Redwood is a great choice for a fence because it’s naturally durable, rot-resistant, and has a nice beautiful, natural color. It’s also easy to work with and looks great when it’s finished.
The problem is if you’ve never installed a redwood fence before, you might be a little intimidated by the prospect of installing one yourself. But it’s not as hard as it seems, and with these tips, you’ll be able to install a redwood fence with ease.
Plan Ahead
Before you start the process of installing a redwood fence, make sure you have a plan in place for the entire project. A great place to start is to decide the style of redwood fencing you want to install and where it will be placed. This will help you figure out how much time, money, and materials you’ll need for the project.
It’s important to plan ahead as far as your supplies go because many of them are not always readily available at local stores. Also, the cost of a redwood fence can vary depending on the material used and the size of your yard.
You’ll also want to make sure you have enough materials to finish the job. If possible, it’s a good idea to order your supplies in advance so that they’re ready when you need them.
It’s also at this stage you might want to plan the layout of your fence; however, it’s best to do this when you are 100 % certain that you can put up a fence in your area.
Check Local Codes
It’s important to check with your local building department or code enforcement agency before installing your redwood fence. You’ll want to check whether you need a permit for your fence. If so, you’ll need to complete all necessary paperwork and submit it with the appropriate fees.
You’ll also need to make sure that the materials you use meet all regulations, as well as obtain permits if necessary.
If a permit is required, you may be required to have the installation inspected by your local building department before the project is completed.
Check Your Property Lines
It’s important to know the exact property lines of your property. This will help you install your fence in an area that is safe and secure, as well as avoid any potential conflicts with neighbors.
If you are installing a fence near a property line, you should also check with your neighbor before installing a new fence to make sure it won’t infringe on their property. If your fence encroaches on a neighbor’s land, you could be held responsible for any damage it causes.
Choose the Right Wood for Your Project
Redwood used for fencing vary widely in their characteristics. You’ll need to make sure that the wood you choose is appropriate for the type of fence you want to build. Some redwood species are better suited for posts or rails, while others work better as pickets.
Also, it’s important to note that redwood ideally used for fencing are categorized in grades. These grades are based on the size of the timber and its appearance.
Redwood fencing grades include clear all heart, construction heart, merchantable heart, and construction common, just to name a few. Each of these grades comes at a very different price point than the other grades. We find the best value for a redwood fence is with the construction common grade.
The grade of redwood fencing you choose is important because it will affect the strength, appearance, and durability of your fence. The higher-quality grades are more expensive, but they’re also stronger and more beautiful than lower grades.
Prepare the Ground
Before you install your redwood fence, you’ll need to prepare the ground. This includes leveling it and removing rocks and debris.
You’ll also want to remove any plants or objects from the area so that you have a clear space in which to work and put your materials.
You should also remove any existing grass, as it will be difficult to keep the area clear once you start building your fence.
If you’re installing a new redwood fence in an area that already has a concrete foundation, you can skip this step and move straight onto laying down your posts.
Set the Posts
You’ll need to set your fence posts before you can begin installing your redwood fence. This will make it easy to install the fence.
You should set the fence posts no more than 8 feet apart and make sure that they are level with each other. If your posts are not set apart correctly or if they are not level, it can be difficult to install the rest of your fence. By ensuring that the posts are spaced properly and level will help ensure that the fence will look right and the fence will be secure and last a long time.
If you can’t seem to get your posts level and spaced apart correctly, contact an expert to come and help you with the installation.
You definitely don’t want to spend all that money on a beautiful, high-quality redwood fence only to have it fall down in a few years because of faulty installation.
Determine When You Want to Install Your Fence
You should also consider when you want to install your fence. You don’t want to install your fence during the rainy season because it is much more difficult to work with wood when it is wet.
You also don’t want to install it when the temperatures are too hot, as this will make it difficult for you to install your fence in a timely manner.
It is much easier to work with wood when it is dry and warm. It’s also best to install your fence when you have a lot of free time because it can take a while to install a fence. Even if it’s a small fence that you’re installing, it can still take a few days to finish.
Final Remarks
Installing a fence, whether it is a wood fence or another type of fencing, can be a big job. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure that you have all the supplies necessary for your fence before beginning work.
So before you get started with installing your redwood fence, consider these tips, as they will help make the process much easier for you. You want to make sure that your fence is installed correctly and that it looks good.
If you feel like there is anything that you don’t know, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Installing a fence is no cheap affair, and you want to make sure that you get the most out of your investment.