The time for summer projects has finally arrived. More than ever, homeowners are looking for ways to spruce up their property without breaking the bank. ‘Do-it-yourself’ has become the new motto for many people hoping to take on large projects while saving money.
One of the first installations that DIYers hope to take on is fencing. Fencing comes in many shapes and sizes; some of which are easy to install with little equipment, and others more difficult to take on. Below, we’ll briefly outline the best styles of fencing for those hoping to do it themselves. Whether you have a history of construction work or have never touched a screwdriver in your life, we’ve got you covered!
Split Rail Fencing
As one of the simplest fence style installations out there, split rail fencing is a sought-after product for DIYers. For those not familiar, split rail fencing is typically derived from cedar and interlocks into itself in a Lincoln Log-like fashion. Because of this material’s structure, it is quite easy for anyone to install.
Split rail fencing consists of rails and posts. The posts have small openings where the rails connect seamlessly. With a few screws and some elbow grease, practically anyone can have this fence standing like new in no time. It is truly one of the most ideal styles for any newbies or those looking for a quick fix.
As a bonus, split rail is often comprised of cedar wood. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, moisture, and any other harsh environmental factors. Its natural beauty and superb performance are guaranteed to last decades. Given how affordable it is, this is a material that is truly built to last and will stand the test of time.
Post and Dowel Fencing
For those looking for a slightly more robust style that’s still easy to install, post and dowel fencing is your next best bet. Post and dowel fencing is very similar to split rail in that the rails interlock into the posts. What is different about this style though is that the rails are more secure in the posts rather than just resting inside of them.
Post and dowel fencing is great for those with expansive areas of land or on tight budgets. While this material is affordable, it’s incredibly durable and can last with little to no maintenance for decades. It’s a cheap and simple solution to many of the biggest property boundaries and security issues.
The main difference besides looks between the aforementioned fencing is the material. Post and dowel fencing is made with treated Douglas Fir wood, while split rail is made with untreated cedar. Cedar is typically the preferred material given its natural resistance. Treated materials are chemically treated to stand up to their environment, but are often lower quality than natural materials.
While treated materials do well with little to no maintenance, they do sometimes pose a threat to the surrounding environment if there are any toxins beneath its surface. If the fence is needed for basic needs such as property lines, treated materials are a great resource for getting the job done. As one of the most affordable and attractive options, this is a great project for any DIYer to take on.
Whichever fencing style you choose, these are two of the best options on the market for DIYers to install themselves. With the affordability of the materials, ease of installation, low maintenance, and overall longevity, these are great styles to take advantage of. For more information or to get a quote from one of our representatives today, contact us here.
