Essential Tools for a Successful Fence Installation

Completing your own fence installation can be a great source of pride, and also save you money. With careful planning, the right tools and some quality fence materials, homeowners can turn a pile of cedar fence materials into a great addition to their home.

A Plan

A design plan is your most valuable tool when you undertake a fence installation. A good design plan will keep you on the right track and save you money. Your design plan should also give you a good idea of how much you’ll need to spend on cedar fence materials, lumber and other hardware..

Your design plan should include a detailed diagram of your property and proposed fence installation instructions, accounting for relevant zoning laws, or obstacles such as trees. Make sure you know where your property line is, so that you don’t end up having to tear down what your cedar fence materials.

A Tape Measure

Take care when measuring for the sections of your fence installation, so that they will be evenly spaced and fit together properly. Depending on the landscape and dimensions of your cedar fence materials, the posts should usually be spaced six to eight feet from one another. Mark the spot where each post should go with a stake, so that you can easily make adjustments before you start building.

An Auger or Posthole Digger

The more stable your fence installation, the longer your cedar fence materials will last. This is why it’s important to make sure your posts are set at the right depth. A posthole digger is a necessity for this.

One of the easiest types to use is a motorized auger. An auger uses a large screw-type blade to drill into the earth. In most soil an auger will quickly dig a very deep, straight hole in which to set your fence materials. Hardware stores often have them available for rent if you don’t own one.

Large rocks can damage the auger, however, so you should have manual tools with you as a backup. Manual posthole diggers aren’t as easy to use, but will still allow you to dig a deep, narrow hole for your fence materials. There can be very rocky soil, so it’s a good idea to have a long, narrow spade and a long pry bar to break and remove large rocks.

A Level

Your final result depends a great deal on the level of care you’ve taken, and the quality of your materials. Home values can be affected by a new fence installation either positively or negatively. The value of quality cedar fence materials is lost if the job is done poorly. For a professional looking fence installation, you’ll need to use a post level.

Check your posts with the level as you set them in the ground. For every few inches of soil that you fill the hole with, pack the soil down with a sledgehammer and check the level again.

A Cordless Drill

Putting your cedar fence together with decking screws rather than nails will yield a much stronger result. Screws are also easier to remove than nails. You’ll want a cordless drill for this with plenty of torque. Keep a couple spare battery packs on the charger while you’re using the other.