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2. Inspect and Prepare the Site
Clear the areas for the fence of any
obstructions. Check for the presence of underground
utility lines before you dig your post holes. Check
with the local building code department for any
fence restrictions. If the site is not level, plan
to install fence panels in a step-up or step-down
method. Identify corner lot lines and make accurate
measurements from the corners.
3. Material Requirements
To determine the number of panels you will need,
divide the length of the fence by 8 feet. The result
equals the total number of panels you will require.
You will also need one post for each panel, plus
one. For each opening or gateway, add one more post.
4. Space the Posts Properly
Dig a hole for the two end posts and set a
string from end post to end post. Starting at one end
post, mark off where the additional posts will be
located. This distance between the posts should be
96 inches.
5. Set the Fence Posts
After the two end post holes are dug and the
remaining holes are marked off, dig the remaining
holes. Make these and all other post holes a little
deeper than the actual depth required. The post
should go at least 20 inches into the ground.
Place the end posts in the holes.
Hold the posts upright and check their positioning.
Check the property line and, using a level, check
for a true 90 degree upright on both sides.
Back-fill the one end hole with dry
concrete mixture and tap the mixture around the
post. Do not wet the concrete at this time.
Set the rest of the posts in their
holes and string a line along the top of the posts.
If the lot is level, the line should be level from end to end. If there is a slight slope, plan for
a
step-up for step-down installation. In any design,
each fence panel must be level along the top rail.
6. Install the Panels
Once the posts are in place and the holes are
back-filled with dry concrete, the first panel may
be aligned and set in place.
Place a board under the panel to use
as a lever to adjust the panel to the proper height
on the post. Hold the panel at the proper location
against the posts. Using 16d galvanized nails or
screws, attach the fence panel to the first post.
Three pre-drilled holes are provided to guide the
nails and prevent splitting the wood. Using the
lever, position and nail the other end of the panel
to the second post. Before driving the second set of
nails, check the level across the of the panel.
Repeat this process until all the panels are
installed and fence is complete.
7. Install the Gates
Standard gates are 36 inches width and 69 inches in
height. The gate opening should be 36-1/2 inches at the
top and at the bottom. The fence posts should be
plumb and level.
Attach the hinges to the gate
section using proper sized screws. Check the height.
Hold the gate to the post and mark with a pencil
where the hinges will be attached. Pre-drill the
holes in the post and screw the hinges to the post.
NOTE: The fence panel and gates were
designed to be 69 inches in height. This permits the
fence post to be set 3 inches above the fence panel
and gate. It also permits the panel to be raised
above the existing ground level.
8. Cut Panels to Fit Short
Sections
Use safety glasses when cutting or installing
the panel. Carefully cut the panel to the size of
the opening for the short section. Use cutoff
material to reassemble. Install and trim out the
panel for the short section.
9. Make the Final Check
After the fence panels are completely installed,
plumb and level, put water in the first post hole
and each successive one. Return to the first one and
repeat the watering, making a small moat around the
post. Repeat a third time. The concrete is now ready
to cure. This process takes about 48 hours.
10. Enjoy Your New Fence
This is the easiest part. You can take pride in
the fact that your new fence is made from quality
materials and will provide you with many years of
enjoyment.
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