Wrought iron fences are strong and stylish. Also known as ornamental metal, wrought iron lends itself to classic and modern designs. Metal can be combined with wood, cement or brick. With its combination of beauty and functionality, it’s no wonder that wrought iron is a perennial favorite of homeowners.
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Whether you’re considering building a fence yourself or hiring a professional, it helps to know what’s involved. Let’s take an overview of how to install a wrought iron fence.
Before You Build
Before breaking ground for a fence, research building codes for your area. Find out if you need a permit or permission from your homeowner’s association before you build. You can avoid a lot of headaches by knowing what’s allowed in your neighborhood.
Once you take care of the red tape, plan the dimensions and location of your fence. Measure the area so you can buy materials or estimate costs. Find and mark underground utility locations.
After the plan is established, it’s time to assemble tools and materials. Here some of what’s needed:
Fence panels, posts, gates and fastenings
Shovel
Post hole digger
Tape measure
Level
Wheelbarrow
String
Screwdriver
Gravel
Stakes
Fast-setting concrete
Set Stakes and Lines
Most fences start by setting stakes and string along the fence line. A stake is driven at each corner or anywhere the fence changes direction. String is stretched tightly and fastened to corner stakes. The string shows where the fence will run and helps establish the angles and dimensions.
Dig Post Holes
A post will be placed at corners, ending points and at either side of each fence panel. In general, post holes should be 6-inches wide and about 2-feet deep. The bottom few inches are filled with gravel for drainage. When the holes are prepared, it’s time to mix concrete in a wheelbarrow. The wet mixture needs to support the fence post, so it’s important not to add too much water.
Set the Posts
A post is set at the proper depth in the hole. Concrete is added to the hole, stopping about 4 inches short of ground level. The process is repeated for each post. The builder checks that posts are level and plum with the string. The post holes are packed tightly with dirt, holding the post straight while the concrete dries. Concrete should cure for several days or even a week. Wrought iron is a heavy material and the posts need to be stable to bear the weight.
Install Fence Panels
Wrought iron fences are manufactured in panels. Panels are lined up and installed one by one. Each panel must be lined up to match brackets on the posts. They are then attached with screws, starting with the top bracket and followed by the bottom bracket.
Hang the Gates
The fence panels may settle after installation. Some people wait for a week, allowing panels to adjust, before hanging a gate. The gate is attached using the hinges and latches that come with the gate.
Professional Fence Installation for Your Oregon Home
Pacific Fence & Wire offers custom designs and professional installation of wrought iron fencing. Take a look at our gallery to see what we’ve built for clients. Give us a call at (503)233-6248 to get started on your own wrought iron ornamental fence.
Fence post spacing is a critical factor in achieving a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing fence that serves its intended purpose. Whether you’re installing a picket fence to enhance your front yard’s charm or setting up a robust post and wire fence for security reasons, understanding the guidelines for proper spacing is paramount. In this guide, we’ll delve into various scenarios, fence types, and their appropriate post spacing, ensuring you make informed decisions when erecting your fence.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website wrought iron fence supplies.
The Foundation: Why Fence Post Spacing Matters
Before diving into the Fence post spacing guidelines, let’s address why fence post spacing matters. The distance between fence posts directly impacts the structural integrity of your fence. Too much spacing can result in a wobbly and weak fence, while too little spacing can obstruct airflow and lead to premature deterioration due to moisture accumulation. The right spacing ensures the load is evenly distributed across the posts, reducing the risk of sagging or leaning.
Picket Fence Elegance: Picking the Right Spacing
Picket fences exude timeless charm and are often associated with suburban neighborhoods. When installing a picket fence, achieving the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality is key. Typically, picket fence post spacing should be around 6 to 8 feet apart. This spacing allows for a visually pleasing arrangement while ensuring structural stability. Closer spacing can make the fence look crowded, while wider spacing may compromise its strength.
Post and Wire Precision: Determining Spacing
For larger properties or when prioritizing security, post and wire fences come into play. These fences are commonly used for containing livestock or delineating boundaries. The recommended post spacing for post and wire fences varies based on factors such as the type of animals being contained and the terrain. In general, a spacing of 8 to 12 feet is suitable for most scenarios. For particularly large or heavy animals, closer spacing might be necessary to prevent them from pushing through or getting entangled.
Privacy and Beyond: Solid Panel Fences
Solid panel fences, whether made of wood, vinyl, or composite materials, offer unparalleled privacy and protection from the elements. When constructing these fences, consider the material’s weight and dimensions, as they affect the spacing between posts. For heavy materials like wood, a spacing of 6 to 8 feet is standard. However, lightweight materials like vinyl might allow for slightly wider spacing without compromising stability.
Weathering the Elements: Recommended Spacing for Different Climates
Climate plays a crucial role in determining optimal fence post spacing. In regions with heavy snowfall, closer spacing can help distribute the weight of accumulated snow, preventing posts from buckling. In contrast, areas prone to high winds may benefit from slightly wider spacing, allowing wind to pass through the fence and reducing the risk of damage. Always consider your local climate when determining post spacing to ensure your fence can withstand the elements.
Maintenance and Longevity: Balancing Post Spacing with Durability
When deciding on post spacing, longevity and maintenance are important factors to consider. Closer post spacing might increase the upfront cost due to the higher number of materials needed, but it can lead to a more durable fence that requires less maintenance over time. On the other hand, wider spacing might be more cost-effective initially, but could result in a fence that requires more frequent repairs and replacements.
Adapting to Terrain: Flexible Spacing for Uneven Ground
In scenarios where the terrain is uneven or sloping, adapting your post spacing becomes crucial. Fence posts should be placed in a way that follows the natural contour of the land. This may lead to varying spacing between posts along the fence line. Utilize adjustable brackets or install shorter sections of fence between sturdier posts to maintain stability and a uniform appearance.
Customizing Gate Areas: Special Considerations
Gate areas require special attention when it comes to post spacing. Gate posts should be set deeper into the ground and slightly wider apart to accommodate the weight and movement of the gate. This prevents sagging and ensures smooth operation. Additionally, installing extra support posts around gate areas can enhance overall stability and longevity.
The Versatility of Fence Post Spacing: A Conclusion
Fence post spacing guidelines are not one-size-fits-all; they are a versatile tool that adapts to different fence types, climates, and purposes. Whether you’re aiming for the classic charm of a picket fence or the robustness of a post and wire enclosure, understanding the nuances of post spacing will empower you to create a fence that seamlessly combines aesthetics, functionality, and durability. By considering factors like fence type, local climate, and terrain, you can embark on your fence installation journey with confidence, knowing that your fence will stand strong for years to come.
Seeking insights? Cat’s Claw Fasteners is here to help! Contact us and connect with our Head Cat Collector, Chava, at chava@catsclawfasteners.com. Stay informed with our blog posts and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more updates!
About the writer: Jake
Jake Walker is Cat’s Claw Fasteners go-to guy for anything related to fencing, gates, installation, and materials! Thanks to his background as a professional fencing installer as well as content writer, combined with a bit of his British twang and ideas from across the pond, he keeps the audience captive. Don’t worry if you don’t understand his British slang or sense of humor; we don’t always understand him, and he doesn’t always fully understand us.
Get in touch of Jake via email at ralph@catsclawfasteners.com , be sure to use ATTN:Jake if you have any questions about all thing social, writing, fencing, or just want to make fun of his British accent.
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