How to Build a Wooden Fence
A properly constructed wooden fence will bring a sense of security and privacy, keeping pets and children in and nosy neighbors out. Building a wooden fence is a snap if you are ready to dig a few holes and follow some simple guidelines.
Required Materials
- in-ground post stock
- vertical stiles or sections
- 2×4” stock
- hinges
- screws
- nails
Required Tools
- hammer/air gun
- drill with counter sink and bits
- wheelbarrow
- posthole digger
- stamper
- tape measure
- string
Instructions
- Siting - Before you start to build a wooden fence, have your lot surveyed and marked. The last thing you want to do is build a fence on somebody else’s land. Make sure to build at least one foot on your side of the property line to ensure there are no issues later on.
- Layout – Lay out your corner posts using the lot corner markers as your starting points.
- Digging and Setting the Corner Posts - Dig your corner postholes at least 4’ deep. If you are in a frost area, make sure to go well below the frost line (generally 4’). Place your post into the hole and then refill the hole in 6” lifts. At each lift, pound the soil around the post. Make sure the post remains level and upright as you fill and pound. Repeat with the other corners.
- Laying Out the Walls - Use string between corner posts to establish the height you would like between the ground and the wall of the fence. Use blocks or shims to support the wall while making a height decision. Attach string to the posts and ensure the string is level. Measure the distance for secondary postholes and then lay out the middle posts.
- Attaching the Walls - Depending upon the type of fencing you have chosen, measure down the post to find where the fencing requires an attachment. If it requires a router, use one. Otherwise, cut a drill hole through the post. Cut a space for the fence member. If you are using a 2×4” horizontal support piece, toenail it into the posts.
- Attaching the Vertical Stiles - In most instances, if you are using individual slats for a fence, you should paint them first and then install them. Use a jig for spacing the stiles and nail them to the horizontal support beams. Galvanized nails are best.