When it comes to replace your old wooden fence most homeowners have it hauled away, taken to the dump or burn it.  Before you go throwing away all of that old fencing material consider these options to recycle intact material and use it around the house.

Here is a short list of ideas on what you can make out of your old wooden fence:

• Vintage looking planter boxes
• Birdhouses, bird feeders or  squirrel feeders
• Garden trellises
• Garbage container corrals
• Old picture Frames
• Simple retaining walls (only very small walls – consult a professional if unsure)
• Garden Stakes
• Vintage looking picture frames
• Rustic looking bench
• Mail Box

As you can see there are plenty of simple uses for an old fence and if you are creative you can come up with your own uses that are not on this list.

Sometimes a portion of a fence is in poor shape but the rest of it is still in great condition. Rather than replacing the entire fence, you may still be able to get a few more years out of your current fence if you just repair the damaged section. Here are some tips to help you through this process.

1. Determine the Damaged Area: Assess the damaged are and decide if it is worth repairing or if you need a new fence altogether.  This is usually a personal decision and is based on how much repair you really want to tackle.  If the damaged area spans more than two consecutive panels (roughly 20ft) it may be time for a new fence.  The larger the repair area, the more difficult the repair job.
2. Get Replacement Material and Necessary Tools: Before you go tearing down the old section of fence it makes sense to get the proper tools and replacement material ahead of time.  In some instances you may just need a few support brackets to reconnect your fence, in others you may need to replace as much as the post.
3. Tear Down the Damaged Section: Time to remove the damaged area of fencing.  You may be able to re-use material here so be careful in what you tear down.  Obviously, try and salvage as much of the old fence as possible.
4. Repair the Fence: Install your replacement material.  Make sure everything is square and level and give the fence a good shake to make sure it is stable enough to handle winds and random impacts from the environment.

Reparing a fence is not an easy task and if at any point you are in doubt, contact a professional fence installation company for assistance.

Here is a short video on how to pressure wash a fence:

With spring just around the corner we figured it would be a great time to do a few write ups on ridding your yard of unwanted mold, moss and mildew.  After the long, dark and wet winter months moss tends to build up especially in neglected yards and on older fences.  Removing the moss can be a bit of a task but when equipped with the right knowledge it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Wood fences tend to accumulate a good amount of mold and moss and should be cleaned regularly to prevent unwanted build up.  It is important to remember to use solutions that won’t harm plants and landscaping when cleaning anything outdoors.  Here are a few ideas for cleaning your fence in a way that shouldn’t harm surrounding vegetation.  Of course, all yards are different so be sure to do your own research prior to employing these methods and test any surrounding plants for reactions to your solutions prior to using it in the entire yard.

1. The safest way to clean a wooden fence is using strictly water and a scrub brush or pressure washer.  If using a pressure washer be sure you do not use one with a high PSI or you could damage your fence.  Electric pressures washers tend to be  less damaging than gas operated washers.  If you have a gas operated washer test it on the fence in an inconspicuous to see if it will damage the wood.
2. If water isn’t enough to remove the moss try mixing a solution of ½ cup of vinegar per gallon of water.  Apply this to the moss and let it sit for about 15 minutes and then scrub and rinse off.  Baking soda also works well.
3. Finally, if none of the above methods work you can try a strong solution such as simple green.  This is something you definitely want to test on a hidden part of the fence to see what sort of effect it will leave.  This could vary depending on the type of wood and age of the fence.  Be sure to test it and then allow about a day or two for the effects to set it.  Also be careful when applying the solution near plants as it can be harmful to vegetation.

A simple Google search will also yield a large amount of information on cleaning fences but remember that no matter the authority, it is always a good idea to test cleaning methods prior to using them on your whole fence.

Sources:

• http://www.ehow.com/how_4884242_remove-mildew-algae-wooden-fence.html
• http://www.gardenguides.com/88024-rid-green-moss-tree-trunks-cedar-fences.html
• http://www.ehow.com/how_7321761_remove-mold-moss-tree-trunks.html

When it comes to building a wooden fence it is good to have solid fence posts to ensure the most stable installation possible.  Fence posts are the main  component that are responsible for keeping your enclosure upright and straight.  Installing wooden fence  posts can be tricky but with the right knowledge and tools, you can get the job done correctly.

