What Is The Hardest Part of Building a Fence?
Building a fence might seem straightforward, but anyone who’s tackled the job knows it comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you’re looking to boost privacy, improve security, or simply mark your property lines, the process involves more than just digging holes and connecting panels.
So, what’s the hardest part of building a fence? Without a doubt, it’s digging and setting the posts. This step is critical to the stability and longevity of your fence, but it requires precision, strength, and sometimes even specialised equipment—especially if you’re dealing with rocky soil or uneven terrain.
Of course, every fencing project is different. Factors like the type of fence, the landscape, and even local regulations can all add to the complexity. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about what makes fence building tricky and how to tackle these challenges like a pro.
The Challenges of Fence Building
The hardest part of building a fence isn't always what you might expect. While physical labour is significant, the most challenging aspects often involve:
Post Installation and Alignment: Getting your posts perfectly level and aligned is crucial. Even experienced builders spend extra time here because misaligned posts can compromise your fence structure and appearance.
Ground Preparation and Analysis: Understanding your soil type and properly preparing the ground is often overlooked but critical. Different soil conditions require different approaches to ensure stability and longevity.
Measurement and Planning: Precise measurements and careful planning can make or break your project. Extra care in the initial setout of your fence can make the difference between an average installation and an amazing showpiece.
How Terrain Affects Fence Building
Perhaps the most mentally demanding aspect of fence building is adapting your design to uneven terrain. When your property isn't perfectly flat (and it rarely is), you face some tough decisions: Should you step the fence down the slope, creating a stair-step effect? Or should you rake the panels to follow the contour of the land? Each approach has its complications. Stepping requires additional planning and more in-depth manufacturing requirements, which adds cost to the project. Raking is generally accepted as the best way to install a fence on a slope, although steep slopes may require some additional planning.
Rocky, sandy, or clay-heavy soil each presents unique challenges for post-installation and stability. Sometimes, what looks like easy ground on the surface can hide challenging conditions below.
Common DIY Fence Building Mistakes
Insufficient Post Depth: Posts must be deep enough to provide stability and meet local code requirements. This often means digging deeper than you might initially think.
Poor Material Selection: Choosing materials without considering your climate and maintenance capabilities can lead to premature fence failure and unnecessary repairs.
Not locating the boundaries and services: Not verifying property boundaries and utility locations before starting can result in costly mistakes and legal issues.
Post and Rail Fencing Challenges
Building a post and rail fence isn’t as simple as digging holes and setting posts—it takes planning, precision, and plenty of physical effort. Unlike standard residential fences, post and rail fencing need to hold up against the elements, livestock, and the land's natural shape. From handling heavy materials to getting the spacing and alignment just right, every step presents its own set of challenges.
Material Handling
Post and rail fences are built with large, heavy timber that isn’t easy to move or position. Unlike lightweight residential fencing materials, these hefty posts and rails require extra manpower, proper lifting techniques, or even equipment like tractors and excavators. Installing them can quickly become exhausting and even risky without the right approach.
Spacing and Alignment
Getting the spacing right is crucial to keeping a post and rail fence strong and visually appealing. Unevenly spaced or misaligned posts can weaken the structure and make the fence look crooked. The challenge increases on sloped or uneven ground, where extra adjustments are needed to maintain a straight, uniform look.
Simplifying the Fence Building Process
While building a post and rail fence can feel overwhelming, it doesn't have to be. By using the right techniques and equipment, you can make the process more manageable and efficient.
Use the Right Tools - Investing in or renting proper equipment can significantly improve accuracy and reduce physical strain. Excavators, forklifts and laser levels help streamline the installation process.
Plan in Sections - Breaking the project into smaller, manageable sections can help maintain quality and efficiency. Setting posts before installing rails ensures proper alignment and structural integrity.
Check Weather Conditions - Weather can significantly impact fence installation, particularly when working with concrete or wood materials. Choosing the right time for installation helps prevent delays and material damage.
Post and rail fence kits are an excellent option for easy installation of post and rail fences. The Strukta post and rail fences come pre-mortised, making them easy to install without the need for fasteners
Best Materials for Long-Lasting Fences
Choosing the right materials is essential for building a durable and long-lasting fence. Hardwood is the best option for post and rail fences, while treated pine (like the Victorian Cypress) is a good low-cost option. Hardwoods like Ironbark, Spotted Gum, Forest Redgum, and Blackbutt are ideal due to their high resistance to termites, rot, and decay, along with their ability to withstand impacts.
Conclusion
While fence building presents various challenges, understanding them beforehand helps you prepare appropriately. The hardest part often isn't the physical labour but rather the planning and precision required for proper installation.
It's important to remember that seeking professional help for challenging aspects of your project is perfectly okay. Whether you need assistance with the entire installation or you’re considering pre-mortised Strukta post and rail fences, ensuring proper installation will save you time and money in the long run.
