{"id":702,"date":"2015-08-20T13:00:46","date_gmt":"2015-08-20T17:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/?p=702"},"modified":"2016-05-11T12:18:47","modified_gmt":"2016-05-11T16:18:47","slug":"what-do-i-need-to-install-an-aluminum-fence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/what-do-i-need-to-install-an-aluminum-fence\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do I Need to DIY Install an Aluminum Fence?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Looking to install your own aluminum fence, but you aren&#8217;t sure what you&#8217;ll need? \u00a0We dive into the details to guide you through the materials and tools typically needed to install one of our DIY Infinity Aluminum\u00ae fences.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_703\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-703\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_trad_alum_fence_corner.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-703 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_trad_alum_fence_corner-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Our Infinity Aluminum Fence can Easily be Installed by the Average Do-It-Yourselfer\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_trad_alum_fence_corner.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_trad_alum_fence_corner-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-703\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our Infinity Aluminum Fence can Easily be Installed by the Average Do-It-Yourselfer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>This will cover a standard DIY installation of our Infinity Aluminum\u00ae fence where the posts are being buried in the ground. \u00a0We will cover gates and surface mounted posts in an upcoming blog posting.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s start with the materials that we will be providing you for the project:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aluminum Fence Panels<\/li>\n<li>Self-Tapping Screws<\/li>\n<li>Aluminum Posts<\/li>\n<li>Aluminum Post Caps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Aluminum Fence Panels<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Our aluminum fence panels come fully assembled and finished. \u00a0We&#8217;ve already done all the work for you and they are ready to go. \u00a0No cheap, low-grade fence panels that you need to assemble yourself.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_704\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-704\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_Tall_Aluminum_Fence_Side_Profile.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-704\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_Tall_Aluminum_Fence_Side_Profile-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"All Aluminum Fence Panels Come Fully Assembled and Ready-to-go\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_Tall_Aluminum_Fence_Side_Profile.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/4ft_Tall_Aluminum_Fence_Side_Profile-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-704\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">All Aluminum Fence Panels Come Fully Assembled and Ready-to-go<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Self-Tapping Screws<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We provide a black anodized self-tapping screw with a hex-head on it for securing the fence panel rail to the post. \u00a0The hex head is much stronger than a screw style head that can strip out when power tools are used. \u00a0The self-tapping style means no pre-existing or pilot holes to line up with. \u00a0The screw will drill the hole in the post and tap its own threads.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_697\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-697\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Self-Tapping-Screw.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-697\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Self-Tapping-Screw-1024x894.jpg\" alt=\"Black Anodized Self-Tapping Screw\" width=\"640\" height=\"559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Self-Tapping-Screw.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Self-Tapping-Screw-300x262.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-697\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Black Anodized Self-Tapping Screw<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Aluminum Posts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The aluminum fence posts will come loose and without a cap on them. \u00a0Aluminum fence requires the use of what we refer to as &#8216;specialized&#8217; posts. \u00a0That means that there are different types of posts for different areas of the fence layout. \u00a0On the aluminum posts, you will see punched holes in the face that resemble the shape of the fence panel horizontal rail.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_706\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-706\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Routed_Aluminum_Fence_Post.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Routed_Aluminum_Fence_Post-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Aluminum Fence Posts Will have Routed Punches on Them .  Where the Punches are Located Dictates what Type of Aluminum Fence Post it is\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Routed_Aluminum_Fence_Post.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Routed_Aluminum_Fence_Post-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-706\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aluminum Fence Posts Will have Routed Punches on Them . Where the Punches are Located Dictates what Type of Aluminum Fence Post it is<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Aluminum fence installs by inserting the fence railing into that punch and then securing the two together using the self-tapping screw as outlined below:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_610\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-610\" style=\"width: 772px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Alum_install_comp.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Alum_install_comp.png\" alt=\"Aluminum Fence Rail Installs Into Punched Post\" width=\"772\" height=\"905\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-610\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aluminum Fence Rail Installs Into Punched Post<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_611\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-611\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_rail_in_post.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-611\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_rail_in_post-921x1024.png\" alt=\"Aluminum Fence Rail Installed Into the Post Until the Notch Stops It\" width=\"640\" height=\"712\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_rail_in_post-921x1024.png 921w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_rail_in_post-270x300.png 270w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_rail_in_post.png 972w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-611\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aluminum Fence Rail Installed Into the Post Until the Notch Stops It<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_612\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-612\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_final_install.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_final_install-1024x996.png\" alt=\"Aluminum Fence Final Installation with Self-Tapping Screw. It's That Easy!\" width=\"640\" height=\"623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_final_install-1024x996.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_final_install-300x292.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/alum_final_install.png 1087w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-612\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aluminum Fence Final Installation with Self-Tapping Screw. It&#8217;s That Easy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The aluminum fence posts come in several configurations: \u00a0Line, End, Corner, Gate End and Blank. \u00a0Your Iron Fence Shop\u00ae representative will help determine which posts you need and how many of them when you work up your itemized quote with them. \u00a0Below shows where the punches are for each post if you were looking down at the top of the post:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_707\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-707\" style=\"width: 554px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Aluminum_Post_Types.