Installing a wooden fence on your home can be one of the most worthwhile upgrades you make. It offers privacy, protection, and conventional reduced enchantment. However, wood fences installation isn’t always as clean as it seems, and if you’re not cautious, it can cause expensive, time-eating errors.
At Montco Fence, we’ve seen pretty much the whole thing that could go wrong while humans try to cope with fence installation without the right experience. Whether you’re a DIY fanatic or considering hiring neighborhood fence installers, understanding what errors to avoid can prevent time, cash, and pressure.
Mistakes to Avoid During Wood Fence Installation
Below, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes and how to prevent them.
1. Ignoring Local Zoning Laws and Permit Requirements
Why It Matters:
Before digging that first post hole, you need to be sure your project follows all local building codes and neighborhood regulations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Failing to check zoning laws for fence height and placement restrictions.
- Skipping the permit process required by your township or HOA.
- Not calling 811 or a similar service to locate underground utilities.
How to Do It Right:
- Always check with local authorities before starting the project.
- Review your property survey to determine accurate boundary lines.
- Contact your homeowners association for any community-specific rules.
Working with local fence installers can simplify this process since they’re already familiar with the requirements in your area.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Wood
Why Wood Choice Affects Longevity:
Not all wood is created equal. Using the wrong type can result in early rot, warping, and insect damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using untreated wood that absorbs moisture.
- Choosing softwood for high-traffic or high-moisture areas.
- Ignoring the importance of pressure-treated lumber.
Better Options:
- Cedar: Naturally resistant to rot and insects.
- Pressure-treated pine: Affordable and durable.
- Redwood: Beautiful and long-lasting (but more expensive).
3. Not Hiring Experienced Local Fence Installers
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Without the Right Experience:
Installing a fence might seem easy, but it’s technically complex and physically demanding.
Problems with DIY or Inexperienced Contractors:
- Crooked or uneven fence lines.
- Posts that lean or sink over time.
- Poor alignment of gates and panels.
- Long-term durability issues due to improper installation.
4. Improper Post-Installation
Your Fence Is Only as Strong as Its Posts:
Fence posts are the foundation of your entire fence. If they’re not installed correctly, your fence will likely fail sooner rather than later.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not digging deep enough (posts should go 2–3 feet into the ground).
- Skipping concrete or using too little to secure the post.
- Not accounting for frost lines in colder climates.
Best Practices:
- Use a post-hole digger or auger to reach the correct depth.
- Set posts in gravel and concrete for drainage and stability.
- Allow the concrete to cure completely before attaching panels.
Professional wood fences installation ensures that each post is placed and secured properly for long-term durability.
5. Misjudging Property Lines
Legal Boundaries Matter:
Building your fence on your neighbor’s property can lead to legal trouble and costly rework.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Guessing where your property line is.
- Using an old or vague property map.
- Ignoring natural markers (trees, rocks, etc.) that might deceive you.
What You Should Do Instead:
- Get a professional survey if you’re unsure about the boundary.
- Mark the corners and lines with stakes and string.
- Talk to your neighbors about your plan to avoid future disputes.
6. Not Considering Gate Placement and Size
Don’t Overlook Accessibility:
Many homeowners focus so much on the fence panels that they forget to plan for gates—until it’s too late.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Installing a gate for equipment access.
- Placing the gate on a slope can affect opening and closing.
- Forgetting to include more than one access point.
How to Get It Right:
- Think about a lawn mower or vehicle access when sizing your gate.
- Choose heavy-duty hinges and latches for long-term use.
- Consider both aesthetic and practical gate locations.
7. Using Incorrect or Low-Quality Fasteners
The Hardware Matters:
Using the wrong nails, screws, or brackets can weaken your fence and cause parts to come loose over time.
Common Mistakes:
- Using standard nails that rust or corrode.
- Fasteners that are too short to hold wood securely.
- Mixing metals, which can cause galvanic corrosion.
Recommended Materials:
- Galvanized or stainless steel screws and nails.
- Weather-resistant brackets for corners and joints.
- Uniform hardware to maintain structural integrity.
8. Inconsistent Fence Height and Level
Crooked Lines Ruin the Look:
A fence with uneven tops or inconsistent spacing looks sloppy and unprofessional.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not using a string line or level when aligning panels.
- Uneven post heights, causing a wave effect.
- Skipping measurement between sections.
How to Keep It Straight:
- Use a level and string line from start to finish.
- Pre-plan post spacing and cut panels to match.
- Step or slope panels on uneven ground for a uniform look.
9. Underestimating Maintenance Needs
All Wood Fences Need Care:
Even the best fence won’t last forever without proper upkeep.
Mistakes Homeowners Make:
- Thinking that wood fences are maintenance-free.
- Letting vegetation grow against the fence.
- Ignoring damage from storms or pests.
How to Maintain Your Fence:
- Clean your fence annually with mild detergent and water.
- Re-stain or seal every 2–3 years.
- Trim bushes or vines that grow too close to the wood.
10. Choosing Aesthetics Over Functionality
Don’t Sacrifice Strength for Style:
It’s important to strike a balance between visual appeal and practicality.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using decorative, thin panels that lack strength.
- Picking a style that doesn’t suit your yard’s layout.
- Placing aesthetics above privacy or security.
Tips for Smart Design:
- Choose styles like board-on-board or stockade for privacy.
- Go with horizontal slats for modern curb appeal.
- Match the fence design with your home’s exterior.
Call the Experts for Stress-Free Wood Fence Installation
Why Montco Fence Is the Right Choice
When it involves wood fence installation, Montco Fence has been a dependable name in the community for years. Our team of local fence installers understands each issue of a hit venture, from initial planning to the very last completing touches.
Here’s What Sets Us Apart
- Free consultations and estimates.
- Licensed and insured professionals.
- Custom fence designs that match your needs.
- High-quality materials and durable construction.
- Clear communication and on-time project completion.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Don’t allow preventable errors to damage your fencing funding. Let the experts at Montco Fence take the guesswork out of your subsequent undertaking.
Contact us these days to schedule a consultation or request a free quote.
Visit our website or name our group directly to get commenced!
