How To Estimate The Cost Of Installing A Wood Fence
The cost of a fence is calculated using linear feet, but fortunately, very basic math skills are necessary to estimate installation costs. Usually, one can determine the price of installation by taking the cost of a single fence panel and multiplying it by the number of panels necessary to enclose the desired area. This also varies by each fence company in Santee, CA.
How To Start
The first step is to take in the terrain of the space getting fenced in. Are there any special circumstances that may add to the costs? If so, make a note of them. Otherwise, measure the perimeter of the area that needs fencing as it stands.
What if a fence already exists? Count the number of panels present as these will need removal by a professional contractor. As a rule of thumb, most fences built for privacy are about 8 feet apart calculated from the center of one post to another. However, this isn’t an industry standard, therefore, double check measurements.
Which Panel Lengths Are Most Appropriate?
In order to offer strength and durability, most standard cuts of lumber are 8 feet in length. Any longer and the lumber will have problems such as sagging from the added weight. It is possible to choose longer panels, however, the wood needs an upgrade from a 2×4 to a 2×6.
Likewise, there are shorter length fence panels available, but they are costlier to install due to an increase in material costs. If fencing posts at different lengths than 8 feet are desired, make sure to choose an even number that goes up by 2 feet such as 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet.
Fence Panel Quality Considerations
Most home improvement and hardware stores do carry premade fence panels but it’s best to stay away from these options. Though the wood is pressure treated, usually, it is made from cheap pine beams that measure 1.5×2.25 inches and are prone to sagging. Cheap panels are ideal for making quick repairs to an existing fence, but hardly suitable as a newly built fence.
A Bit About Fence Posts
Fence posts also require special thought. Though homeowners love the look of wood, it’s not as sturdy as galvanized steel and requires pressure treatment in order to make ground contact. On the other hand, galvanized steel can withstand wear from the elements, offer stability, and they are easily painted a nice color or encased in wood.
The Final Verdict On Fence Rails
Pressure treated pine or cedar are the industry standard wood options for fencing in a 2×4 size. The overall design choices and the type of wood used on the pickets will create the final aesthetics of the privacy fence. Most common fences will have dog-eared pickets about 3.5 inches wide and placed on only one side of the rail. Usually, the average fence will require 24 to 25 pickets on each post. It is also possible to choose wider pickets at 5.5 inches and only use about 16 to 17 pieces for every 8 foot post.
After the proper measurements are taken, it’s time to select the appropriate materials for the project. On average, the cost of installation is about $9 per linear foot or $71 per panel. Certain privacy fence designs can increase installation costs such as a shadowbox fence or opting to alternate the pickets on each side. If a lattice top is chosen for the fence, the cost of the lattice is calculated into the price of other chosen materials. Additionally, a cap and trip fence that has uniform edges between all posts is also costlier. Of course which fence contractor in Santee, CA you decide to go with will also influence the cost but for any questions give Penns Fence Company a call.
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