Putting up a DIY fence can be challenging. There’s a lot to consider, and simple mistakes can lead to costly problems down the track. But with the right planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be difficult.
To help you get started on the right foot, here are our top considerations for a successful DIY fence installation.
Understanding your fencing needs
The first consideration before building a DIY fence is to understand exactly what you want and the purpose of your fence. Do you want to block noise, improve security, or do you only need temporary fencing for an event or party?
Understanding exactly what you need your fence to achieve will enable you to purchase the right style of fence that meets your needs. If you don’t have a garden fence, temporary fencing is a good option while waiting for approval.
Understanding regulations
Across Australia, there are strict building regulations when erecting a fence. Before you begin, it is important that you fully understand your legal obligations. Failing to do so can result in fines, property damage, or even injury.
Heights and materials
Each local council has its own rules and regulations regarding fence heights and materials used. These regulations can vary depending on land use (residential, commercial, or rural), proximity to neighbouring properties, environmental factors, and other factors. It’s recommended to always check with your local council or consult a fencing expert to ensure your fence is compliant.
Checking for utility lines
Before you begin, it’s essential to locate the garden borders and mark the positions of your electricity, gas, communications, and water lines.
Hitting one of these could cause serious harm or create an expensive problem that you will not be able to fix yourself.
Fencing permits
Before you start building, check whether your garden fence requires council approval. Permit requirements vary depending on your location, fence height, materials, and purpose.
Choosing to build without the necessary permits can result in fines or the need to remove the fence completely.
Some common criteria in which you might need a fence permit include:
- The fence acts as a pool safety barrier
- It exceeds 2 metres in height
- The fence could obstruct the view of traffic
- If you need to remove a tree during your fence work.
While applying for permits, you can always use temporary fencing in the meantime. Temporary fencing typically does not require a council permit and can be installed quickly.
Want more information? Make sure to contact your local government office:
Plan and measure before installation
One of the most common pitfalls in DIY fencing is the lack of planning and measuring. Do you know how much material you will need? Do you know where the brackets will go? How long are your fencing panels? These are all questions you should know the answer to before you begin your DIY fencing venture.
One of the key principles to follow when working on DIY fencing is to measure twice and cut once. Be sure to double-check all measurements for fence length, post spacing, and gate widths. Mistakes can lead to wasted material, misaligned sections or just poor installation.
Additionally, you should check the alignment of your fence regularly to ensure it remains straight. A misaligned fence can cause major issues down the line and is a very common mistake that many DIYers make. Make sure to have a string line or a laser level handy, and check your work frequently.
Discuss with your neighbour
Before picking up any tools, take the time to speak with your neighbour about your fencing plans, especially if the fence sits on a shared boundary. Fencing disputes are one of the most common issues between neighbours, so a quick chat upfront can go a long way in maintaining goodwill and avoiding potential legal conflict.
Explain what you’re planning to do, where the fence will go, and what it will look like. If you’re replacing a shared fence, this may also be a good opportunity to discuss costs. In many cases, neighbours may agree to split expenses if both parties benefit.
In some states and territories, such as WA and NSW, you’re legally required to provide a written notice before starting work on a boundary fence. If you’re unsure, check your local council or state regulations to ensure you’re following the correct process.
While your DIY fence is under construction, consider installing temporary fencing to still maintain your property boundary and keep any children and animals safe. This becomes especially important if there is a delay between removing the old fence and putting up a new one.
Select the right materials
Selecting the right materials for your fence is an important consideration when planning your DIY fence project. The material you select will impact the cost, durability, appearance, and ongoing maintenance.
Start by considering your fencing needs. Are you looking for privacy, security, pet containment, or just to enhance the look of your backyard? Each material has its own strengths, so it’s important to match the product to your goals.
Here are some important factors to consider:
Weather resistance
The weather conditions where you live are an important consideration. For example, if you live in coastal or high-wind areas, you may consider powder-coated steel or treated timber as they are more resilient to moisture, salt and extreme conditions.
Ongoing maintenance
Different materials require different levels of maintenance. For example, to keep a timber picket fence looking good and protected from pests, regular sealing or painting is usually needed. In contrast, options like aluminium, steel, PVC, or composite fence panels are more low-maintenance.
Ease of installation
For a DIY fence, look for something easy to install. You can pick up a DIY fence kit from some suppliers; typically, lightweight panels or modular systems can help to save time and effort.
Aesthetic appeal
Think about how some materials complement your home’s style. For example, if you are building a picket fence, consider using white PVC pickets for a more traditional look or metal fence panels for a more modern appearance.
Pest-resistance
Pests, such as termites, can pose a massive problem for some DIY projects. It doesn’t matter how great your fence looks if your fence isn’t protected from pests; it won’t last.
Need temporary fencing in the meantime?
Planning a DIY fence? You may need temporary fencing to keep your property secure during the build, and that’s where we come in.
TTFS is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of temporary fencing, offering a wide range of options including temporary pool fencing, barriers, gates and more. Thanks to our extensive network of depots Australia-wide, we can deliver reliable, high-quality temporary fencing quickly and efficiently.
To find the right solution for your next project, contact our team today.