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Aluminum_Post_Types.jpg\" alt=\"The Different Types of Specialized Aluminum Fence Posts\" width=\"554\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Aluminum_Post_Types.jpg 554w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Aluminum_Post_Types-300x63.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-707\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Different Types of Specialized Aluminum Fence Posts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Aluminum Post Caps<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The reason we do not ship the aluminum posts with the cap attached is because you have an option between our standard\/ flat style and the ball style. \u00a0The are affixed to the top of the post via an adhesive we supply in your install kit. \u00a0While you can use a self-tapping screw to secure the post cap, we recommend using the adhesive as it will allow for a clean and straight fit. \u00a0Using a screw can sometimes pull the cap to one side slightly when you tighten it down.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_708\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-708\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_10731.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_10731-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Fence Post Caps are Available in Standard\/ Flat (Bottom Row) and Ball Style (Top Row)\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_10731-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_10731-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-708\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fence Post Caps are Available in Standard\/ Flat (Bottom Row) and Ball Style (Top Row)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What Tools and Materials Do I Need Provide?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So now that you know what we are providing, the next question you have is probably about what tools and materials you will need to have ready on your end. \u00a0Luckily, installing our Infinity Aluminum\u00ae fence doesn&#8217;t require anything too exotic. \u00a0Here are the tools and materials you will commonly need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Cement<\/strong> <\/span>&#8211; You can find all sorts of online calculators that will help you calculate how many bags you need. \u00a0Just about any type of cement will work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Bagged Gravel<\/span><\/strong> &#8211; This is optional, but useful for fine-tuning the depth of your post hole if you over-dig the depth accidentally. \u00a0Any larger river gravel is good. \u00a0Stay away from smaller fill or pea gravel that is too small<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Post Hole Digging Tool<\/strong><\/span> &#8211; You can usually find these for under $30 at any big box hardware store next to the shovels and rakes. \u00a0For those not wanting the workout, you can also usually rent a powered post hole digger from places like Home Depot, Sunbelt or United Rentals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Cement Mixing Tools<\/strong><\/span> &#8211; This varies a bit depending how you like to mix your cement, but usually isn&#8217;t much more than a wheelbarrow or tub to mix in, a shovel for mixing and scooping, plus a hose or bucket for supplying water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Cutting Tools<\/strong><\/span> &#8211; Most installations require a fence panel or two to be trimmed for width. \u00a0Luckily, this is super easy to do with our aluminum fence panels. \u00a0You could go as simple as a hacksaw or use a power tool like a sawzall (reciprocating saw) or cut-off wheel. \u00a0So long as it can make a straight, clean cut through aluminum you should be good to go<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Power Driver\/ Drill<\/strong> <\/span>&#8211; You will use this for driving the self-tapping screws into the post when you mount your panels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Tape Measure<\/strong><\/span> &#8211; \u00a0You will use this for measuring the depth of your post hole as well as the spacing between the posts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Level<\/strong> <\/span>&#8211; You will use this when you set your fence posts in the cement to ensure your posts are nice and level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>String Line<\/strong> <\/span>&#8211; This can be any kind of string or line. \u00a0You will string it between rebar you tap in the ground and the string will act as a guideline for your posts to ensure your fence line stays nice and straight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Rebar<\/strong><\/span> &#8211; This can be found in any big box home store cut into short sections and is usually near the cement and concrete. \u00a0You will hammer these into the ground and wrap your string line around them to form your layout guide line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Rubber Mallet and Hammer<\/strong><\/span> &#8211; The rubber mallet makes adjusting your posts in the cement for level easier than hands alone and won&#8217;t leave marks on the post&#8217;s finish. \u00a0The hammer will be used for tapping your rebar into the ground<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">And That&#8217;s It&#8230;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There really aren&#8217;t a lot of parts to the aluminum fencing and a majority of the tools needed are something most folks already own or are inexpensive to buy. \u00a0If you want some more details on how it all installs, you can visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/knowledge-center\/diy-fence-installation-help\" target=\"_blank\">installation page<\/a> and download our install guides, read the FAQs or watch some of our videos.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid to tackle it on your own! \u00a0You can save about 50% of the typical fence project cost, by doing it yourself. \u00a0Our Infinity Aluminum\u00ae is extremely DIY friendly. \u00a0Don&#8217;t believe me? \u00a0Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/knowledge-center\/fence-pictures\" target=\"_blank\">Photo Gallery<\/a>. \u00a095% of those photos are from homeowners who tackled it themselves and then shared the finished product with us. \u00a0Still don&#8217;t believe me? \u00a0Check out out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/knowledge-center\/testimonials\" target=\"_blank\">Testimonials<\/a> page and see what other DIY minded folks had to say after finishing the project.<\/p>\n<p>If you still aren&#8217;t sure, you can always give us a call at 800-261-2729 or shoot us an email at sales@ironfenceshop.com to ask our experienced staff any questions you may have about installing the fence on your own. \u00a0We&#8217;re here to help!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking to install your own aluminum fence, but you aren&#8217;t sure what you&#8217;ll need? \u00a0We dive into the details to guide you through the materials and tools typically needed to install one of our DIY Infinity Aluminum\u00ae fences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,26],"tags":[164,168,182,167,62],"class_list":["post-702","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aluminum-fence-installation","category-installation","tag-aluminum","tag-diy","tag-fence","tag-install","tag-installation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/702","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=702"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/702\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":907,"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/702\/revisions\/907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ironfenceshop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}