Anyone with a backyard loves a bit of privacy or wants to keep things confined in the yard. Usually, that’s why people erect a fence. With so many types of fences and ways you can go about building a fence. We wanted to take a deep dive into what’s the best way to build your own fence.
Learn the best way to build your own fence
Whether you live in a residential house with a backyard or a larger acreage block, you will need fencing.
You will either want privacy from your neighbours or you will want to keep things confined in the space that you erect a fence.
There are several things you really need to consider before even starting to build a fence.
What area are you fencing?
You know better than we do. What’s the area that you want to fence? Living in a residential block with a backyard is very different from fencing an acreage property.
The first step is looking at the actual area you are fencing. You need to work out how big the area is.
The easiest way to work out what the area is is to measure it. If you have a tape measure, go get it out and run a tape measure out of it. If you have a large area, you can also use something like a laser pointer.
What type of fence do you need?
Residential fencing is so different from acreage fencing.
Residential fencing
Most people want residential fences to serve the purpose of privacy. So, height and material of the fence are usually the two things that need consideration. A 6ft Colourbond fence is very different from a 4ft wire or mesh fence.
Does it fit into the aesthetics of the neighbourhood and your actual house?
Acreage fencing
Looks certainly don’t matter as much as functionality. Fencing a long driveway or paddock can be done with rough-looking timber lengths. 6 Ft Colourbond would look out of place.
- Fencing needs
- Is it privacy?
- Keeping the dogs in
- Block noise
Make sure you know what the fence’s function is.
Have you spoken to your neighbour?
If it is a boundary fence that you want to erect. Talk to your neighbour, especially if it’s a small residential block.
It’s important to talk to your neighbour even if it’s an acreage boundary fence you are erecting.
In some cases, you can get your neighbour to share the costs of erecting the fence.
Talk to the council
A quick trip to your local council or governing body will help make sure that you have covered off any regulations you might need to know about.
There is nothing worse than erecting a fence only to find that you need to take it down due to a council regulation.
What type of fence to build?
There are plenty of options here, from:
- Wire mesh
- Timber
- Colourbond
- Brick
- Concrete
All have their advantages and disadvantages; some are easier to erect than others. Some will also offer a more maintenance-friendly option.
Subcontractor or DIY fencing
Always a fun area to consider. Should you do it yourself or get a fencing contractor to erect your fence?
DIY fencing should always be a more cost-effective option. But if you struggle finishing projects or struggle with using tools, then use a subcontractor.
Sub-contractor fencers will cost you more, but you are guaranteed to get a good job done. Just make sure you do your research
Is it facing the right way?
Depending on the type of fence material you are using. You want ot make sure the smooth side faces your neighbours.
You can mix your fence materials
You might have neighbours who want different fence types, or maybe you have a limited budget. Don’t be scared to mix and match your boundary fences.
Internal fencing is not that big of an issue, do with what you want that best suits your needs.
A living fence as a thing
Depending on any council or neighbourhood restrictions, you can always go for green shrubbery or a hedge as a fence option.
It can be a great way to provide privacy and give a great look to your house. Keep in mind that it can be easy to get through a bush or shrub.
Living fences can also overgrow, so you might need to cut them back from time to time.
Budget for your fence
Depending on the materials you are using, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $55 per linear foot. Height, length, and type of fence are all factors that will affect the fence cost.
Make sure you set your budget accordingly.
Know your property line
If you are unsure of what your property line is, you might need to consider getting a surveyor to make sure you get your fence line right.
There is nothing worse than having to knock down a fence you just put up.
Climate for the best fence
Climate actually has a lot to do with what type of fence you will need. Climates that experience frost will need concrete anchors for fence posts.
Warmer climates might need to use vinyl, and colder climates you can use wood, bamboo, or metal fences.
Creating gates and openings
A little planning here is smart; you need to allow for fence opening. If you are fencing off your yard, make sure you leave openings to get whatever you need to into the area you’ve fenced off.
You might want to be able to park a boat and trailer in your backyard, well, I make sure you leave a gate opening wide enough to get it in.
Pedestrian access is also important; leave gate access through your fence as well.
Get creative with fencing
Dress up your fence if you want to. If it’s a nice flat surface, painting a nice mural on the fence would dress it up nicely.
You can plant a nice row of flowers against it as well.
The wash up
Make sure you build your own fence that suits you. Fences can be costly and time-consuming to put up, so you don’t want to have to tear down your hard work.
