Aluminum fences add security, curb appeal, and value to your home and yard. They are sturdier than vinyl fences and don’t require the upkeep of a wooden fence, and overall they are an incredible investment in what may be the biggest asset you’ll ever own—your home.
So, you want to get an aluminum fence installed, and while there are plenty of companies and contractors who will install it for you, there are definitely benefits to doing it yourself (or maybe even with the help of your family and friends). It can be an enjoyable experience for all involved, it adds value to your home, and when you accomplish something like that on your own, you’re engaging in an activity that will tie you to your property, giving you confidence in your abilities and pride in your property.
Below are a few reasons why installing a custom aluminum fence yourself is a good idea:
#1. You’re Saving Money
It’s no secret that any home improvement has the potential to overrun costs and send your budget into the red. When you hire a contractor you have to deal with their workers, their time schedule, and their exorbitant prices. Even if the contractor buys products from Aluminum Fences Direct, they may make you pay through the nose for work that you could just have easily accomplished on your own with a little sweat and hard work.
Aluminum Fences Direct offers aluminum fences at a low price, even when considering adding accents and accessories. Our prices are straightforward and plain: you know up front exactly how much you’ll be paying and when, and there are no surprises or hidden fees. You know that we have the best prices for the best products because we are constantly undercutting our competitors and outselling them despite our high quality. Our philosophy is that if you can do the work yourself, you owe it to yourself to buy the very best and create something that you will be proud of.
#2. It’s Much Easier Than You Might Think
A contractor might blow a lot of smoke about the difficulties of installing the fence and all the extra labor and cost it’s going to take, but with few exceptions, if you have a moderate ability with tools and an understanding of directions, you can build your own aluminum fence without the price and hassle.
The process is relatively simple. Detailed instructions can be found here, and a more detailed list of instructions will also be provided after your order is place… but these are the basics:
- Layout the entire fence—end posts, corner posts, and gate posts—with wooden stakes, and then mark the position of the fence sections with taut string. This will guide you where to dig holes.
- Check with your home plans, or by calling your utility company, to make sure that you’re digging post holes in safe places and not cutting into gas lines, drainage, or sewage. This is essential! Most utility companies will perform this service for free, and if you fail to do so you could end up with a very costly repair bill.
- Using a post-hole digger, dig down between 24-48” per hole, depending on the frost line in your part of the country.
- Attach one section of fence into your post. Repeat this post and section placement for the length of your property.
- Post the first hole and mix concrete to pour into the hole. Install one panel and one post at a time. Fill each hole with concrete, leaving a gap between the concrete level and the ground level, and then, when dried, cover the concrete with dirt and grass. Another option is to pour the concrete after a short run of 4-5 sections are in place and pouring the concrete for all 5 posts at one time.
- Continue the process all the way around your yard until it is complete. Make sure you’re staying level and plumb in all of your posts and sections.
And that’s about it! There’s really not much to it, and once again, more detailed instructions can be found at this link.
#3. What Tools Do I Need to Install a Fence?
Materials
- Cement/Concrete mix: This is essential to ensuring the longevity of your aluminum fencing to make sure the posts are securely fit into the ground.
- Gravel (optional): If you dig a really deep hole, you’ll probably want a little gravel to help fill them in.
- Water: You’ll need this for mixing the cement, and you’ll need buckets on hand or a garden hose.
