How to Level your Yard for a Vinyl Fence or Shade Structure

Vinyl fences and vinyl shade structures are great additions to virtually any home. They add value and provide durable and functional appeal to any outdoor space. However, if you’re thinking of installing a new vinyl fence or vinyl shade structure, you’ll need to plan out and prepare the site you want to put it on, and that includes making sure the site is level.

Leveling ground for a vinyl fence or shade structure can be tricky, which is why we’ve put together this short guide on how to do it yourself. Of course you can always hire an outside contractor (or let us at Future Outdoors do it for you when we install your new fence), but many homeowners prefer the satisfaction and savings of doing it their own way. If that sounds like you, keep reading.

Leveling Your Yard Step 1 - Mark the Area

The first step to leveling any piece of ground is to mark out the area that needs to be leveled. If you’re planning to install a fence, this will probably be at or near your property line, so you might want to have someone from your township come and mark your property’s limits to be safe. In the case of a vinyl shade structure, you’ll simply need to mark out the approximate area you’re installing your new structure upon.

The best way to mark and level ground quickly is with a string level. Drive stakes into the ground that are about a foot tall, and attach a string to the stakes a few inches above the ground. Then, level the string between each stake to find the high and low points in your yard. Most of the time it’s easiest to bring the ground up to the highest point, though in some cases you may find it easier to remove ground instead.

Once your strings are level between posts, measure the height from the ground level to the string on the post. The difference between the heights on each post will be the amount of earth you’ll have to add (or remove) to make your yard level.

Step 2 - Breaking Ground

Once you know approximately how much ground you’ll have to move, break out your shovel and work gloves. You might be tempted to use heavy machinery like an excavator or heavy grader, but fight that urge. Most of the time heavy equipment just results in too much ground getting taken out, and that means you’ll have to backfill it later on. Since backfilled ground has more air and moisture in it than most topsoil, it will settle differently and result in an unlevel site.

Use your shovel to remove the grass in your work area, as well as any dirt above the level you need to achieve. Then, start adding in your soil mix to bring the rest of your site up to the proper height. Depending on your ground and whether you want grass to grow back you may use a mix of soil, sand, and compost to level the site.

Step 3 - Tamping

After you’ve added the proper amount of soil mix, you’ll need to tamp it down to ensure the ground is level and it doesn’t settle too much. There are different ways to tamp the ground depending on your project.

For a vinyl fence, the best way to tamp is either with a tamping tool or the flat side of a soil rake. The narrow area you’ll need to level makes it better to use a small hand tool for the sake of convenience and speed.

If you’re leveling a site for a vinyl shade structure, you may want to consider a lawn roller or a plate compactor to do the work faster. Since you’ll be working over a considerable area, these tools make the work much quicker than trying to do it all by hand.

Remember to check your levels after tamping and add or remove any soil necessary. Proper tamping could change the level of the soil significantly, so always get your level out and ensure you didn’t make your site unlevel again by tamping it too much.

Step 4 - Settle Down

Once you’ve tamped the ground, you need to let it settle for at least a few days to ensure it’s going to stay leveled. The longer you can let the ground settle after tamping, the better. You should also periodically (every few days or so) mist the ground with water to help the settling process, especially if you haven’t gotten any rain.

Step 5 - Install Your Fence or Shade Structure

After the ground has settled, it’s time to install your new vinyl fence or shade structure. Most of the time contractors will handle this step for you, but you can be certain they’ll appreciate having a properly leveled site to work on!

Want to get the best deals on a vinyl fence or vinyl shade structure in the Dallas metro? Contact Future Outdoors today! We’re the leaders in the vinyl fence industry in Dallas-Fort Worth with hundreds of miles of fence installed around the metro area. Take a look at all of our different vinyl fencing and shade products on our website. Call us today at (972) 576-1600 or visit our Facebook or Google+ pages to learn more about our vinyl fencing products!

