Fence Post: Things You Need To Know Before Installing

wood fence posts
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Are you prepared to do some math? It takes a lot of calculations to build a fence. You’ll need to know the size of your area, the materials you’re permitted to use, and a calculator to do the arithmetic to figure out how many posts you’ll need for your fence.

Fortunately, contractors, DIY, and home improvement websites all have lots of professional guidance on fence construction. If you’d rather not deal with the math, you can use online fencing calculators to get correct measurements and materials.

 

Fencing Materials And Post Size In Everett

The type of fence you build can influence how many posts you’ll need. Vinyl, wrought iron, as well as some types of wood fences are sold in panels, and you may need some panels to finish the job. Depending on the materials used, your posts will be round or square. The height of the fence also influences the width of the post. Learn the pros & cons of different types of fencing.

A chain-link fence has different requirements than a 6-foot vinyl privacy fence. Having a rough concept of what kind of stuff you’d like to work with, this will save you some time in advance. You may calculate the number of posts by multiplying the yard size by the width of the post.

 

Post Placement

The most important criterion to remember is that posts should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. This is the basic standard for post length unless you have HOA restrictions, local land rules, or a smaller yard. Because the fence may collapse over time, do not distance your posts more than 8 feet apart.

Take an estimate of the length of your yard, this is the length of your fence. Your fence length divided by 6 or 8 equals the number of posts you’ll want. For instance, a 100-foot yard with an 8-foot placement will require approximately 13 posts. Do not forget to cover your gate as well, an even number of 14 posts will most likely be required to secure the gate. 

 

Post Height

The height of the fence will decide the post heights. They have to be at least as tall as the top horizontal railing. Keep this in mind when purchase because the post will be half buried.

The number of feet of post materials required will be equal to the height of your post multiplied by the number of posts. A minimum of 33% or 1/3 of the fence post should be buried.

A 2-foot deep hole will be required to install a 4-foot iron fence. This indicates that your post must be at least 6-feet long to be installed properly. Your posts would need to be 9 feet long for a 6-foot tall vinyl privacy fence.

To get the number of linear feet of fence, subtract the number of feet of the gate opening from the fence length. To determine how many fence panels you’ll want between your posts, multiply this amount by the preset panel length.

metal chain-link

Do Posts Go on My Side or the Neighbor’s Side When Building A Fence In Everett?

Being a nice neighbor, also referred as fence etiquette, will go a long way toward establishing or keeping a beneficial relationship with your neighbors. Before you start digging, take a few steps to plan your new fence in a considerate manner. Most essential, both etiquette and the law demand that your fence and its posts be installed on your property rather than your neighbor’s.

 

Learn The Laws In Everett

The very first thing you should do is consult with your local community or homeowners’ association. If there are any specific requirements for your fence, you may be required to obtain a building permit and build according to the specifications that they set for you.

The side and rear of your fence will usually be limited to 6 feet, while the front will be limited to 4 feet. If you live on the corner of a street, where a steep fence may block a driver’s view, these limitations may depend.

It’s also wise to check with your HOA about any additional requirements, such as maximum height, permitted styles, and even regular maintenance. Failing to acknowledge the guidelines could lead to conflicts with your town or HOA. It could potentially lead to the removal of your fence.

 

Locate Your Property Lines

Keep in mind that the particular location of your fence also poses a threat to its long-term viability. By examining your property lines, you can prevent installing on your neighbor’s land.

If you don’t already have a survey, the local town may be ready to share you with a copy, or you can hire a land surveyor to make one for you. Purchasing a survey from a professional can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,000, depending on where you live.

To be appropriate, fences are normally placed a foot within your property boundaries. Learn and mark the location of any underground pipes and wires so they aren’t affected during fence installation once your property line has been established.

 

Determine The “Good Side”

Some of the privacy fences have one side is completed, known as the “good side,” where the wood seems smoother and more polished, while the other side shows both the rails and posts.

If the design you’ve chosen has a “good side,” it should be positioned facing the street and neighbors. This is not only correct procedure, but also politeness. Furthermore, if the “good side” of your property faces outward, it will appear prettier from the street view.

Choose a fence that has the same appearance on both sides if you like to gaze at the “good side” personally. Installing a double-sided privacy fence is another possibility. Aside from the aesthetics, this type of fence has the added benefit of increased strength due to the use of “sandwich construction.”

 

Talk to Your Neighbors

Reach out to your neighbors to inform them of your project once you’ve decided the location and type of your fence, as well as review all local and HOA requirements in Everett. Even though the fence will be on your property, it will be visible to them on a regular basis, therefore basic etiquette is essential.

This simple politeness could save you money in the long run if a neighbor decides to take legal action over your new fence. Additionally, talking with your neighbor could save you money. They may wish to collaborate with you on the project and share the costs because it will split your yards and create privacy for each of you.

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