When it comes to fencing there are many options that you can choose. One of the most endearing and classic types is picket fencing. Although many people love this kind of fence they often feel that it’s impractical and hard to maintain. However, if done well, it’s not only simple but also an enduring home improvement project. It can, therefore, add a significant amount of value to your home.
Normally, a picket fence is constructed from wood and coloured to match the colour of the home. However, if maintaining the wood consumes a lot of time it’s advisable to choose a synthetic material. These choices are easy to install and also come in many colours. You can also ask the home improvement stores where you have purchased them to install the fence for you. However, it’s important to know this is going to be more expensive than wood hence you should count the cost before investing on this method. But how simple is it to build a picket fence.
Plan well
As an important step for picket fencing, you need to plan in advance. You cannot just wake up one day and start the project. You have to plan well before you can carry with it. You need to have proper measurements and draft a blue print before you can start building it. In fact, it’s even better to clear where you want to build it so that you can get a better layout and how it should look like. You will have to do a lot of estimation but the more prepared you are the better.
Put the corner posts
The next thing to do is to mark the corner posts. Although wooden posts are fine you will need some strings to run across from one point to another. This will ensure that your fence is straight. While putting the corner posts you need to determine how high you want the fence to be. As a normal rule, the posts should be six feet apart from one another. While building this kind of fence you need to seek other people’s opinions and have them stand at all angles to check it from different perspectives.
Think about the gate
It’s one thing erecting the fence and is a completely different putting up a gate. Remember, if the gate swings a lot it will be more susceptible to damage. It’s, therefore, important to ensure that either side of the posts are secure and buried down into the ground. When constructing the gate make sure that you do it like just like the other sections of the fence but ensure that you add across beam to support it. You can then purchase hinges and handles at any home improvement shop to complete the look.
Wrap up
When building a fence you need to know that picket fencing can be a very difficult task. Take it easy and seek an extra pair of hands if need be. It might sound interesting to build your own fence but if you are not sure, choose a reputable fencing supplier to build it for you. This will not only save you time but money as well.