How to Install Fence Panels: Complete Guide to Installing Fence Panels Yourself

If you’re setting up an event like an outdoor music festival, a community farmer’s market, or a job site, there’s a good chance you’ll need a secure, sturdy, temporary fence. The best option is usually to rent a temporary fence, but then you still need to think about the actual fence panel installation.

Is learning how to install fence panels hard? Is it something that you can do yourself? It can be done (we’ll give you the steps later in this guide), but it’s time-consuming and takes quite a lot of effort. Why go all the hassle when we’ll do it for you?!

At Viking Rental, we don’t just have the best temporary fence rental options, we also manage everything from delivery to installation to breakdown. We specialize in:

You could learn how to install fence panels by yourself, but why not just leave it with the experts? Call us today!

The Importance of Proper Fence Panel Installation

Installing fence panels isn’t something you can do half-heartedly – proper fence panel installation is essential even for temporary fences. Let’s take a closer look at why getting the installation right matters.

Durability and Structural Integrity

One of the main reasons for proper fence panel installation is to ensure the durability and structural integrity of the entire fence. When panels are uneven or posts are not securely set in place, the fence can become unstable, leading to potential damage during severe weather conditions.

Correct installation ensures that the panels are securely anchored, reducing the risk of tilting, warping, or collapsing. This gives you peace of mind that your fence is sturdy, and can also reduce the risk of potentially costly temporary fence repair.

Aesthetic Appeal

Whether your fence is for a music festival or a worksite, it’s important to make sure it looks professional. If your fence panel installation isn’t up to scratch, your fence may be crooked, not aligned properly, or have weird gaps.

Even small errors can disrupt the visual flow, making the entire structure look unprofessional and less appealing. Remember, your fence is on the outside of your site or event, so it’s one of the first things people notice – installing fence panels professionally can make a great first impression!

Compliance With Local Codes

Do you need a permit for a temporary fence? Sometimes, yes. Each area has specific building codes and regulations that govern fence installations, including height restrictions, boundary requirements, and material guidelines.

Failing to adhere to these rules can result in fines, required modifications, or even the removal of the fence. Installing fence panels properly involves checking local regulations beforehand to ensure compliance, saving you from future headaches and potential legal issues.

How to Install Fence Panels Yourself: Step-by-Step Guide to Fence Panel Installation

So, installing fence panels properly is important for your fence’s structural integrity, aesthetics, and potentially also to comply with local codes. Let’s talk about how to install fence panels by yourself – here’s what you need to know.

Sourcing the Right Fence Panels

In terms of what to consider before hiring temporary fencing, the first place to start is understanding what to use as a temporary fence. There are lots of different types of temporary fencing, and the right choice depends on your project, budget, and goals.

Planning the Fence Line

Before you start installing fence panels, you’ve got some measuring to do. Start by marking your fence line using stakes and string to outline the boundaries, and measure the length required for your fencing.

This will give you an idea of the temporary fencing size you need, which helps you budget (the length of your fence line impacts the temporary fence rental cost) and ensures you don’t end up with an unexpected gap in your fence!

Installing Fence Posts

Fence posts serve as the foundation of your fence, so their placement is crucial for stability and durability. First, you need to think about how far apart temporary fence posts should be, then you need to actually install them.

The installation method depends on the type of fence posts you’re working with. Some simply sit above the ground, while others need to be dug in, even for temporary fencing. Make sure you understand the best method for your fence before installing your posts.

Attaching Fence Panels

Once your posts are securely in place, you can move on to installing metal fence panels. Depending on the type of fence, this may involve using brackets, screws, or nails. Start at one end and work your way along the line, making sure each panel is level and evenly spaced.

Use a measuring tape to check the spacing between panels and a carpenter’s level to confirm that each one is aligned correctly. If you’re installing a wooden fence, leave small gaps between the panels to accommodate natural expansion and contraction.

Finishing Touches (Privacy Screens, Barbed Wire, etc.)

Once your panels are installed, it’s time to think about the finishing touches. If security is a concern, you can learn how to install a barbed wire fence or anti-climb spikes on top of your fence.

For added privacy, you can install lattice or mesh screens on the top sections. There’s a good chance you’ll also have to learn how to build a temporary fence gate – you need to be able to get in and out, after all!

Maintaining the Fence Over Time

Learning how to install temporary fencing is one thing, but maintaining it is another. Regularly inspect the fence for signs of wear, such as rust, warping, or loose fasteners, and clean the panels periodically to remove dirt or any other buildup.

Is the Professional Cost to Install Fence Panels Worth it?

We’ve talked about how to install fence panels by yourself, but it is better to go with the pros? Is the cost to install fence panels really that high? In most cases, it’s better to leave installing metal fence panels to the professionals – here’s why.

Challenges of DIY Fence Panel Installation

Installing fence panels on your own may seem straightforward at first, but it almost never ends up that way. First, there’s the physical labor involved – digging post holes and lifting heavy panels can be demanding, especially without the proper equipment.

Second, if you don’t already know how to install chain link fence panels, it’s easy to make mistakes. Your fence might not be aligned properly, and even small measurement errors can result in uneven panels, gaps, or a fence that leans awkwardly – not a good look!

Finally, dealing with local building codes and permits requires careful attention to avoid costly mistakes or legal issues. If you don’t have the experience or time, learning how to install chain link fence panels can quickly turn into a frustrating, expensive endeavor.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Installation

Hiring a professional to install your fence panels can eliminate many of the headaches that come with DIY projects. Professionals have the tools, experience, and skills needed to handle the complexities of fence installation with ease.

When you work with the pros, you’re more likely to end up with a fence that’s both structurally sound and visually appealing. Plus, you’ll save yourself hours and hours of back-breaking labor!

You also don’t need to worry about accidentally breaking any rules – professionals are familiar with local regulations and permit requirements, ensuring that your fence is up to code and compliant with property laws.

How Much Does it Cost to Install Fence Panels?

Many people go with DIY temporary fence ideas because they assume it’s far cheaper than professional installation. But actually, that’s not the case! Many companies include the cost of installation in their rental cost, and it’s surprisingly affordable.

Of course, installing your own fence panels might put a few dollars back in your pocket, but is a relatively small saving worth it when you consider how much time and effort you’ll have to put into installing your own fence panels? Usually, the answer is no.

Why Bother Installing Fence Panels Yourself When You Can Leave it to the Experts at Viking Rental?

Where can I rent temporary fencing that comes with professional installation? Viking Rental! We’re your one-stop shop for temporary chain link fence rental, event barricade rentals, barbed wire fence rental, and everything else fence-related!

When you rent through us, you don’t have to spend a single second worrying about installation. We take care of everything from A to Z, leaving you to focus on more important things. You can rest assured knowing that your fence is professionally assembled, safe, and up to code.

If you want to save yourself the stress, hassle, and sore back, call us today! We offer:

We also specialize in temporary fence gates rental and water barrier rentals. If you’re not sure what you need, let our team help! We’ll make sure you have everything you need for a safe, secure, visually appealing fence that’s ready for everything you throw at it.

Closing Thoughts on How to Install Fence Panels

Honestly, learning how to install fence panels by yourself isn’t easy. It takes a lot of time and effort, it’s easy to make mistakes, it’s physically challenging, and it’s very easy to end up with a fence that isn’t structurally sound or even secure.

Rather than risk all that, why not trust your fence installation to the pros? When you rent temporary fencing through Viking Rental, we’ll make sure it’s installed right the first time – with no effort required from you at all!

Skip the stress and call us today for cost-effective, secure temporary fencing, installed by the pros.