Build a Beautiful Garden Border Fence in a Weekend
For many gardeners, installing a border fence is an important step in defining outdoor spaces and protecting plants. But tackling a major DIY project can seem daunting. The good news? With some planning and effort, building an attractive, functional garden border fence in just a weekend is absolutely achievable.
In this post, we'll walk through all the key steps, from choosing materials to setting posts to decorating your finished fence. Follow along, and you'll soon be enjoying the privacy, security, and curb appeal a quality border fence offers.
Pick Your Fence Design and Materials
The first decision is selecting a design and building material that suits your taste, budget and yard's unique needs. Here are some top options to consider:
Wooden Picket Fence
A classic picket fence made from pressure-treated pine offers natural good looks that never go out of style. Though it requires seasonal staining or sealing, a wood fence's customizable finish makes it easy to complement your home.
Metal Wire Fence
For superb durability and next-to-no maintenance, metal wire fencing is a fantastic border choice. Available powder-coated in various colors, the simple mesh design can disappearing into garden plantings or be decorated with privacy vines.
Bamboo Fence
Eco-conscious gardeners are turning to renewable bamboo as a sustainable border fencing choice. Working well in cottage-style gardens, bamboo offers ornamental appeal along with visibility and seclusion.
Prepare the Installation Site
With your materials selected, now comes vital groundwork. Mark the fence's layout using stakes and masonry string to delineate its shape. Remove any debris and overgrown plants in the area, trimming back branches or roots as needed. Use a shovel, rake and level to smooth and flatten the installation site for solid post support.
Setting Sturdy Support Posts
The foundation of every successful border fence project lies in sturdy, properly installed posts. For wood or bamboo fencing, wood posts are common and easy to use. With metal fencing, steel or vinyl-coated posts resist corrosion. First dig holes for each support post along the perimeter string line, going down 12-18 inches. Place the posts in the holes and hold plumb, then backfill with concrete to about 2/3 full to solidly anchor them in position. Leave concrete to fully cure before moving ahead.
Attaching the Fence Framework
Now the fun part begins - erecting the actual fencing barrier. If using panels or rolls, follow manufacturers guidelines for installation. For most wooden or bamboo picket systems, nail or screw pre-assembled sections into posts and each other to form a continuous border. With wire mesh fencing, carefully unroll along perimeter line and use heavy-gauge ties to secure tightly to posts every 6 inches on all sides.
Include Finishing Touches
Don't stop yet - decorative details take your fence from utilitarian to showstopping. For wood fences, apply a weatherproofing stain or sealant to protect from moisture, mildew and decay. Install lattice along the top for extra seclusion without blocking sunlight. Hang flower boxes to display seasonal blooms. Set up solar-powered path lights marking garden entryways and big impact after dark with just a bit more effort.
With the heavy lifting done, Admire your sophisticated new garden border fence knowing that in just about 48 hours, you planned, built and decorated an outdoor showpiece with your own two hands!
To keep your fence looking its best for years to come, be diligent about a few maintenance musts. Quickly clean any stains or grime before they have a chance to set in. Check for damaged pickets, posts or ties needing repair after extreme weather. And re-apply protective sealant as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Follow these simple rules, and your beautiful border will not just last the season, but for many joyous springs to come!