Five things to do while preparing for your new DIY aluminum fencing
“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” We’ve all heard this cautionary saying, and it is perfectly true when it comes to installing your own DIY aluminum fence. DIY-ing your new fence is achievable for many people and can usually be completed in one to two days. However, to ensure things go smoothly in the design and creation of your fence, you need to make sure you prepare. Here are five things you should do before ordering the parts for your new DIY aluminum fence.
1. Do your research
You’ve made the wise decision to opt for an aluminum panel fence, and now the planning and prep work begins. There are so many different styles out there, and you have to decide what would be best for your home. Spend time doing your research online to see what styles are available and which are most appealing to you.
Do you need residential, industrial, or commercial aluminum fencing? What are the benefits and disadvantages of each? You may want to drive around some neighborhoods to see which fence features appeal to you most before selecting your own. Doing your research also involves finding out if there are any local authority restrictions in force where you live and checking for underground cables.
2. Decide on the aesthetic you want
Aluminum panel fencing is anything but boring. Explore the wide range of decorative options available to you before making your order. Would your home benefit from a puppy picket to keep small animals or young children safe? Do you want to add a sunbeam arch or fence rings? Explore the full range of decorations and colors available before you make your purchase. Aluminum fencing doesn’t have to be black and straight lines.
3. Really get to know your perimeters
It is important to know the perimeter of your property, where your fence will stand, like the back of your hand. Walk around the perimeter of your land as you measure, noting whether any of it has a rise or fall of more than 6 inches. If it does, you will need to order some of your panels as “rackable.” These have more flex than the standard five inches per panel and can be installed on a hill or slope.
4. Get sketching
Once you know the fence style you want, you need to plan for materials. A fantastic way to calculate this is to draw up a sketch. Take a piece of paper and draw your garden from a bird’s eye view. Then, add your fence runs and approximate footage measurements for each run, along with any gates you plan to add. This will help you to determine how many fence panels, posts, and gates you need.
5. Measure, measure and measure again
Make sure you take your time to measure properly. It is recommended to mark out your potential aluminum panel fencing using a cord and stakes. Insert the stakes where you expect the fence posts to be and carefully wind the cord around it to measure it out. Double and triple-check your measurements.
Once you have taken your time to plan and prepare for your new aluminum fencing, you should be at a stage where you can plan your fence in minute detail and order panels and posts. You will be standing back to admire your new fencing in no time at all.