For starters, make sure you buy the right kind of wooden posts.  It is recommended you stick with pressure treated wood that is rated for ground contact.  Also be sure to check the posts for straightness – obviously the straighter, the better and be sure you acquire posts that are long enough to bury about 1 -2 feet of them in the ground.  The proper wood will minimize rot so be sure to ask your lumber professional for advice or contact Fence Specialists for professional assistance.

Next, make sure you measure out the distance between each post and mark the approximate location of the posts will be set. Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circumstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet.  Once you have a rough idea of your post layout start by digging your first hole.

Digging fence post holes is backbreaking work so make sure you have the right tool to make it easier.  A basic post hole digger (clam shell digger) should make things much easier for you and a pry bar can help when you encounter large rocks that need to be knocked loose. If you have access to one, you can also use a power auger and you can check with your local hardware store to see if they rent them.  Dig the hole to be a little bit bigger than the fence post.  If you are going to surround the post in concrete or gravel leave a little extra room to fill it in.  Concrete usually requires a larger hole roughly 12 inches wide for a 4×4 post while gravel can be roughly 8 inches wide for a 4×4 post.

Next, take your fence post and stick it in the hole.  Make sure it is the right height and adjust accordingly by continuing to dig or filling in the hole.  For  a sturdy post you should try and make your hole at least 2 feet deep.  Once you get the height correct, it is time line your post up properly.

Lining up your post correctly is pretty easy to do as long as you have a few extra pieces of wood and a level.  Use the level to make sure your post is straight (plumb) and take the pieces of wood and lightly nail them to the post and push them into the ground to act as a temporary holder.  Make sure to leave some of the nail head sticking up as we will be removing these boards once the post has been set.  Here is a nice visual image of how this is done courtesy of how stuff works.

Once you get your first post lined up and secure you can move onto the next hole.  Waiting until after your first post is installed to dig the next hole will help you ensure you get the spacing right.  We also suggest waiting until all your posts are temporarily set before you pour any concrete or dirt back in the hole.  This way you can ensure everything is lined up correctly and minimize your mess to just one day if you are pouring concrete.

To line up your next post there is a nice trick that involves using a piece of string and running it from the first post to the next.  You can also use this trick to help you line up your holes.  Finish digging your holes and repeat the steps above to ensure each post is plumb, etc.

Once all posts are temporarily set you can proceed to mix any concrete you are going to use or fill in the holes with dirt or gravel.  When it comes to concrete there are several different options you can choose from.  For a very sturdy fence you can pour concrete in every hole.  This is also recommended for areas with soft or wet soil as it will help slow down the rate of post rot.  Another approach is to use concrete on every other post and each corner post.  This will also offer a sturdy option however is not as sturdy as using concrete on every fence post.  Finally, you can opt to strictly fill the holes with just dirt or a mix of dirt and gravel.  This option will offer the weakest fence posts and your fence will most likely not last as long.  Furthermore, you increase the speed that your post will rot but not encasing it in concrete.

A good practice when pouring concrete is to scrape the concrete up against the fence post so it create a sort of cone above the dirt about and inch or two.  The idea is to seal off the wood so when water is running around the fence post it will not make contact with the wood and rot it out.  Concrete tends to be porous so there will already be a good amount of moisture in contact with the post set in the concrete but this technique aims to reduce the amount of moisture as much as possible.

Once your posts are set allow the concrete to dry and soil to settle before moving on.  You can check your work with a level and by making sure your string is setup in straight line.  And that’s it, you have now set your fence posts and are ready to start laying your boards!

Need more help?  Give Fence Specialists a call at (253)531-5452 or check out this video:

Did you know most people wait until the busy spring and summer season to have their fence rebuilt?  Not only is this the busiest time for fence companies, you are more likely to pay more for a fence and wait longer for it to be installed.  With such a huge demand for fences in the spring and summer, companies can pick and choose their contracts and charge higher installation fees.

