
- Plan Wood Fence. Discuss the fence with your adjacent neighbor. Some communities may require that you obtain written permission from all affected neighbors.
- Mark Site For Buried Services. Call your local utility locator hotline. ...
- Obtain Permit. Many communities require you to obtain a building permit before installing your wood fence. ...
- Stake Out Fence Location. With the hammer, tap two wood stakes 34 feet apart. ...
- Dig First Post Hole. Start at one end by digging a fence post hole with the post-hole digger. Dig the hole to the depth required by your community.
- Dig All Other Post Holes. This second hole should be dug so that its post is exactly 8 feet away from the first post, if measured from side-to-side.
Full Answer
How to dispose of a wooden fence?
- Plywood
- Wooden Gates
- Privacy Fence Slats
- Firewood & Kindling
Do I need a permit to build a wooden fence?
You may need to obtain a permit to install a fence, but do not let that fact dissuade you from doing so. A good fence can be one of the wisest investments that you make in your landscaping. Fences can serve a number of functions, both practical and decorative.
What is the best way to put a fence up?
- Use Super-Sized Planters. Buy several large planters and fill them with tall, decorative grasses or flowers. …
- Plant Trees Along Your Property. …
- Build a Living Wall. …
- Hang Outdoor Curtains Around Your Patio. …
- Buy a Retractable Backyard Screen. …
- Build a Privacy Screen. …
- Put Up a Simple Lattice Fence.
What is the easiest fence to install yourself?
Setting Your Vinyl Fence Posts
- Fill Around the Posts With Concrete. After the gravel is added, fill the hole with concrete. ...
- Tap the Posts in Place
- Install Main Posts
- Make Sure the Posts Are Plumb
- Wait for the Concrete to Set. Attaching the hardware and panels is a simple step if your posts are installed properly. ...

How do you install a wood fence yourself?
2:438:17How to Install a Panel Fence | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe line posts should be set in concrete as well mix the concrete according to the manufacturer'sMoreThe line posts should be set in concrete as well mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions and stir it with a piece of scrap wood as you pour it into the hole.
What is the easiest way to put up a fence?
1:188:02How to erect a fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough on soft ground you might want to dig deeper. And use a longer post. You can use a postMoreAlthough on soft ground you might want to dig deeper. And use a longer post. You can use a post spike like this which you simply bang into the ground with a hammer.
How should a wooden fence be installed?
22:3923:43How to Build a Wood Fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt. First we're just going to mark our holes. And I'll pre-drill up. Now we just install the picketsMoreIt. First we're just going to mark our holes. And I'll pre-drill up. Now we just install the pickets. And we'll still use the string line as a guide. Now I'll do the other. Side. First install the
How do you install a fence step by step?
How to Build a Fence in 8 StepsCheck property lines and local building codes. ... Select the type of fence. ... Measure and mark the layout. ... Gather tools and materials. ... Dig holes and set posts. ... Install rails to the posts. ... Attach pickets to the rails. ... Install the gate.
Should fence posts be set in concrete?
It doesn't matter if it is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project or a professional installation, wood fence or vinyl fence, your fence posts should be set in concrete. Without a properly set concrete footer, your fence posts will begin to sag until they eventually fail.
How do you install a wooden fence without digging?
5 Ways to Set a Fence Post Without DiggingA Metal Spike Anchor and a Sledgehammer. If you are not wanting to dig to set your fence post, a metal spike anchor might be the easiest option. ... T-Post Driver. ... E-Z Spike. ... Steel Posts in the Ground. ... Above the Ground Fences.
Should fence posts be inside or outside?
Fence posts should be on the outside of the fence The correct installation of ag fencing is to place it on the inside of the posts. This way, animals in the enclosure brush against the wire, not the posts. Fence posts that have been placed outside of the fence material will take nearly all of the animal's force.
Should a fence be level or follow the ground?
In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you choose to install them) should be the only fence components that contact the ground. Wood pickets should never touch it.
How far apart should fence post be?
8 to 12 feet apartMost fence posts can be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. While this is a general criteria, it doesn't cover all scenarios. For instance, high tensile fence can have larger spacing, requiring line posts every 15 to 20 feet for field fence styles, and as much as 20-30 feet for high tensile barbed and smooth wire.
Is installing a fence hard?
It takes a lot of work and research to install a fence that is aligned correctly and stable. If you encounter no rocks or roots while digging posts, the project can be pretty smooth. But if you come across huge roots, tough soils, or rocks, you're in for quite the project.
How do you set a fence post by yourself?
1:494:44How to Set a Fence Post. FAST! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil you get nice and plump. And you get it plumb by maneuvering those braces backwards. AndMoreUntil you get nice and plump. And you get it plumb by maneuvering those braces backwards. And forwards once you get this post nice and straight this type of concrete.
How many bags of cement do I need for a fence post?
1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what's needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post's hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
PVC fencing. The cheapest way to create a fence for your home is by getting one made from PVC. Such fences substitute wooden pickets and stakes to offer your protection from the outside world. PVC sleeves improve the stability of wooden posts used as a fence, reducing the cost of material and the labor used.
How do you install a fence without concrete?
How To Set Posts Without Concrete: Step By StepDetermine where you want your post to go. ... Once the hole is dug, dump four inches of gravel into the hole. ... Once you have placed the post, add another two inches on top of the four inches of gravel that you have already placed. ... Next add a few inches of topsoil.
How deep do fence posts need to be?
2 feetThe depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole.
How do you set a fence post by yourself?