Tips for Tearing Down an Old Fence

So you want to install a new vinyl fence on your property, but you already have an old wooden fence. What do you do? Well, you could pay someone to come in and take the fence down, but why bother when you can just as easily do it yourself? Read these tips on how to tear down an old fence and you’ll be ready for your new vinyl fence in no time.

Tip 1: Do Your Homework

Before getting the crowbar out and prying down fence boards, you’ll need to make sure your fence is actually yours to tear down at all. Many times fences are built on property lines and partially owned by both property owners. If you tear the fence down without your neighbor’s permission, they can actually sue you. Check with your local city planning office to see if there are records for your property on file, or have a surveyor come and mark where the property line is in relation to the fence. Of course you can always just get your neighbor’s permission, too - but make sure you get it in writing.

Tip 2: Check Your Utilities

Buried gas lines, electric cables, and other utilities can make removing and installing a fence more difficult. Before you start your project you should have someone mark the location of your utility lines on your property, especially if your fence is close to an electrical panel or utility monitor. In the Dallas area you can simply call “811” at least 48 hours before digging to get in touch with your local utility company and have them mark your utility lines for free. If you accidentally damage a gas line or electrical cable, you aren’t just facing inconvenience - the company could fine you for a service disruption.

Tip 3: Go Slowly

When you’re removing the boards or panels from your fence, patience is key. Going too fast could result in splintering or otherwise breaking the boards, which in turn means more work and more cleanup for you. You also want to avoid hurting yourself on any old or rusted nails sticking out from boards and fence posts. It’s much easier to stay safe and pay attention when you aren’t in a hurry, so try to take your time when taking down a fence.

Tip 4: Break Up Old Footings Before Removing Them

One of the toughest things about removing an old fence is getting the concrete footings of the fence posts out of the ground. However, there is an easier way to do it than digging them out by hand. Take a sledgehammer (or a stone splitter if you can find one - it looks like a heavy pickaxe) and break up the concrete footer as much as possible before trying to remove it. Breaking the footer into pieces will make it easier to pull out of the ground and will also require you to do less digging in the dirt around the footer, keeping your lawn in better shape. It might also help to cut down your fence posts with a chainsaw first, so you don’t have to worry about hitting the post while you break the concrete.

Tip 5: Easy Ways to Dispose of Old Fence

Once you’re done with the job, you might feel stuck with a bunch of old wood clogging up your yard. Luckily there are a few options for getting rid of it. You can call your local dump or garbage collection agency and see if they’ll do a special pickup - but you might have to pay for it. You can also put an ad up on Craigslist or other social sites advertising the free fence wood. Much of the time you’ll find someone to take you up on the offer. Finally, you can recycle the wood as much as possible to use in other projects.

After you’ve disposed of your old fence, your new vinyl fence from Future Outdoors is only a few small steps away. Call us today at (972) 576-1600 to get a free vinyl fence estimate based on the look and options you desire, or visit the Future Outdoors website to view our entire vinyl fence product inventory. Future Outdoors is the number one vinyl fencing company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and we would love to bring our expertise to you.

Tips and Tricks for Personalizing Your Vinyl Fence

One of the best things about being a homeowner is that you can make your home truly yours. You can paint, accessorize, and customize it until you achieve the exact look you want. Why should your fence be any different? At Future Outdoors, our vinyl fences are extremely customizable, so you can achieve the perfect look for your home.

Colors

When we say our fences are made of vinyl, many people think plain white vinyl siding on cookie-cutter houses. But that image couldn't be farther from the truth. Vinyl fences from Future Outdoors come in a rainbow of colors to match the style of any house.

For vinyl traditionalists, we have classic vinyl colors such as white, tan, and khaki. These vinyl fence colors look great with any style of home. They’re easy to care for and require virtually no maintenance. Plus, the colors won’t fade over time with sun exposure or weathering. Vinyl fences retain their good looks years longer than wood.

