A fence will help increase privacy and security, define property boundaries, and boost curb appeal. While there are many fencing options on the market today, steel pipe is one of the sturdiest and most dependable materials, offering enhanced strength and a long, reliable life span. To help you build the perfect fence for your property needs and design goals, here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

Do:

Doublecheck your property lines.

You want to be sure to build the fence on your side of the property line to avoid encroaching on neighboring properties. Visit your county recorder or assessor's office to consult public maps of streets and boundaries; most counties also allow you to do this online. Confirm where your lot ends and where your neighbors' begins. Then, back at home, mark the fence line with stakes, and connect these stakes with twine or heavy string.

Call 811.

811 is the "call before you dig" hotline. Before doing any digging or installing any fence pipes, dial 8-1-1 and arrange to have a representative from the local utility company come out and assess the site, free of charge. This way, you can avoid hitting an underground utility line and the cost, damage, and service disruptions that might come with it.

Don't:

Be careless about spacing.

It can be all too easy to be less-than-precise when you're spacing your fence posts, especially if the fence is going to be a particularly long one. However, sloppy spacing can leave the finished fence less stable, and parts of it will be more prone to sagging. For a standard residential fence, install the steel pipes 8 feet apart to ensure maximum support and stability.

Neglect your neighbors.

Your neighbors are almost certainly going to notice a new fence going up, so do the respectful, neighborly action of talking to them first. Just check in with them to make sure the fence won't be blocking their views or creating a neighborhood eyesore. Of course, let them know when the work will occur so they are prepared for any noises or other disruptions.

When you need pipes for your steel fence, trust Pipe Plus Inc. Since 1997, they have been serving customers in the Willow Springs, MO, area and throughout the United States. Their team of skilled metal fabricators provides steel piping, grain bins, steel building frames, and other custom metalwork. Call (417) 469-5292 to request a quote.