Are you a DIY devotee and wonder what type of wood fence to install? There are two ways to install a wood fence—you can either install assembled panels or build your panels on site. It all depends on what your needs are and the grade of your property. Here’s some basic information to help you decide:
Assembled Fence
The only type of fence we install in panels is stockade fence, which is a six foot privacy fence. If you’re looking to build a fence where you, your children and pets can enjoy the outdoors without being observed by everyone around you, this is a great fence that’s highly cost effective compared to vinyl. Paddock fence installs also tend to go quickly and easy as most of your time is spent measuring the posts to hold up the sections.
One of the biggest downsides of using assembled fence is that you cannot accommodate a grade (a slant or hill on the fence perimeter) and you would need to step your wooden fencing panels. If you have a yard with any type of hills or slope, it’s best to stick build your fence rather than installing fence panels.
Stick Built Fence
When a fence is stick built, the posts are set, runners are strung, and then the fence is boarded. This way the wooden fencing can flow with the grade. It is often sturdier as well because it typically is installed with joist clips for the 2x4s and uses the highest quality pressure treated or cedar boards. Stick built fence requires significantly more time than assembled fence and a bit more skill as you constantly have to pay attention to the grade each step of the way. You also need to measure twice as joist hangers requires an EXACT space between posts. If you measure incorrectly, your fence will turn out uneven and will not be as sturdy.
Just remember that wood fence is typically installed in 8’ wide sections; most pre-made wooden fencing panels are cut to this width. When you install a fence and a portion of the fence that is less than 8’, you would need to cut the panel down to fit (which can sometimes be a pain). If you’re building a fence and one of your sections requires you to install a 28’ stretch of fence, do not install three 8’ wide sections and then a small 3’ section, people will see the panels and think that the one small panel looks like a mistake on your part. We recommend splitting the difference among several sections to make them all appear to be similar widths. Trust us, it will look more appealing than the odd shorter section on one end of the fence. When you install pre-made stick fence panels, you’ll just need to cut several sections to achieve that consistent look.
If you’ve never built a fence before and need help, feel free to use our online chat feature and we’ll be happy to answer your wood fence design and installation questions. For expert wooden fence installation advice, stop by our showroom on Tilco Drive and our fence experts will give you all the tips you need for a successful fence installation. In fact, if you want the best price on quality wooden fence materials, just bring your truck by our shop and you’ll drive home with everything you need to build a fence!