However, some people want the classic look of a wooden fence. For these buyers, Future Outdoors also stocks a line of wood-grain vinyl fences that simulate the look and feel of wood without any of the disadvantages. These fences have similar texture to wood, and come in colors such as Redwood, Chestnut Brown, and Weathered Cedar. With these fences, you truly get the best of vinyl – durability, strength, and ease of maintenance – combined with the classic good looks of a wooden fence.

Styles

Fences can come in almost any shape and size. At Future Outdoors we offer vinyl fences in many styles and varieties to suit the needs of any homeowner. Our vinyl fence styles include:

Privacy Fence: The classic standard fence. This is a true six-foot-tall fence (or taller, if you wish), with no gaps between slats or panels. Vinyl privacy fence is the perfect complement to any home.

Semi-Privacy Fence: Tall and secure, but with spaces between vertical fence pieces to allow limited visibility from the outside. This is a great option for homeowners that want security without closing themselves off.

Picket Fence: Picket fences are shorter and don’t offer much privacy, but they can still keep your yard or pool secure and serve as good barriers between areas of your property.

Ornamental fence: Perfect for completing gardens and landscaping projects or keeping pools and lawns secure for kids and pets. Ornamental fences are similar to picket fences, but with an extra decorative flourish.

Ranch Rail Fence: Classic horizontal-rail fence perfect for enclosing large stretches of property. Vinyl ranch rail fences combine timeless style with functional strength.

No matter what kind of home or property you own, Future Outdoors has the perfect style of fence for you.

Options

Alongside colors and styles, Future Outdoors’ vinyl fences are also customizable with a wide range of secondary options. These additions let you make your fence unique and special.

First, many fences are available with accents at the top to allow some small visibility and change the visual appeal of the fence. These accents come in a range of shapes and sizes, so you’ll be sure to find one you like.

Our fences can also be equipped with electrically-power or solar-powered lights. These lights mount on top of the fence posts to provide visual interest and light the way in the dark. You can even get them mounted on gate posts to eliminate the need for a second light by your fence gate.

Finally, Future Outdoors can install a number of different gate styles in your vinyl fence. This includes both walk-through and drive-through gates of varying sizes. Each gate can be matched to the vinyl fence itself, and we can even do custom builds and designs to ensure your gate is completely your own.

If you’d like to know more about any of these vinyl fencing options and how they can help you create your ideal home, contact us today at Future Outdoors, LLC. We’re a full-service vinyl fencing company, and we want to make your home the home of our next fence. Contact us online today, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more details.

Not All Vinyl Fences Are Created Equal

When it comes time for you to get a new fence, you should know that vinyl fences are stronger, more durable, and better-looking than wooden and metal fences. You should also know that not all vinyl fences are the same. Differences in vinyl quality and fence construction can have a large impact on how strong your fence is and how long it lasts.

There are several factors that can affect the quality of vinyl used in a fence. Two of the biggest are the addition of impact modifiers and UV protectants. Without these additions, the vinyl in your fence will not be anywhere near as strong as it could be.

Impact modifiers are special polymers added to the vinyl that make it more ductile, or impact-resistant. Vinyl made without impact modifiers is extremely brittle, which causes it to break easily when it’s hit. In contrast, vinyl produced with impact modifiers can absorb the energy from an impact better. In effect, the vinyl is “springier” and tends to bend or bounce rather than break.

UV protectants are also very important for vinyl used in fences. Because your fence is outside all year, it is exposed to a great deal of UV radiation from the sun. When coupled with our long Texas days, vinyl without UV protection starts to fade quickly. In contrast, vinyl fences made with UV protection additives can keep their original color and finish for many years, despite constant exposure to sun and rain. Plus, any fading that does eventually occur will be slight and uniform, making it almost impossible to notice.

Compare the performance of vinyl to wooden fences, and the advantages of using vinyl are clear. Vinyl made with impact modifiers and UV protection is extremely tough, even in the face of wind, hail, and blown or falling debris. It doesn’t warp in the sun or rain, it doesn’t fade over time, and it doesn’t need to be painted or treated. In contrast, wood breaks easily and needs regular comprehensive maintenance to keep its appearance and functionality. Vinyl is clearly superior in nearly every way.

