Fence installation: Layout, gates & site checks
Set the boundary, gate openings and fixed posts before dividing the runs into panels or buying bags of concrete.
A drawn fence line is not a property survey or a utility clearance. Resolve the permitted line and underground services before digging.
Confirm where the fence may go
Use the accepted boundary information, permit conditions and any applicable association requirements. Arrange the utility-location process and identify private services that may need separate locating. Write these as prerequisites in the job scope; do not move a post hole on the fly simply because the first position is obstructed.
Choose a complete material system
Wood pickets, prefabricated panels, chain-link and wire need different parts. Name the product, height and finish, and identify matching end, corner and gate posts. Keep gates, hinges, latches, brackets, caps and any required post inserts on the schedule instead of counting only the material between posts.
Place gates and corners first
Record each straight run, its direction and changes of grade. Measure gate post spacing using the selected gate and hardware instructions. Mark the distance from the start of the run to each gate. Moving a gate can change how many full and shortened panels fit on both sides.
Use the panel maker’s geometry
Barrette Outdoor Living’s Veranda vinyl-fence instructions establish post centers from panel and post dimensions, then address shortened sections. Use those instructions only for the matching system. Do not treat nominal panel width as the clear opening or transfer that product’s hole dimensions to another fence.
Resolve foundations and slopes
Get the appropriate post depth, concrete, frost, wind and soil decisions for the site and system. Confirm whether panels rack with the slope or step, and how this affects bottom clearance and cuts. The planner shows entered grade; it does not approve a foundation or predict the ground conditions.
Install and check the finished runs
Follow the selected manufacturer’s sequence and concrete cure requirements. Check post alignment, panel fit and gate operation before calling the project finished. Retain the layout and product instructions with the receipt. A complete quote should allocate removal, spoil, restoration and adjustments as well as the new fence.
See the measurement become an order
Example only: a 48 ft run with a 4 ft gate starting 16 ft from the first post and a chosen maximum spacing of 8 ft.
This example gives 8 posts on the plan.
- North boundary: Δx = 48 × cos(0°); Δy = length × sin(direction).