Building a fence does not have to be a difficult process, but some preparation and research will be necessary to make the job easier and to ensure that the finished product is high-quality and durable. Perhaps the most important tip for building a fence is to research different fencing materials, installation processes, and advantages and disadvantages of fencing styles before making any purchases or picking up a single tool. It is also important to carefully measure the area in which the fence will be installed to ensure the proper amount of materials are purchased. This is especially important when installing vinyl fencing, which is built to very specific and tight tolerances.
Choosing the correct materials when building a fence will have the biggest impact on the overall strength, aesthetic, and functionality of the fence. Building a fence made from wood means choosing the right types of woods; pressure-treated lumber will resist rot, while untreated wood will succumb to warping, rot, and bug infestations more quickly. Cedar is a popular choice for fence building because it is naturally resistant to moisture damage, mold, and bug infestation, though it will cost more than other types of woods. One should remember, too, that the hardware used to secure the wood is just as important as the wood itself; stainless steel is a good choice because it will resist rust and corrosion, meaning the fence will last longer.
The type of fencing material chosen when building a fence will dictate the particular steps necessary to properly construct the structure. Chain link fencing, for example, will require a different set of steps than vinyl fencing. Vinyl fencing is somewhat difficult to install, since the pieces are prefabricated and built to certain tolerances. Little or no modification can be done on-site, so measurements have to be done accurately. If the posts on a fence need to be sunk into concrete footings, one should be sure to properly pour the concrete; the hole should be wider at the bottom than at the top, and pouring a little extra concrete at the top of the footing will form a slight arch that will keep rainwater from pooling on the footing, thereby causing cracking or other damage.
If the builder plans on building a fence made from concrete, stone, or brick, he or she might consider hiring a professional to do the job unless he or she already has specific experience and knowledge of the process. While concrete and stone fences can certainly be built by the do-it-yourselfer, brick fences require considerable knowledge of masonry and can be quite difficult for someone with little or no experience.