You are looking to get a new wood fence up around your place here in New Braunfels. Our team understands you might want more privacy from the neighbors. You might also have a new puppy tearing around the backyard. Whatever the reason, putting up a wood fence can be a solid project for a homeowner. It is not something you should jump into without a plan. New Braunfels Fencing Pros has seen plenty of fences go up and come down in this town. We can tell you there is a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Before You Even Think About Digging for Your Wood Fence
Our team will talk about the groundwork first. This is where most DIYers run into trouble if they do not do their homework for their wood fence project.
Know Your Property Lines and Local Rules for Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
You absolutely have to know exactly where your property lines are. Do not just guess or go by an old fence line. Get a survey if you are unsure. The last thing you want is a dispute with a neighbor. You also do not want to have to tear down a brand new wood fence because it is on someone else's land. New Braunfels Fencing Pros makes sure to check these things.
Next, you will need permits. The City of New Braunfels requires a building permit for new fences, replacements, and most alterations. They have rules about height as well. Generally, front-yard fences are capped at 36 inches. They can be 4 feet if they are at least half open. Rear and side fences can go up to 8 feet. If your property is in the Gruene Historic District or near the Comal or Guadalupe floodplains, there might be extra steps to follow. Do not skip this step. It will save you headaches and fines later. New Braunfels Fencing Pros handles all the permit work for your wood fence in New Braunfels.
Call Before You Dig: Texas811 Is Your Best Friend for Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
This step is not optional. Before you put a shovel in the ground, call Texas811. It is a free service. They will come out and mark all the underground utility lines on your property. This includes water lines as well as electric lines as well as gas lines as well as communication lines. Hitting one of those can be dangerous as well as expensive. It can also shut down services for you and your neighbors. You need to make that call at least 48 hours before you plan to dig 16 inches or deeper. Do not rely on guesswork. Those lines can be just inches below the surface. New Braunfels Fencing Pros always calls Texas811 for all wood fence installations.
Pick Your Wood Wisely for Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
You have choices when it comes to wood. Cedar is popular for its natural resistance to rot and insects. It also looks great. Treated pine is another common option. It is often more budget-friendly. Make sure it is rated for ground contact. Our Central Texas weather can be tough on wood. This includes hot, humid summers as well as occasional freezes. You want something that is going to hold up. New Braunfels Fencing Pros helps you choose the best wood for your New Braunfels wood fence.
Getting Down to Business: Installation Day for Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
Once you have your permits and your lines marked, and your materials, it is time to get to work. Our team at New Braunfels Fencing Pros gets ready for the wood fence installation.
Setting Those Posts Right for Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
This is the most important part of the whole job. If your posts are not solid, your wood fence will not be solid either. Here in New Braunfels, we deal with some interesting soil. We have clay that expands and contracts when it is wet and dry. Sometimes you hit rock. This movement can make wood fence posts shift and lean over time if they are not set correctly.
A good rule of thumb is to bury at least one-third of the post's total length underground. For a 6-foot wood fence, that means an 8-foot post. This post will have about 32 inches in the ground. For our clay soils, New Braunfels Fencing Pros recommends going a bit deeper. We suggest maybe 36-42 inches. This is especially true for a privacy wood fence that catches a lot of wind. You also want a hole that is about three times the diameter of your post.
Here is our method:
- We dig your hole to the right depth and width.
- Our team puts 4-6 inches of gravel at the bottom. This helps with drainage. It also keeps water from sitting against the wood. This can cause rot.
- We set your post. We make sure it is plumb, which means perfectly straight up and down, with a level.
- Our team fills the rest of the hole with concrete. We slope the top of the concrete away from the post to shed water.
- We brace the post securely until the concrete cures. This usually takes at least 24-48 hours.
Attaching Rails and Pickets for Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
Once your posts are solid, the rest is more straightforward. Our team attaches your horizontal rails between the posts. We make sure they are level. Then, we attach your pickets to the rails. We overlap them slightly for privacy. We can also space them out for a more open look. New Braunfels Fencing Pros always uses exterior-grade screws or nails. These will not rust and stain your wood.
After the Build: Protecting Your Wood Fence Investment in New Braunfels
You have put in the work. Now it is time to protect it.
Staining or Sealing Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
This is important for a wood fence in New Braunfels. Our sun and humidity can really do a number on wood. It can cause it to gray as well as crack as well as warp. Staining or sealing your wood fence within a few weeks of installation will protect it from the elements. It will also extend its life. You will want to reapply every few years. This depends on the product and exposure. New Braunfels Fencing Pros can help with staining and sealing your wood fence.
Regular Checks for Your New Braunfels Wood Fence
Walk your wood fence line a few times a year. Look for loose pickets. Look for wobbly posts. Look for any signs of rot or insect damage. Catching small issues early can prevent them from becoming big, expensive problems. This helps keep your New Braunfels wood fence in good shape.
DIY or Pro? When to Call New Braunfels Fencing Pros for Your Wood Fence
You might wonder if you can really do all this yourself. For a smaller, straightforward wood fence with good access and relatively easy digging, you can. If you are handy and have the right tools, and are not afraid of some hard work, you can save some money. New Braunfels Fencing Pros understands this.
However, there are times when calling a professional like New Braunfels Fencing Pros just makes sense:
- If your wood fence line is long, on a steep slope, or involves significant rock. Digging post holes in rocky terrain is no joke. Getting a long wood fence line perfectly straight and level on a slope is tough.
- If you are dealing with complex city codes, easements, or HOA requirements. New Braunfels Fencing Pros handles all that permit stuff. We make sure everything is compliant for your wood fence.
- If you do not have the time, the tools, or the physical ability. It is a demanding job. Sometimes your time is better spent elsewhere.
- If you want a warranty. A professional installation usually comes with a warranty on craftsmanship and materials. This gives you peace of mind.
A wood fence is a big investment in your home. Doing it right means it will stand strong for years. It will add value and enjoyment to your property. If you are ever in doubt, do not hesitate to reach out. New Braunfels Fencing Pros is here to help you get the wood fence you need. We build it to last.