If you've been thinking about putting fencing in your back yard, aluminum fencing may be just what you need. After all, an aluminum fence can be as decorative as it is secure, giving you the barrier that you want without sacrificing the appearance of your yard. Here are a few tips to help you tackle the purchase and installation of your new aluminum fence.

Know What You Need

Before you buy the fence material, you'll need to know exactly how much of each piece you need. To do this, measure the installation area. Mark off the entire space where you plan for the fence to go, then measure the entire distance in feet. That way, you can determine exactly how much fence you'll have to have.

To mark the fence line, start by pounding a small stake into the ground where the fence will start. Every few feet along the path where you want the fence to go, put another stake in the ground. Tie string to each post to create a continuous path around the property. Then you can measure the entire distance of that path so that you can calculate how many fence pieces you need.

To do that, you'll need to know how wide each fence panel is and how wide the fence posts are. Add the width of one fence post plus the width of one fence panel, then divide your total distance on the property by the width of the post and fence section. That tells you how many fence sections you're going to need for the unit.

For example, if your fence sections are six feet wide and the posts are two feet wide and the fence line will cover about 96 feet, you'll need roughly twelve sections plus a small gate to cover the entire distance of the property. Opt for heavy aluminum posts for extra weight.

Prepare for the Fence Installation

Before you can install the fence, you need to set up the fence posts. To do this, you should start by digging a post hole where you want the fence to start. Use a post hole digger to create post holes that are at least a couple of feet deep and wide enough that there's space to fill in around each post.

Measure the distance of the fence panel, then dig another hole for the next post. By digging them in single steps along the path that you marked, you ensure that your fence follows the route you intended and your post holes are spaced appropriately apart.

Set Up the Fence

Mix a single batch of filler concrete and place one fence post at a time. This way, your cement won't harden while you're working. Place the first aluminum fence post in the first hole you dug, then pour concrete around the post. Support the fence post so that it stays centered and upright until the concrete cures enough to keep it in place. You may find that you need stakes or something similar to keep it in place.

Once the cement has set, move on to the next stage. Attach the hardware to the post by affixing the brackets with hardened bolts. Tighten the bolts so that they won't turn any further by hand. Then, attach the fence panel to it. Repeat this process until you've completed the entire length of the fence, including any gate you decide to include.

Once you've got it installed, you'll want to keep the fence as clean as possible. That will help ensure that the fence stays in good condition. You can even protect your aluminum fence against rust by having it powder coated or treated with a rust inhibitor. To learn more about this topic, speak with a fence contractor.