Extending an existing fence can seem like a simple weekend project, but there are some important factors to consider before getting started. The difficulty level really depends on the type of fence, length of new section, terrain where it will be installed, and your skill level. With proper planning and the right tools, even novice DIYers can learn how to extend a basic fence. However, major fence extensions on challenging terrain may require hiring a professional fencing contractor.
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What Type of Fence Do You Have?
The first thing to look at is what type of material your current fence is made of. Common fencing materials include:
- Wood privacy fence – These fences have vertical boards nailed to horizontal railings and posts. They are a good choice for DIYers to extend since the wood boards are easy to work with.
- Chain link – This type of wire mesh fencing rolls out relatively easily, but installing the posts and attaching the fence to them can be tricky.
- Vinyl – Vinyl fences snap or slide together and are low maintenance. Extending a vinyl fence is easier with two people.
- Ornamental iron or aluminum – Extending a metal fence requires welding skills or hiring a pro.
- PVC – PVC fence parts glue or snap together much like vinyl. The lightweight pieces are easier to transport.
In general, wood and vinyl/PVC fences will be the easiest for an amateur to extend on their own. Chain link is intermediate difficulty. Metal and masonry fences are very challenging for DIYers to extend.
How Long is the New Section?
The length of fence you want to add also determines the difficulty level. Adding 5-10 feet to close a small gap in your existing fence is fairly straightforward. But installing 50+ feet of new fencing on your own can be exhausting and time consuming, especially digging all the post holes by hand.
As a rule of thumb:
- Less than 25 feet – Easy DIY project
- 25-50 feet – Intermediate skill level needed
- Over 50 feet – Consider hiring a professional fencing contractor
The longer the span you want to cover, the more complicated the build gets in terms of measuring precisely, buying enough materials, digging all the holes, and having enough hands on deck to install the posts and panels. Leave major fence extension projects to the pros.
What is the Terrain?
Attempting to extend a fence through rocky soil, over hills, or in extreme weather adds to the overall challenge. Here are some examples:
- Flat, even ground – Ideal for DIY fence extension.
- Minor slopes – Doable for amateurs but may require adjusting post heights.
- Very uneven ground – Can make installing posts and panels much harder.
- Heavily wooded areas – May need to remove trees/stumps first before extending fence.
- Rocky, hard soils – Digging post holes gets much tougher.
- Poor weather – Cold winter temps or heavy rains make the work miserable.
If the area you want to extend through has no major obstacles or terrain challenges, an amateur can probably tackle it. But if you’re looking at extending across a steep hillside or through dense trees, you will likely want to have an expert take over the project.
What’s Your Skill Level?
Being realistic about your DIY skills is important when deciding whether or not to take on a fence extension solo. Key abilities needed include:
- Carpentry skills – Building wood fences from scratch requires adeptness with saws, drills, levels, etc.
- Digging skills – Using a post hole digger takes strength and stamina.
- Masonry skills – Setting fence posts in concrete for stability takes know-how.
- Land surveying – Measuring and mapping out the extension site accurately is crucial.
- Physical fitness – Much of the work is manual labor requiring endurance.
Novices can certainly learn these skills with online tutorials and practice. But large or complex fence extension projects may warrant hiring an experienced pro rather than risking an amateurish result. Be realistic about your abilities before committing to a challenging DIY build.
Gather the Right Tools and Materials
Having the proper equipment and supplies on hand will make a fence extension project go much more smoothly:
Tools
- Tape measure
- Post hole digger
- Shovels
- Wheelbarrow
- Level
- Clamps
- Circular saw or miter saw (for wood fences)
- Concrete mixing tools
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
Materials
- Fence posts
- Fence panels or boards
- Gravel or drainage rock
- Concrete mix
- Deck screws or nails
- Galvanized fasteners
Gathering all the proper tools and materials means fewer delays and frustrations during the project. Having an extra set of hands helps too for lifting, digging, stabilizing posts, and much more.
Step-by-Step Process
The basic process for extending most fences is:
- Study your existing fence design and mimic it
- Measure and mark out the extension area
- Call 811 to have underground utilities marked
- Dig holes for the new posts, spaced according to fence style
- Set the posts in the holes and hold plumb
- Pour concrete around posts and allow curing time
- Install panels or boards between posts
- Check for level/plumb and make any necessary adjustments
- Secure all fasteners tightly
However, always consult the manufacturer’s specific instructions for proper installation, spacing, and bracing based on the style and material of your fence.
Certain fences like chain link require attaching the mesh to the posts and top rail with special fittings. For wooden fences, you may need to trim boards to fit between posts or make angle cuts for corners.
Having another pair of hands makes a big difference for steps like mixing concrete, holding posts steady, and lifting panels into place. Safety is also paramount when using power tools and digging holes. Patience is key as some phases like concrete curing time may cause delays.
Cost to Extend a Fence
If hiring a professional, fence extension costs typically run:
- Wood fence – $15-35 per linear foot
- Chain link – $10-15 per linear foot
- Vinyl – $20-50 per linear foot
So a 50 foot wood fence extension could cost $750 to $1,750 or more depending on materials used. Hiring a fencing contractor provides experienced project management and eliminates the labor on your end.
If doing it yourself, the costs mainly come down to:
- Fencing materials like boards, mesh, posts, concrete, etc.
- Tool purchases or rentals
- Permit fees if required by your city
With DIY, you can save on labor costs but may end up buying extra supplies to account for mistakes. Keep receipts for all materials purchased so you can calculate the total project cost.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips for the best results extending your fence:
- Check local permit requirements
- Call 811 before digging for utility line marking
- Wear safety glasses and gloves
- Start small if this is your first fence project
- Buy 5-10% extra boards/panels to allow for errors
- Rent an auger or backhoe for quick digging of holes
- Recruit a helper for lifting, mixing, etc.
- Follow all manufacturer’s instructions
- Watch online tutorials for guidance
- Allow adequate concrete curing time before installing fence
With proper planning and preparations, even DIYers can successfully extend most fences. But don’t hesitate to hire a professional fencing contractor if the project scope begins to exceed your skill level.
Conclusion
Extending an existing fence in your yard is a project with a difficulty range from moderate to advanced depending on these key factors:
- Fence material (wood, chain link, vinyl, etc.)
- Length of new section
- Terrain where fence will be installed
- Your personal skill level and DIY experience
With handyman abilities and the right tools, materials, and help, many weekend warriors can extend a basic wood or vinyl fence less than 50 feet long across flat ground. Longer runs or trickier terrain may call for hiring a pro. But with good preparation and patience, a fence extension can become a rewarding DIY project that adds function and value to your outdoor living space.