How to Hang a Wood Panel Fence
Available in a variety of patterns, a wood panel fence can provide both privacy and security to your home. It can also act as a windbreak and support for plants grown in your landscape, such as ornamental or fruit vines. While constructing a wooden fence may seem like a big project, the steps required are relatively simple. A few basic tools, some 4-inch by 4-inch posts and prefabricated fence panels are all that you need to get started. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Surveyor's paint
- 2 1-inch by 1-inch stakes, 1 foot long
- String
- Tape measure
- Post hole digger
- Gravel
- 4-inch by 4-inch fence posts
- 8-foot fence panels
- Carpenter's level
- 2 2-inch by 2-inch boards for each post, 3 feet long
- 2 2-inch by 2-inch stakes for each post, 1 foot long
- 2 bags concrete for each post, 50 lbs.each
- 5-gallon bucket
- Concrete trowel
- Decking screws
- Drill with Phillips head bit
- Cross-cut saw
Instructions
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1
Locate the position for the end posts for the fence. Mark those positions with surveyor's paint. Place a small stake in the center of each of the end point marks. Stretch a string from one stake to the other to determine the line the fence will follow.
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2
Measure 8 feet minus 2 inches along the line from the front post marker. Make a mark at that location. Continue to measure and mark in 8 foot increments along the line until you reach the other end marker.
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3
Dig a 2 1/2 foot deep and 1 foot wide hole with the post hole digger at each mark along the line. Fill the bottom of each hole with 6 inches of gravel to provide drainage. Insert the end of one of the 4 by 4 posts into each hole. Measure the height of the post in each hole and add or remove gravel to adjust the posts to the desired height.
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4
Measure from the center of the first post to the center of the second post. Adjust the second post so that it is 8 feet minus 2 inches away. True the post with the carpenter's level. Brace the post with the 2 by 2 boards and stakes to keep it true. Pour concrete into the hole. Double check your measurements.
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5
Measure from the center of the second post to the center of the third post. Adjust the second post so that it is exactly 8 feet away. True the post with the carpenter's level, brace the pole, then pour concrete into the hole. Double check your measurements. Repeat this step with the remaining posts.
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6
Add water to the concrete to wet it completely. Mix some more concrete in a bucket and mound the concrete around each post to allow for better drainage. Allow the concrete to set for 24 hours.
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7
Position the first fence panel so that the end of the panel is flush with the outside edge of the first post. Screw the end of the fence panel to the post with the decking screws. Align the other end of the fence panel to the second post. Check the level of the fence panel and adjust as necessary. Screw that end of the fence panel to the second post.
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8
Place the next fence panel end to end with the first panel. Align the panels and screw the second panel to the post. Align the other end of the panel to the next post, level it and screw it in place. Continue this until you reach the last panel.
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9
Measure the distance from the center of the second to the last post and the outer edge of the last post. Cut the final fence panel with the saw to that length. Screw the panel to the posts.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