At Future Outdoors, we fabricate our own vinyl to only the highest standard. Our vinyl products include fencing, gazebos, pergolas, and other shade structures, and they are all produced using the highest grade of PVC vinyl, as well as high-grade impact modifiers and UV protectants. What’s more, because we produce our own vinyl, we can easily create custom fencing and shade structure solutions that match what you want exactly.

If you need a new fence for your home, pool, or ranch, do yourself a favor and take a look at a vinyl fence from Future Outdoors. We’re the number one vinyl fencing contractor in northern Texas, and we’d love to bring our expertise to your project. Contact us today, or follow us on Facebook and Google+ for updates or special deals.

Four Vinyl Products to Simplify and Beautify Your Home

It’s no secret that we think vinyl is the best material for outdoor structures. We’ve devoted ourselves to installing vinyl fences, shade structures, and more throughout the Dallas metroplex. But if you’re curious about how vinyl can simplify your outdoor routines and make your home and yard more attractive and inviting, read on.

Vinyl Fence

Good fences don’t just make good neighbors - they make good yards, too. A fence is crucial for protecting your yard or garden from animals and prying eyes. If you have a pool, you need a fence to make sure it’s safe. And nothing builds a better fence than vinyl does.

Due to their superior strength, flexibility, and weather resistance, vinyl fences simply last longer and look better than wood fences do. And they’re guaranteed to stay strong and functional for years.

Vinyl Shade Structures

Anyone who has lived through a Texas summer knows how necessary shade is when you’re outside. But shade structures made from canvas can wear out after just a few seasons, and wooden ones aren’t much better, especially after they’ve seen an ice storm or round of hail. In contrast, a vinyl shade structure will keep its shape and appearance for years without any problem.

If your home has vinyl siding or gutters, we can design your shade structure to match, so you get a perfectly seamless, coordinated look between your home and outdoor living space. Plus, vinyl shade structures require very little maintenance - and that maintenance never includes painting, staining, or sealing.

Vinyl Decks and Patios

You might be thinking that there’s no way a vinyl deck could be as strong as a wooden one. You’ve seen people put holes in their siding with a weed trimmer or pressure washer - how could a vinyl deck hold up to extended use? Though it sounds surprising, modern vinyl is far tougher than wood, even when it comes to hands-on applications like decking and railing. Run on it, jump on it, drag your deck chairs around - a vinyl deck or vinyl patio will take the abuse for years.

Plus, because the color of a vinyl deck is part of the vinyl itself, your deck will stay looking like new for years longer than stained or painted wood. It won’t fade, either - Future Outdoors only uses high-quality vinyl produced with a high level of UV protectants. That means your deck’s color will stay bright and clean for years.

Vinyl Gazebos and Pergolas

Want to create an oasis of shade and comfort away from your home? A vinyl gazebo or vinyl pergola could be just right for you. Easily placed in any yard or garden, vinyl pergolas and gazebos provide a free-standing and appealing option for shade, while also beautifying any space they’re placed within. With our gazebos and pergolas we can create any look, from clean and modern to classic and elegant.

Like all of our vinyl products, a vinyl gazebo or vinyl pergola from Future Outdoors is almost maintenance-free, extremely strong, and guaranteed to last for years. These structures won’t fade, rust, or rot, making them perfect all-season yard structures or garden fixtures. With these products you can create the perfect look for your outdoor living space and then maintain that look for years with only a small amount of effort.

If you want to learn more about the vinyl products we offer at Future Outdoors, give us a call today! We’ll come to you and give you a free no-obligation estimate, and we’ll have your vinyl structure ready to install fast. You can also learn more (and see many more pictures) by visiting our website, www.future-outdoors.com!

