Five Steps of Laying Out Fence
So, it‘s your first fence job. You’re on site and have been given the plans, the locates, and the details. What comes next!?
1. The proper tools for laying out fence
Here are a few musts for your tool box;
- marking paint for spraying the ground
- some good quality string line to keep that fence nice and straight
- some wood stakes or old pieces of rebar to set your line up on
- your trusty mini sledge hammer to get those stakes in the ground
- a good measuring tape and a 30m tape for the long stretches. Now we are ready!
2. Proper “Planning” for your fence layout
No good job is completed without proper planning. So what plans should be expected, and which ones are a must?
- Landscape Plan- this is your best friend, landscape plans show which locations on the drawings get fence, the type of fence in each area, and the details you need in order to construct properly.
- Legal Plan or “M Plan” – this will be key in making sure all the property bars are in place to keep the fence in correct location. With tight lot lines and smaller lots, every inch matters
- House Sittings- handy information on any job site to assist with grading, specific measurements and final location of fence.
3. Fence Property Line
There is almost nothing more important than placing your fence in the correct location. Whether working for architects, townships or homeowners, everyone is sticky on where the fence is located. Usually shown on the landscape plan, be sure to have this in stone before marking any ground.
4. Grades for laying our fence
Working before the grass goes down? No problem. Grade stakes are found on every job site, they provide information to trades to ensure earth and sod is placed at the correct design elevation. Typically, most will find “cut/fill” grades stakes. These stakes marked with an arrow, a F or a C with a measurement written on the stake. From there, simply raise your line by the measurement for a Fill and lower for a Cut.
5. Spraying the ground
Looks like everything is in order to start marking the ground. When marking the ground be sure to work within the specifications and the lumber you are using. Being financially responsible to your company, keep efficient and maximize your spacing while keeping it aesthetically appealing!
By: Sean Healy, Masonry and Fencing Manager