How to Align a Picket Fence
Putting up a picket fence does two things, it enhances the beauty of a yard and it creates a second outdoor room. Fences create a literal and psychological barrier between your yard and the world beyond. Fences are visually striking and command the attention of the viewer. That's why making sure its level and aligned properly is crucial. Here's how to make a picket fence level and plumb. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Attach a string to the end post of the front fence line at the height the picket fence sections will be set at. Run the string across to the opposite end post. Hang a "line level" on the string. A line level is a small level that hooks on to a horizontal string. Adjust the line up and down until the "line level" indicates the line is perfectly level. Pound a nail to the end post and tie the level line around it.
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2
Attach a second string to the front of the first end post halfway up the post. Run the string all the way across to the opposite end post. It doesn't have to be perfectly level. This string will ensure that the front of each fence section is aligned with all the others.
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3
Set the first section of picket fencing in place starting at the original end post. Put blocks of wood under the fence section. Raise the section up with blocks until the tip of every picket is touching the leveled string. Put a regular level carpenters level on the top cross piece of the picket fence to check it for level.
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4
Look over the top of the picket fence section to make sure the front of the fence is resting against the second string all the way across. Nail the picket fence section to the end post on one end and to the next fence post at the opposite end of the fence section.
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5
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 all the way across to the second end post.
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6
Set up the next stretch of picket fencing by repeating Steps 1 and 2.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The bottom of the fence sections do not touch the ground. They should be placed at least 2 inches off the ground so they won't absorb moisture causing the fence to quickly deteriorate.
You know a string is level when the little bubble in the line level sits in the middle of the little clear tube.
