For gates 4 feet wide or larger use 4x6 or 6x6 posts in 4-foot deep holes. Make sure that the holes are at least 16 inches in diameter.

For the fasteners, insist upon hot-dipped galvanized nails or ceramic-coated construction screws, which will prevent rust and discoloration of the wood.

Something to remember

Your new fence should be attractive on both sides. Choose its design with care and be aware that some codes even specify that the "finished" side must face your neighbor's property.