Constructing your own fence is an easy way to add an elegant and function boundary to your property. Preassembled fence panels make it even easier for the DIYer. This article from Steeline Sheds & Garages Gladstone is for anyone who wants to know how to put up a fence with minimal difficulty.

 

Needs and Requirements

Before digging post holes and driving your nails, you need to plan out your project. First, determine exactly what your fence needs to do and what style and materials fit those needs. Styles such as solid planking, spaced picketing, and shadowbox fences fill different requirements and look radically different, as well.

 

Getting Ready

Once you’ve determined what your fence will look like, get your tools and materials ready. To install the average preassembled fencing, you’ll need these tools:

 

* Post hole diggers

* Level

* Hammer

* Circular Saw

* Drill

* Tape Measure

* String

 

Some panels may require different materials, but most of them require:

* 4 x 4 x 12 posts (treated)

* 4-ft. sections of 2 x 4s

* Concrete

* Galvanized Nails

* Ground Stakes

 

Laying Out

Preparing your site is an important step; misplaced posts make for a poor fence. Using the ground stakes, lay out the fence line, placing stakes at every corner and gate location. Use the string, pulled tight between the stakes, to ensure that your fence is straight. Measure the size of your panels to determine how far apart your posts need to be. Then, place stakes along the string line to mark the position of each post-hole.

 

Setting Posts

Setting wooden fence posts seems daunting at first, but it’s actually quite easy. The rule of thumb is to place 1/3 of each post in the ground, with the hole around 10 inches across. An extra six inches should be dug and back-filled with gravel to drain water away from the post.

 

Once the holes are dug, place your posts, bracing them with 2x4s nailed to stakes. At this point you need to make sure your posts are absolutely plumb, as well as in line with your string. Even a small misalignment can cause trouble later. Don’t worry about post height at this point; they can be trimmed to fit the panels.

 

When the posts are correctly placed, mix the concrete and pour it to within a few inches of ground level. While it’s setting, re-check your posts for straightness. Once the concrete has set, you cannot correct the post angle.

 

Hanging Panels

Install the panels by test-placing them to ensure fit, making any adjustments necessary, and nail the rails to the posts. Use the level to make sure the panels are horizontal before nailing. Have an extra person to help with this step.

 

Make Wooden Fence Gate

You can easily make your own gates by building and planking a frame of the correct size. Make sure that it is square by nailing a 2×4 crosspiece from one corner to the other, then hang on the gateposts with heavy-duty hardware.

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