Vinyl Fences and Dogs: What You Need To Know

Fences have many uses. Some of us use them for privacy. Others use them to secure a pool, yard, or garden from outside intrusion. And still others use them to give their pets a safe and sheltered area outside of the home. For homeowners with pets, a fence isn't just a decoration - it’s a necessity. And for many of those homeowners, they've found the security they want for their pets with a vinyl fence from Future Outdoors.

Vinyl fences are tough enough to stand up to abuse from animals and humans alike. That said, there are still a few things to consider when you’re looking at getting a vinyl fence to secure your pets.

Aggression

Especially if you have dogs, you’ll want to think about how aggressive they are to strangers when choosing a specific style of fence. If your dog is more aggressive, you’ll want to choose a fence type that blocks or limits outside visibility. The less your dog can see of the outside, the less aggressive he or she will be.

For less aggressive pets, your options expand considerably. Semi-privacy fences allow some visibility through the panels while still maintaining security for your four-legged friends. These are good options for friendly or curious dogs that aren't aggressive towards strangers. However, keep in mind that giving your dog an outside view might encourage him or her to try and escape the yard.

Jumping

Some dogs are loathe to let all four feet leave the ground at once, but others can soar gracefully through the air at surprising heights. The world record for a dog jump is 68 inches from the ground - almost six feet! If your dog is one of these champion jumpers, you’ll need to keep their abilities in mind when getting a fence installed. 

For smaller dogs and those that aren't so jump-happy, a fence that’s more than three or four feet high should be enough to contain them. Fences at this height come in a variety of styles, such as pickets, full panels, and semi-private fences with and without accents. However, dogs that can jump higher will obviously need higher fences. A six-foot privacy fence is generally enough to contain even the springiest of dogs.

One other thing to consider when you have a jumping dog is that they may start a jump and get stuck. Fences with accents at the top, or picket fences with open slats, should be designed in such a way that your dog’s paws or head can’t get stuck. Another good idea is to outfit your dog with a quick-release collar when they’re in the yard by themselves. These collars break open under pressure, keeping your dog from getting trapped or strangled by them should they get stuck.

Digging

Dogs don’t only escape over the tops of fences. If you want to make sure your dog is truly secure, or you already know that your dog is prone to digging, you’ll have to put some below-ground defenses in place when installing your new vinyl fence.

There’s no one way to keep a dog from digging under a fence. Digging is an instinctive behavior and it can be tough to curb. For the most part, the only way to keep your dog from escaping under the fence is to install a barrier underneath the fence itself.

One common solution is to bury a line of chicken wire under the ground at the bottom of the fence, with the sharp edges turned inwards. In most cases this should be enough to keep a dog from escaping - the wire is uncomfortable for them to dig against and difficult to break through. However, determined or especially strong diggers may need a tougher solution. In these cases, burying rocks or bricks under the fence, or even laying down a shallow concrete trench, can keep your pooch in his place.

Another solution that we offer at Future Outdoors is a “dog board,” a vinyl board buried below the bottom edge of the fence that the dog can’t dig through. We bury this board when we build the fence, and it’s completely invisible once the fence is complete. Plus, since the dog board is vinyl, it won’t deteriorate from sitting in the ground (unlike a wooden board). 

Patrolling and Pacing

Some dogs don’t try to escape, and instead choose to spend their outdoor time restlessly pacing up and down the fence line, looking for intruders or simply entertaining themselves. In these cases it can be best to choose a fence that offers a more limited view of the outside. This can help your dog calm down and also prevents other dogs, animals, or people from tormenting your pet through the fence.

Another solution that can be helpful is landscaping on the inside of your fence line. Dense shrubs like holly or boxwood can force dogs away from the edge of the fence, reducing their urge to patrol. Additionally, shrubbery can help prevent jumpers and diggers from escaping by limiting their activity next to the fence itself.

Vinyl fences are great for dogs, but they’re even better when you choose one that fits your dogs personality and habits. Talk to the experts at Future Outdoors, the number one provider of vinyl fences in North Texas, to see which fencing products are right for you and your pets. You can also follow us on Facebook and Google+ for more updates and information.

