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How To Build A Wooden Fence

There are many reasons why one might need or want to build a fence: for safety, privacy, to mark a clear boundary, for improving the look of your property, keeping animals in an enclosure or keeping wildlife out of your garden. Although there are such a variety of styles for wooden fences, the basic steps to building a wooden fence are similar. Here are some useful tips to get you started:

1. CHECK PROPERTY LINES AND LOCAL BUILDING CODES

Don’t even think about digging up spots for your fence until you do your research. Fence construction can be highly regulated; your city, neighborhood or local homeowners association may have specific codes you need to follow. These codes typically govern certain features of your fence, such as its style or height.

In addition, you’ll also need to check and mark your property line to determine where exactly you’re able to place fencing. Refer to your home’s plat — the official map of your property that shows its boundaries and measurements. If you don’t have this on hand, you may be able to obtain a copy from your county’s clerk or surveyor.

Once you’ve done all of the research, it’s in your best interest to review your fence plans with your neighbors. Make sure you don’t build something that will be an eyesore or obstruct their view in any way.

2. SELECT THE TYPE OF FENCE

After doing your fence code and property line research, you’re now ready to select your fence type. There are several different kinds of fences out there, but for your typical DIY privacy fence, you’re probably looking at building a fence that’s mostly constructed with prefabricated panels. In this case, you’ll need to decide on the style of fence you want to build in order to figure out what fence panel widths are available. Knowing the panel specifications will also impact how you plan and measure your fence.

3. MEASURE AND MARK THE LAYOUT

The fence installation process starts with thorough measuring. Follow these steps for measuring and notating your fence layout:

  • Measure entire fence line. Measure the entire fence line including gates. A measuring wheel can be helpful for extensive layouts. Use spray paint or chalk to outline your fence, and label gate locations.
  • Determine how many panels you need. Subtract the total lengths of your gates from the total fence footage, then divide this number by the panel length of your desired fence style. This will determine how many panels you need. Any remaining footage will have to be filled in with a partial panel or pickets.
  • Determine how many fences posts you’ll need. To gauge how many fences posts you’ll need, divide your fence length by the post spacing. Typically, you’ll want to place a post every 6 to 8 feet.

4. DIG HOLES AND SET POSTS

The fence posts need to be positioned before the rest of your fence can be constructed. Place a post every 6 to 8 feet along your fence line, making sure the distance between each post is the same.

Use a post hole digger to dig a hole that’s approximately as deep as 1/3 of the height of the fence post. For example, a 6-foot post would require a hole that’s about 2 feet deep. As you’re digging, keep an eye out for utility lines and pipes.

5. INSTALL RAILS TO THE POSTS

After the concrete at the base of your posts has fully set, you can begin attaching the rails to the posts. How many rails you need depends on the height of your fence. For a privacy fence, you probably will need at least three rails: one at the bottom edge of your fence, one in the middle and one on the top edge. You can attach rails with either a power drill and deck screws or just a hammer and nails.

6. ATTACH PICKETS TO THE RAILS

You can attach pickets to rails using the same drill or hammer method you used for installing the rails in step 6.Keep in mind that using panels instead of pickets will make for a much quicker and simpler building experience.