Wood
Depending on your choice of material, your new fence can be a sizable investment. Prices can escalate to thousands of dollars or more if shopping is done carelessly. Wooden fences can be a much less expensive product, if you are willing to do a little more maintenance. They don’t last as long as PVC, but they are with you for many years with regular maintenance and careful installation. Wooden fences are beautiful and natural looking.
Most of the wood fences we install are pressure treated, and like decks, there are many ways these fences can be made with varying degrees of quality and strength. Perhaps you already have wood fencing installed by a neighbour on a side of your property, we can custom build our fence to match so you have a consistent look to your yard. Otherwise, we have set our standards high in regards to how we prefer to construct a wood fence and it all starts with the post installation.
Post Installation
Holes are dug to a depth of 48″ to ensure the posts are situated below the frost line. If additonal work is required to remove obstructions such as large stones, roots, rocks or asphalt you will be advised that additonal costs will be applied. The posts are then positioned and plumbed with rapid setting concrete to ensure proper curing has occured. Shortly thereafter, and before the posts have a chance to twist and warp, we begin the fence installation.
Fence Installation
We build wood fences that pass the test of time, using essential brackets and hardware to ensure it’s durability. This begins by installing three 2″ x 4″ fence rails at the top, middle and bottom of the panel that support the weight of the 1″ x 6″ fence boards between posts. We do this with Simpson Strong Tie FB ZMAX galvanized fence rail brackets using 8d common 1/2″ galvanized nails which make the connection between fence rails and posts simple and strong, and eliminates the need for toe nailing or screwing. When working with pressure treated lumber, all end cuts are treated with an end cut preservative to protect against rot, decay and insects.
Wood expands and contracts as it gets wet and then dries out. Expanding and contracting wood is the main cause of improper fasteners that work their way out of the boards, which eventually detach from the rails. Our 1″ x 6″ fence boards are fastened to the 2″ x 4″ fence rails with HDG (Hot Dipped Galvanized) ring shank nails that are ACQ certified. The circular ring shank of the nail provides a strong connection that help them grip the fibers of the wood, and stay locked into place, even with the expanding and contracting of the wood. The HDG process protects against corrosion, while being ACQ certified means they are safe to use in pressure treated lumber.
To cover the nail heads seen on the 1″ x 6″ fence boards, we install a 1″ x 4″ directly opposite to the 2″ x 4″ fence rails that basically sandwiches the fence boards. These pieces are fastened to the fence panel with 1 1/2″ coated deck screws to give a clean and finished look as they are purely decorative and offer no additonal structural support. To complete the fence panel, we install a 2″ x 4″ across the top of the fence boards which acts as both a finish piece but also protects the ends of the fence boards from water.
Finally, a black galvanized metal post cap is installed on all wood posts. The cap covers the top of the post, protecting it from the rain and snow. It is fastened in place with a 1″ galvanized nail through a pre drilled hole. A galvanized post cap will not only protect the post end from the harmful effects of water, such as twisting, cracking and decay, but it will also add a stylish finish to the project.
Gate Installation
Gates are constructed to mimic the same design as the fence so it blends in well. The only design change is a compression cross brace that is added to take weight from the top bar and transfer it by pushing down against the bottom hinge, or a vertical component or post, which transfers load to both hinges. This keeps the gate square which makes it easy to open and close.
All of our gate posts are bridged, which means a 2″ x 4″ is fastened 12″ above the gate itself from post to post and is used to keep the area where the gate is located sqaure. It also provides a strong frame so a decorative arbour could be installed. Through the use of a compression cross brace on the gate and bridging the gate posts, you can be assured that your gate will easily open and close for years to come.
We use black powder coated steel hinges and latches to match the post caps. The gate hardware gives a traditonal look and can be upgraded at the request of the customer.
PVC
Our product line includes Polaris™ PVC Fencing distributed by Amco Fencing and Deck Supplies Inc.
Polaris™ PVC Fencing is constructed with an innovative H-post along with rails and boards that are among the thickest and most robust in the industry. Polaris™ PVC profiles are engineered and manufactured to strict tolerances which combines for a powerful, easy-to-install system. All of the Polaris™ PVC profiles work in harmony for precision fit which lends itself to custom styles but does not compromise the strength of the fence. This flexibility yet strength of the fence offers customers the look that fits their needs. Polaris™ PVC Fencing won’t rot, split, splinter or decay.
View the Polaris™ PVC Fencing brochure
View the Polaris™ PVC Fencing warranty
Post Installation
Holes are dug to a depth of 48″ to ensure the steel post inserts are situated below the frost line. If additonal work is required to remove obstructions such as large stones, roots, rocks or asphalt you will be advised that additonal costs will be applied. The steel posts that give the fence it’s strength, are then placed plumb in rapid set concrete to ensure proper curing has occured. We do not pound or screw the steel inserts into the ground.
Fence Installation
Our vinyl fences are installed as per the manufacturers instructions. Additional reinforcing steel is inserted into vinyl posts where gates and panels are located to ensure a strong connection.
Gate Installation
Gates, like the fencing itself, is installed as per the manufacturers instructions. We are sure to properly install the compression cross brace on the vinyl gate, which is essential in keeping the gate square and from sagging, allowing it to open and close properly.
The gate hardware is provided by Nationwide Industries and is included in their CornerStone™ line of products. The hinges are made of a heavy duty polymer and stainless steel construction, while boasting a 150lb load rating. They are self closing while the tension can be adjusted with the included allen wrench.
The two sided latch is key lockable and made of heavy duty nylon, and features a heavy duty catch and a thumb latch on the bottom to protect internal mechanisms from dirt and rain. Locking the button side does not lock the gravity latch side.