Fence Post Installation

Determining the Purpose

The reason for installing a fence helps in identifying the right fence design for your needs. If you are looking to add privacy, you will want to opt for a tall and solid design. If you need commercial fencing, you may consider a fence that offers security and protects your property from vandalism. Fence posts serve various purposes, but this is the first step in the process.

The Right Manner of Fencing

As a standard rule, the smooth and finished side of the fence should face the outside or your neighbour’s property. The side with the rails and posts should face the inside. This is a sign of good etiquette and attention to detail which also enhances the look of your property.

Fence Materials

Whether you require bamboo, stone, vinyl, or metal fence posts, depends on your preference for looks, maintenance, costs, durability, and privacy. If you are looking for a low-maintenance option, consider vinyl fencing.

Research

It is essential to know about local codes related to fencing look, height, and material. Find out if your project will require a building permit. Your city and neighbourhood rules may require you to face the fence posts and rails on a particular side. You may also need to know how far back a fence needs to be set on your property.

Cost of Fence Posts

The length, height, and material used to build a fence are the significant factors determining the cost. Gates, hardware, and sealant are secondary costs that should be included in the project’s budget. The cement required to set the fence posts is the primary factor in evaluating the cost of building the foundation.

Research the Property Line

It is crucial to get your land surveyed to ensure you do not build a fence beyond your property line. The surveyor creates a property survey document that informs you about the property boundaries and rights of usage. You can get your property survey from your county’s records office if you’ve lost it.

Hire a Professional Fence Post Digger

Safety is one of the biggest reasons to hire a professional fence post digger. They take the necessary measures to keep everyone involved in the project safe and accomplish the task as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Informing Your Neighbour

You should communicate your fencing plans with your neighbours. Any shared fencing between two properties should be provided in a written agreement after the boundaries have been professionally surveyed.

Creating Entrances

It is wise to plan two entrances into a fenced area, considering safety and convenience. One of them should be large enough to accommodate outdoor equipment such as a big lawn mower. You may also want to include stepping stones, pergolas, and other decorative elements that help indicate the location of gates.

Decorating Your Fence

After installing the fence posts, you can plan on incorporating decorative elements on the railing. Depending on your preferences, you can paint the fence or cover it with flowers, creepers, or plant pots for an inviting feel.

Are there any legal restrictions on the fence post installation?

The local codes may vary depending on your location, and you must check whether your fencing plans comply. Here are some of the factors that may be restricted by local ordinances:

• Fence design
• Height of the fence
• Acceptable building materials for the fence
• Inclusion of a swimming pool  
• Interference with drainage lines

We highly recommend contacting Ontario One Call to locate any underground utility lines so that you can dig holes for your fence posts safely without any obstructions.

What should the depth of my fence posts be?

The exact depth can vary depending on the height of the fence. As a general rule of thumb, the holes should be 3 feet deep or a little deeper for taller fences. The post holes should be a few inches wider to accommodate cement that will support the posts. If you are setting a post into soft soil or in a highly windy area, it is wise to dig holes deeper and anchor them with more concrete. When determining the depth, you must also consider the frost line in your area, as the fence posts should be cemented below the frost level. If not, the posts will upheave as the ground freezes in the winter.

How will the weather affect my fence post installation?

Stormy or extreme weather conditions can impact your fence installation in different ways. A rainy and humid climate may not allow the concrete to be set while installing the posts. Extremely high or low temperatures can cause the fence materials to swell or contract. It is best to start fencing on a warm day and ensure rain is not forecasted for the next few days or weeks.

Original Posthole Diggers is a leading professional post-digging and installation service providing safe, efficient, and cost-effective service in Ontario. We are fully insured and WSIB compliant, giving you peace of mind that we take complete responsibility for protecting you, your property and our employees during the on-site operation.

Our team of experts will provide you with customized post-hole digging and installation services based on your requirements and budget.

For any questions about fence posts, deck building, or a DIY project, contact us or fill out our contact form. We will respond within 24 hours.