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DIY fencing projects can lead to costly mistakes when planning, materials, or installation techniques fall short. Understanding common pitfalls helps prevent structural issues and unnecessary repairs.
Are you thinking about building your fence yourself? Stop! Hiring a professional is always the best way to ensure a quality, long-lasting product.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
Unless you have the skills and experience, engaging a reliable fencing company is worth the investment. It can save you headaches, time, and money in the long run.
- Longevity and Warranty – A professionally installed fence can last for decades. Many manufacturers offer long warranties, but only if the fence has been professionally installed.
- Peace of Mind – Avoid the risk of a shoddily built fence that may cause issues within the first year.
While a successful DIY project is rewarding, things not going to plan can waste time and money, leaving you with a project a professional will need to repair. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 common DIY fencing disasters.
The Top 10 DIY Fencing Disasters
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Fence
Your preferred style might not be the best choice for your property, as different fences offer varying pros and cons for different environments. This is a critical first step that often determines the long-term success of your fence.
- Material – Wooden fences are affordable but vulnerable to rotting and termites in damp or insect-prone areas.
- Function – The fence must meet your needs. Are you containing a large dog, seeking security in a high-crime area, or trying to block out traffic noise? A professional can advise on the best material, thickness, and design.
2. Installing Your Fence Too Close or Over the Boundary Line 📏
You must be aware of your property’s boundaries before starting construction to avoid legal and personal issues with your neighbors. Boundary disputes can be nasty, especially if you have to tear down the fence you just built.
- Boundary Disputes – Installing a fence on your neighbor’s property can lead to a demand to tear it down.
- Maintenance Buffer – Leave a buffer of half a metre to a metre from the line. This allows you to easily maintain your fence and accounts for any protruding parts on the neighbor’s side.
3. Not Planning Your Entire Fence at the Start 📝
Unexpected obstacles are a part of any construction, making comprehensive planning essential to keep your project on track and budget. Ensure you consider all logistical and regulatory requirements before breaking ground.
- Materials and Approval – Ensure you have enough materials and that you’ve secured council permission for any required aspects.
- Communication – Inform your neighbors of the planned work before you commence.
4. Building Over Utility Lines or Pipes ⚡️
Hitting a utility line or septic tank is a major, avoidable disaster that can affect your neighbors or even the entire street. This can be dangerous and extremely costly to repair.
- Inadequate Planning – This ties into planning failure. You must figure out where all utilities lie and plan your anchor posts to miss these areas.
5. Forgetting to Include a Gate 🚪
Forgetting a gate, or installing one incorrectly, is a costly mistake that immediately compromises the functionality of your new fence. Similarly, installing a gate that isn’t robust enough for its purpose will lead to early failure.
Placement and Number
Some properties require several gates for pedestrian and driveway access. Installing them in the wrong place will require removal and rebuilding.
Functionality
Gates must have the right size, height off the ground, hinges, and be child/animal-proof if needed.
Durability
Gates are used daily and can wear out faster than the fence; consider a more rigid or heavier material.
6. Choosing the Incorrect Post Depth 📉
Underestimating the required post depth is a very common mistake that leads to a fence that can easily fall over in heavy wind. The correct depth ensures the post is adequately secured and can handle the weight of the fence.
- Variables – Depth depends on the fence’s thickness, material, height, local weather conditions, and soil type.
- The Rule of Thumb – In some cases, the depth of the fence below the ground can be equal to the height of the wall above it. This is not a simple calculation for a DIYer.
7. Putting Fence Posts Too Close Together or Too Far Apart ⚖️
Spacing is critical to the fence’s lifespan, security, and aesthetic appearance. Posts that are too close or too far apart can compromise the structural integrity of the entire system.
- Too Tight – Fence materials (wood, iron, aluminum) expand and contract. Posts that are too tightly packed can cause warping or strain on the structure.
- Too Wide – Wide gaps make the fence less secure for pets and small children and allow for less privacy.
8. Not Planning for Maintenance on the Fence 🛡️
Failing to plan for the correct maintenance can ruin a well-constructed fence in a short amount of time. Even durable materials need some level of care and protection against the elements.
Protection
Though materials are durable, they need protection. For example, investing in a powder coating instead of painting can provide a protective layer against extreme heat and storms while offering a sleek aesthetic.
9. Building a Fence Too High or Too Low ⬆️⬇️
Local council guidelines and your functional needs dictate the correct height, and deviating from them can lead to problems. The wrong height will compromise either the fence’s purpose or your compliance with local laws.
- Too Low – Won’t achieve the desired privacy or protection from storms, wind, or external noises, and increases the risk of intrusion.
- Too High – May violate local council building guidelines or put too much pressure on the structure and soil.
- Post Length – You must account for the portion of the post that will be buried in the soil—you can’t buy posts just by “eyeballing” the above-ground height.
10. Building a Standard Fence on Hilly Property ⛰️
Building a fence on a slope is exceptionally challenging and can go wrong in countless ways. This is a job that truly requires expertise due to the need for custom solutions.
- Complexity
Even experts can have trouble. There is no one-size-fits-all model.
- Aesthetics and Durability
You need to stagger post sizes to create a fence that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion
A well-planned, well-built fence is a long-term investment that adds value, privacy, and security to your home. While the idea of a DIY fence is tempting, it’s easy to overlook the critical planning and technical steps required for a durable product. Save yourself the stress, time, and potential repair costs by calling in a professional. If you want an impeccably installed fence that avoids all 10 of these common disasters, contact Jim’s Fencing on 13 15 46.
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