Things You'll Need:
- drill, skill saw or miter saw, deck screws, ready mix concrete, post hole diggers, lumber, square, level, and masonry line.
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Step 1
This project is moderately easy. The first thing you want to do is find your corners and dig post holes at least 24 inches deep. Doing so will allow you to set these posts first so you can run a straight line to ensure your fence will be straight.
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Step 2
Set the corner posts. What you want to do is, take your 4x4 post and drop it in the 24 inch hole where the post stands vertically. Now take your level and level two sides of the post, if two sides of the post are level the other two will be as well. Now pour a bag of the premixed concrete into the hole making sure the coverage is the same on all four sides. Now pour water on top of the concrete and use a stick or a metal rod to tamp the concrete making sure water is mixing well. Next we need to make sure the post is level and top off the concrete with top soil.
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Step 3
With the corner posts in place you can now set the rest of the posts. First you want to tie a straight line to the outside of your corner posts this insures a straight fence. Next you want to place your posts ten feet apart and set them the same way you set your corner post except you want each post to barely touch the line.
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Step 4
In this step you are ready to secure 2x4's conecting each post. Depending on the height of your fence you need to measure from the top down 12 inches. Take your 2x4's and secure them to the posts using your drill and deck screws. Remember each 2x4 should connect two posts horizontally and should but up with the next 2x4 in the center of each post. You also want to do the same from the bottom of each post so you have two rails one at the top and one at the bottom.
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Step 5
Now that each post has its rails, it is time to attach the cedar planks. Depending on which type of cedar you use you want to make sure each piece is straight and flat. If one piece is warped in any way it will stick out like a sore thumb. Place the first plank on the corner making sure the vertical edge is level attach two screws from the plank into the 2x4 at the top and bottom. Do this to all planks until you get to the end of the fence. It is up to you if you want a gap or not usually the gap is 3/4 of an inch. Keep all planks level at the top. Remember to leave a one inch gap at the bottom you can use your saw for this if nessecary. If your planks touch the ground they will rot.
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Step 6
Now you are ready to enjoy your new fence, make sure to paint or treat your fence as needed
Comments
AdirondackTrina said
on 1/28/2009 I'd love to give this one a try...thanks!! 5*
offgrid said
on 1/28/2009 Great article. 5 * and Recommended.