Things You'll Need:
- Saw
- Hammer
- Screws or nails
- hole digger
- concrete mix
- Treated lumber
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Step 1
You first need to lay out your fence. This will give you a great idea of how many posts and fencing material you will need.
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Step 2
It is recommended that each post is concreted in the ground. Fill the concrete around the fence post to ground level to prevent rotting. I would dig the hole 2 1/2 - 3 feet deep to avoid frost heaving. If you are looking for a 6 foot fence, I would purchase 10' 4x4 treated lumber.
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Step 3
Once the hole is dug (I would use a 6 inch auger) Place your post in the ground. Fill it with concrete. Now check the level and plumb of the post. It should be level on all four sides. With a good thick concrete, you should be able to move the post easily, yet the concrete will hold it once you find the level spot.
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Step 4
Repeat Step 3 for every post. (I recommend 6 feet increments. You can do eight, but you risk the wood and fencing to sag later.
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Step 5
Allow a good 48 hours for all the concrete to set. If you choose to not use concrete, be sure to back the dirt around the post to secure it.
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Step 6
At this point I would attach treated 2x4's to the bottom length areas of the posts. Follow the contour of the ground. (This makes for a nice flowing fence, rather than a stair step effect you get with pre-made panels.)
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Step 7
After the bottom piece is in place, cut two identical length treated 2x4's that is 1-2' shorter than the fence panel you have chosen. Attach these vertically to the posts and connected to the bottom rail. This makes putting the top rail in easy, and level with the bottom rail.
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Step 8
Once all four 2x4's are in place you can begin nailing or screwing your fence piece on. I would use something that is rust proof. Start with the side that is lower to the ground and again, follow the contour of the ground - or your bottom 2x4.
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Step 9
Once the entire fence is complete, even though it is treated, I would still use a water resister on it for years of a great looking fence.