Take advantage of the off season and request a big today with Fence Specialists.  Not only will we give you a free estimate, we will give you an extremely competitive bid and a quick turnaround time.  Call us today at (253)531-5452

Many of our customers are do-it-yourselfers and that is even more true in today’s economy.We are all for that and are happy to provide affordable materials that will get the job done. Whats more, we have put together an excellent pamphlet that will guide you when installing your chain link fence.

You can pick up a hard copy at our office or download the guide to chain link fence installation on our website. As always, if you have any questions you can always ask us as well – we are happy to help!

Did you know that a security gate in your driveway can not only add an element of safety to your home but can also improve your overall curb appeal?  Whether you live on a busy street or in a secluded cul-de-sac an automatic gate is an affordable solution for privacy and security.

Automatic gates do not have to be ugly and obtrusive.  In fact, these days most gates are aesthetically pleasing and can add on to the overall charm of a home.  At Fence Specialists of Tacoma, we specialize in automatic driveway gates and can provide an affordable product that matches the rest of your home.  See some of our work below or take a closer look at our automatic gate gallery and don’t forget to schedule a FREE ESTIMATE!

Driveway Gate

Automatic Gate

Security Gate

We have all seen it before:  The sagging fence gate that has difficulty closing and drives us crazy.  On an old fence the gate is often the thing that starts to go first.  But what if you are not ready for a new fence and simply want to bring the life back into the gate ?  Here are some simple tips to get your gate working properly again.

To start with, you need to understand why your gate is sagging and what is causing the sag.  It could be anything from the post the gate hinges on to the actual hinges themselves.  Start by inspecting the gate while it is attached to the fence post.  Note any areas of separation between the joints of the fence and any areas where you can see the fence leaning.  Once you have thoroughly inspected the gate remove it from its hinges so you can further check for problems with the gate off the post.

You can start to test the various components to figure out where the problem lays if you haven’t figured it out by now.  Using a level, check both fence posts that the gate sits between to make sure they aren’t leaning.  Shake each fence post to make sure that they are firm in the ground.  Inspect the holes where the hinges attach to the fence posts to see if there is any rot or if they are too big for the hinge screws to properly fasten to.  If you find any of the above problems it may be time to replace the fence posts.

With the fence off of its hinges you can now inspect for poor joints, rotting wood and loose supports and screws.  If you have a carpenters square use it to make sure each corner of the gate is square.  Check screws and nails to make sure they aren’t coming loose.  Shake each support to check for rot or loose fasteners as well.

Once you have found the culprit of your sagging fence it is time to fix it up.  This can range from replacing a fence post to adding supports to the actual gate.  If your gate just needs to be tightened up you can look for kits that will help.  You can find metal joints for each corner of the gate and cables to help hold the gate tight at your local hardware store.  If you have found that your hinges are not holding you can simple change the location of the hinge and make sure you are using deep screws that are fastening into wood that is not rotten.  If you cannot get a solid hold for the hinges consider using bolts an washers that go all the way through the wood.

Once you have reinforced your fence screw it back to the hinges and adjust any areas that are still sagging.  For more reading and a detailed write up on how to fix a sagging fence you can check out this post at About.com.

Looking for a quick and easy way to improve your property’s value? Look no further than a professional fence installation by Fence Specialists.

When a fence is properly installed it can make a world of difference on a property and give a home an entirely new feel. Not just any type of fence can do this, however. A professional at Fence Specialists can help you choose a type of fence that will match your home and increase its overall curb appeal.

A chain link fence is a popular type of fence because of its simple functionality and relatively affordable cost. However, if you are looking to increase the overall value of your home and give it an aesthetic appeal chain link fence may not be the best solution.  Depending on the home and it’s surroundings other options may make more sense. For example, a ranch style home might look better with a white vinyl fence vs a basic wooden fence.  Additionally, a primarily brick home might look best with a decorative metal type of fencing.

Fence Specialists can help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing a fence type for your property. Don’t make a costly mistake by choosing a fence type that does not match the rest of your property.  We are here to help so feel free to  Contact us today for more information.