How to Put Up a Wood Fence at Home

This article will help you install a 6' cedar board fence, using lumber from your local store, on a level surface.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4x4x8 treated lumber (posts)
• 1x6 cedar fence boards
• 2x6x8 treated boards (rails)
• skill saw
• hammer
• wood screws
• 4' level
• string (depending on length of fence)
• drill motor & bit for wood screws
• 1x2x6' braces & 1x2x12" stakes (2 of each per post)
• 2-60 lb bags ready mix cement per hole.
• wheelbarrow
• water
• garden hoe, shovel, rake, post hole digger

1. Purchase lumber - for every 8 feet of fence, buy:
   1-4x4 treated post (plus end post)
   2-2x6x8 treated rails (2x4's will sag after time)
   18-1x6x6 cedar fence boards
   wood screws 2 1/2" or 3"(rails) and 1 1/2"(fence boards)
   2 bags ready mix cement per hole

2. Clear and level fence line. Put 12" stakes at the ends of fence line attach a string and tie a short piece of string every 8' to mark where posts will be placed. The centers of the posts will be at the knot. mark the ground with a 12" circle around the knot.

3. Dig the post holes with a Post Hole Digger. 12" diameter by 2' deep. A shovel makes too big a hole, using more cement to fill it.

4. Place post in hole-center it on one side of your string and at the knot.
   level it in and out on both sides. Use 2-1x2 braces and stakes on two sides to hold in place until cement is poured in and set. Attach with screws, nail/hammer will knock post out of center.

5. After all posts are in holes, level, straight or on fence line: empty 2 bags of cement in a wheelbarrow, add small amounts of water while mixing to a consistency of a thick paste, but is still pour able. Note: a sturdy garden hoe works to mix cement. Pour into hole and tamp down lightly with a stick to level the top of the cement. The cement should be just below ground level. Let cure 1 day and remove braces. Note: clean cement from tools and wheelbarrow after using.

6. Attach rails: lower rail approx. 12" from the ground and top rail 4' above the bottom one. These can be attach with the longer screws and should be level. The first rail will be attached in the center of the 4x4 so the ends overlap the next 4x4. 2 screws per end should be enough.
   Note: clamps help hold 2x6 in place if working alone.

7. Attach fence boards. On the first 4x4 attach a 1x2 on the outer end (if possible) and at the end of the run attach another. Tie your string to each at the height you want your fence boards. This will help keep the top level. Place the first board against the rails, level it side to side and up to your string. Screw the board to the rail, using 2 smaller screws approx. 1" from each edge, at the top rail and bottom rail. Place the next board next to it making sure to align the top with the string and screw in place. Approx every 6 boards check your side to side level and adjust as needed. Continue until fence is done. Remove strings and any other objects you've added to help, level the ground under fence line and then stain or paint as you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to contact your city building dept. for permits if needed.
• Make sure you know where your property line is before you pour cement!
• Check with your neighbor, don't create a bad situation. Hey, he may help you pay for it and build it. Also don't make it easy for someone to climb into your yard, put flat side out.

[jkchd07]

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