1:494:44How to Set a Fence Post. FAST! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil you get nice and plump. And you get it plumb by maneuvering those braces backwards. AndMoreUntil you get nice and plump. And you get it plumb by maneuvering those braces backwards. And forwards once you get this post nice and straight this type of concrete.
How much does it cost to install a wood fence?
With professionally installed wood fences costing up to $55 per linear foot (labor costs only), you'll be able to save a significant amount of money by installing your own wood fence. This guide yields 32 linear feet of fencing—double the supplies as needed to enclose the perimeter of your outdoor space.
How heavy is a wood fence?
With wood fence installation, most of the materials are heavy. Fence panels, at around 110 pounds per panel, are not just heavy but also large and unwieldy. Each bag of dry concrete is 50 pounds. Lift from your legs. Keep your back straight.
Why do we need a wood fence around our house?
A wood fence around your yard not only gives you privacy and solitude , but it also discourages intruders, keeps kids safe while playing, and contains pets. On top of that, wood fences add beauty and substantial value to your home.
How high are fence panels?
Fence Panels. Fence panels are available at most home centers and lumberyards. Panels usually are 6 feet high, a height that conforms with most building codes. You’ll find a variety of fence tops to choose: solid, lattice, dog-ear, and venetian (a slatted horizontal style). As each panel is 8 feet long, the posts must be spaced 8 feet apart, ...
What type of concrete should I use for a wooden fence post?
For setting a wooden fence post, I recommend using a quick-set concrete.
How to treat a wood fence with copper naphthenate?
Wood preservatives are toxic, so follow safety recommendations on the label. Apply multiple coats of the copper naphthenate and make sure to let it dry for 24 hours after each application.
How wide should a 4x4 post be?
If you plan to anchor the post in gravel, dig a bit wider — roughly 8 inches (20cm) across for a standard 4x4 post. Use a post hole digger to dig a straight-walled hole.
How long does it take for a wood fence to dry before painting?
Depending on the humidity and how freshly the wood was cut, drying could take up to a few months. You may also consider a water repellent stain, which lasts longer than paint.
Why put posts in concrete?
Set posts in concrete when stability is extra important. Concrete may be necessary if you are installing a fence in sandy soil, or in very soft, muddy soil. It's also a good idea when installing gate posts to provide extra stability. The main downside to concrete is its ability to trap water around the post.
What wood is best for a post?
Posts made entirely from durable heartwood. Western juniper, black locust, and Osage-orange are excellent choices. Pacific yew, redwood, and most cedar and white oak species can last 20+ years in most conditions.
Can you put wooden fence posts in gravel?
The best way to install wooden fence posts depends on the type of soil you have—with dense, well-draining soil, you can usually just set the posts in soil or gravel, while sandy or muddy soil requires concrete for stability. Either way, we’ve got you covered!
How to buy fence panels?
When purchasing your fence panels, make sure they match with your posts you’ve already installed. The best way to do this is to bring a post with you when you’re shopping for panels. In addition, measure the posts and fence already installed, so that you know what size and how many panels you need to purchase. ...
Is it easy to install a wood fence?
Installing a wood fence is a beautiful way to add extra security to your yard. Plus, the installation process is quick and easy. To begin, check out these few steps.
Can you put concrete around posts?
If the posts are older or not sturdy, you can add extra concrete around the posts. If you’ve just installed the posts, you should wait a few days before installing the panels, so that the cement can have time to set. You also should have already installed the wood backing that you will install the panels on.
Setting Fence Posts
Once you’ve marked the layout for your component-built fence with batter boards and string, you can dig post holes and set all your posts in concrete.
Installing Fence Stringers
Once the post concrete has cured, install the horizontal rails, or stringers, between the posts. Typically, you’ll need a stringer for each 2 feet of post height. Predrill the screw holes at the ends of the stringers to prevent splitting the boards.
Installing Fence Pickets
Install the fence pickets next. Make sure you space and attach the pickets to avoid unequal gaps.
Wood Fence Tips and Ideas
Once you’ve finished building your fence, let the treated wood dry before painting or staining and sealing it. Drying times vary from several weeks up to several months, but once water can soak into the wood, it’s dry enough to stain.
What happens if a fence is running on a slope?
If the fence is running on a slope, you must still level the posts and the fence so there will be a slight opening under the fence on the downhill side for each panel.
How to mix concrete in a wheelbarrow?
Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow by adding water slowly to the concrete mix, mixing well before adding more water. Add water and mix until the concrete is completely wetted but thick and not runny.
Can you use a fence to block an air conditioner?
You can use the fencing to mark the end of your property. A wood fence can block your view of an unsightly area, such as an air conditioner or garbage can s, as well as provide privacy. Which wood your panels are made of will affect the cost as well as the appearance.

Step 1 – Preparing Your Posts
- Try this method if you have dense soil. You can install your posts directly into the soil as long as it's dense and has good drainage. The installation is more labor-intensive and a bit less stable than concrete, but also cheaper and (often) more decay-resistant. Due to additional strain, gate posts work better when installed in concrete.
- Choose a durable fence post. Follow local advice if possible, since climate and availability wil…
Step 2 – Purchasing The Panels
Step 3 – Installing The Panels
Step 4 – Staining The Panels
- Before installing the wooden fence, make sure that you have already installed sturdy fence posts. If the posts are older or not sturdy, you can add extra concrete around the posts. If you’ve just installed the posts, you should wait a few days before installing the panels, so that the cement can have time to set. You also should have already instal...