How to Make a Fence

Beautiful Wooden Farm Fence

Fencing is an absolute necessity when you own livestock. What type of fence you need and how to install it will vary with the animals you own and the abuse it will have to endure. Practicality must always come first with fencing, although a fence can certainly be beautiful as well as functional. Good fencing costs money, but the more you invest in your fence in the beginning, the longer it is likely to last and the less maintenance you will have to do on it.

Things You'll Need

• Varies according to the type of fence Concrete Lumber Wire fence Clips Nails Fencing tools Fence stretcher

Instructions

How to Make a Fence

1. Decide on what type of fence you need for your property. A horse fence can be anything from smooth wire to wire mesh, or split rail to straight board. You can also choose an electric fence. A livestock fence can be barbed wire, utility wire or mesh wire. There are other alternatives as well, but these are the most common.

2. Place your corner posts. For almost any type of fencing, this step is the same. You need to dig the post holes to a minimum of 24 inches, then secure your posts in concrete and allow them to set for at least 72 hours. Your posts must be of the heaviest construction and the best material. Remember, your corner posts will bear the strain of your fencing for the life of the fence.

3. Run a guide wire from corner post to corner post. This should be taut but not too tight. It should be placed about 6 inches from the ground and be visible through any weeds or high grass. This will be used to place your posts in a straight line.

4. Build your fence line. No matter what material this is, the process is basically the same. Place posts anywhere from 8 feet to 10 feet apart and cement them or drive them in with a T-post driver. Take the time to do this right, just as you did with your corner posts. Otherwise you will be spending too much time and money on maintenance.

5. Fill in your fence. If you have a wire fence, this is the step where you will stretch and attach your wire to your posts. If you have a wooden fence, you will nail or screw your wooden slats onto the posts. Any combination of these may be used to create a sturdy fence that will last for years if you have done your work properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your homework before you decide what type of fence to choose for your property. There is a tremendous variety of styles, types and material for you to choose from.

• Always follow the warnings and precautions on any power tools or other equipment that you use.