Simple Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Vinyl Fence

Now that summer is here and storm season is winding down, many people will be turning their attention to grooming their yards and gardens for another summer of fun and outdoor activity. One important step in this process is maintaining your fence. While wood fences might need repainted or re-stained, not to mention replacement for any warped or damaged boards, a vinyl fence makes your summer maintenance program easy. 

Cleaning Your Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fences are incredibly tough and keep their appearance for many years – but they still get dirty. Strong Texas winds and spring rains can kick up a lot of dirt and debris, at least some of which will end up on your fence. Fortunately, cleaning a vinyl fence is a relatively simple activity.

1. Clear the Area

Before cleaning your fence itself, it’s important to make sure the area around your fence won’t interfere with your maintenance. If you have trees or shrubs planted near your fence, this is a perfect time to trim them back to ensure they aren’t touching or growing against the fence. A rubbing branch can wear down your vinyl fence over time, and leaves and branches growing against the fence can cause damage or unsightly wear. 

You’ll also want to clear away any leaves, fallen branches, or other material resting against the base of your fence. Wood and leaves rot, and they can leave ugly stains on your vinyl fence if they’re allowed to sit for too long. By clearing these materials away you ensure your fence will keep looking brand-new for years.

Spray it Down

After clearing away the debris from around your fence, it’s time to start cleaning. Most people will use a garden hose and a simple cleaning solution to wash dirt and other material from their fence. A hose will be able to remove most of the marks and debris that are on your vinyl fence, but in the event that some remains you might have to use a cleaning solution. 

There are a variety of cleaning solutions you can use on a vinyl fence. They include:

• Soap and water: The simplest way to clean a vinyl fence is often just with a little dish soap and water, along with a cleaning cloth or non-abrasive pad. You’d be surprised how much dirt and grime a little bit of soap can take off.
• Bleach and water: If your vinyl fence has more stubborn stains, such as mud, grass stains, or mildew, you may need a stronger cleaner. A diluted mixture of bleach and water is an effective cleaner for stubborn stains on vinyl fences. Mix approximately 4 to 5 parts water to one part bleach, and then apply it to the fence using a cloth or non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Make sure to wear rubber or vinyl gloves while working with this cleaner, too, as bleach will quickly harm your skin. Also, if your fence is colored (as opposed to white) you will want to test an inconspicuous area of the fence first, to make sure the bleach will not affect the color.
• Other cleaning solutions: Sometimes a vinyl fence gets stained by something that you can’t remove with simple household products. This can include tar, paint, wood stain, or driveway sealant. If you get any of these products on your vinyl fence, and you can’t get the stain out with household cleaners, give us a call and we’ll help you find a solution to get your fence back to top condition.

Power Washing a Vinyl Fence

Instead of using cleaning solutions, some people choose to use power washers or pressure washers to clean their fences and other outdoor equipment. In the right hands a pressure washer can be a great way to save time and labor, but they also require considerable care. Improper use of a power washer can severely damage your fence.

To power wash a vinyl fence, you’ll want to choose a spray tip that has a wider, cone-shaped spray and a lower PSI, around 300 or so. If you use a higher pressure spray tip or too much water pressure, you run the risk of denting or cracking the vinyl. At that stage the only option is to replace the damaged fence – not an ideal solution.

Remember also to not get too close to the fence as you’re washing. The ideal distance for using a pressure washer on a vinyl fence is about 3 feet between the nozzle and the fence. If you get too close, you could cause dangerously high pressures that could easily lead to damage. Keep a little distance and stay safe. If there are any areas that you can’t get to from further away, use a regular hose and some cleaning solution instead of risking damage to your fence.

Do you have more questions about care for your vinyl fence? Or perhaps you’d like to know how you can get one of these low-maintenance fences for yourself? Contact Future Outdoors to get the answers you need! We’re the number one provider of vinyl fences and structures in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with years of experience helping customers get the right fence or shade structures for their homes. Our friendly representatives are waiting for your call!