Hi, I am 56, OK health, and I want to put up some kind of fence that is least expensive, keeps my dogs in, and possible I can do myself. I'm thinking of a white picket fence just tall enough they can't jump over it. I have watched guys dig fence holes many times and put in post, cross bars and nail on pickets etc. so I guess if I have some do the posts (hard part) I can nail on and paint ??? I will be able to watch them from inside, so I don't worry about them being stolen, they will only be out while I can watch, but they love to see people, they are Shihtzus. I will take any wise decisions and considerations. I don't have money to pay to have it all done. Stupid fixed income :) But glad to have what I have :)
2007-03-10 04:43:29 · 7 answers · asked by ? 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I understand budget, and with no offense to any others who answer, Codes might be an issue.
Another major issue will be whether or not, small or not your dogs are "jumpers" or "diggers" or may become that?
Certainly there are many options and a one time trip to an HD or Lowes will give you comparisons. If for example you want the dogs to actually SEE out, then chain link can work. Stockade is likely the best bargain as it has different "grades". Picket might be the most expensive, but now with Vinyl picket, the longest lasting.
No matter what, even as a DIY you have to do posts, and that can be accomplished with a bargain post hole digger to keep the soil as compacted as possible within a reasonable tolerance for whatever posts you have to "plant"
I just note the breed, so I suspect JUMPING isn't something they do, but they may dig? In any case, without knowing exactly how much "space" you want to allow them, for exploration, sniffing, doing business, they can probably be ok in a space no larger than 200 sq. ft. plus/minus.
I get it to by the way that THEY love to see people, but the more important issue might be that People and the dogs cannot actually "touch" each other.
Steven Wolf
2007-03-10 05:33:37 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've never seen a fence that a dog couldn't get out of and will not leave my dogs loose outside without watching-like you do. I have larger dogs but added a run to the back corner of my wooden fence (I had to put in pieces of concrete underneath to stop digging) I added the two needed sides out of the ugly chain link with the edges buried in concrete and a chain link top. I feel safe leaving them out for a bit more exercise. I also have put out runners since I'm doing some rescue work and have need of more places that are safe for exercise. Do not buy the ones at WalMart, the ends pull out and your dog is loose. Petco has some that are more expensive but pretty well put together or you can get the stuff at Home Depot and make what you need in the lengths and weight you need for much less $.
Here's a hint-whatever you do. When digging post holes, start the hole just a bit and then fill it up with water. Then start the second one just a bit, add water and go back to the first one-dig a little deeper add water. etc. . .so much easier.
And-don't nail the pickets. Get a cheapie electric screwdriver or better yet a drill and screwdriver bit and screws that don't rust. Your fence will stay together better and you won't knock your post loose when you hammer. I also drill holes in the posts before I cement them in and bolt my cross bars to the posts. I live where there are hurricanes and I want a very strong fence that won't blow away easy and I understand some people unbolt the fences and lay them down or store them for big, big winds.
2007-03-10 19:36:02 · answer #2 · answered by towanda 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think a picket fence would be your best option for a front yard. You're right, they're not that hard to build. One way to make it easier, rent a power auger to dig the post holes. They require 2 people to operate safely, but you can get all the holes done in an hour. I think I paid about $25/day last time I rented one. Use screws instead of nails for the cross bars. They hold better. You can probably get pre-made panels at Lowes or Home Depot for about the same price as buying the lumber and putting it all together yourself.
2007-03-10 05:27:18 · answer #3 · answered by bugs280 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure what ever you use is code acceptable for a front yard. I live in a city that has a lot of restrictions.
That aside you will need to make sure the dogs can't shimmy under the fence, mine used to do this, I dug a trench and buried a 6" wide band of, hum not sure what it is called, but it is the wire that has the square holes in it, then stapled the top of this wire to the bottom of my wooden fence. You can't set the wooden fence to the ground as the wood could eventually get rotten from water or moisture.
I think you are on the right track tho.
Being on a fixed income though you might want to see if there is a web site in your area called FreeCycle.com. People GIVE away things they don't need. Maybe someone else bought too much fencing or has something else you could use. You would just have to go and pick it up from where they tell you it is located.
2007-03-10 04:56:48 · answer #4 · answered by Deborah S 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to talk to someone at Home Depot or a place like that and let them know what you need and how much you have to spend. Depending on the situation you are in with neighbors, there may be a neighbor that will be willing to help you out of the kindness of their heart or a church member that can come over and assist. A picket fence is good in that the dogs can see out and view people walking by but it is important that the pickets are close enough so they don't stick their heads out and get stuck. Hopefully that helps.
2007-03-10 04:54:47 · answer #5 · answered by ajahare 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is mostly dependent on your particular city or municipality codes, but if the fence was on their property, they are likely allowed to do with it as they please. On the other hand, if the fence was on your property, then they have no right to remove it without notice. Concerning the mud, you should probably contact city or county building inspectors if it is becoming a problem, as your neighbors may be required to contain the runoff before continuing with construction. Call your local zoning or building authority and see what they have to say. Also, learn where your property lines are exactly. The best way would be to have a survey done.
2016-03-28 23:06:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chain link fence. It discourages escapees.
2007-03-10 07:44:48 · answer #7 · answered by front door 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