How to Build a Wood Fence
Building a wood fence is relatively simple as long as you make a plan beforehand and follow it. Once you get the posts in the ground, the possible designs are endless. With a little early research you can save effort, money and time when you build a wood fence.
Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Posts and Boards
- Stake
- Post hole digger
- Sand or gravel
- Ready-mix concrete
- Nails
- Hammer
- Measuring stick
- Pencil for marking
- Level
- Hand saw
- Power saw
- Work gloves
- Outdoor stain or paint
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide where the fence will run. Set the post on the end first, then run a line from the starting point to end point. This will keep all the posts in a line.
-
2
Drive a stake into the ground to mark where each post will go. Take time to position the posts because this will greatly affect the look of the wood fence.
-
-
3
Dig the post holes with a post hole digger. Make sure to go straight into the ground, digging a hole deep enough to fit 1/3 of the length of the post.
-
4
Dump some gravel or a large stone at the bottom of each hole. This will help with drainage. Pack the fence posts with concrete or dirt.
-
5
Brace the fence posts with stakes to keep it in place until the concrete is dry. If you used dirt around the base, tamp it to pack it down. Build a slight mound around the base with concrete to eliminate standing water.
-
6
Attach a fence rail to the top and bottom of the first post, hammering it into place. Use a measuring stick to make sure the top and bottom rails are in perfect alignment.
-
7
Decide what kind of look you want the fence to have. If you're making a picket fence, nail boards along the front of the fence. If you want a simple board fence, attach all the wood boards to one side of the fence rail. You can also alternate them from side to side to create a more intricate design. Stain or paint the fence when you're done.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Space the posts 6' to 8' apart.
Check where your property line is. You'll need to know this before you start building a wood fence.
Before beginning construction, check local ordinances to see if you need a permit.
Always use a level as you work.
Don't add the fence too soon. Let the posts sit for a few days first.
