How to Build a Fence – Building a Traditional Fence
Intro:
Hey everybody! Today, we are going to teach you how to build a fence. So, without any further delay let’s begin…
Steps covered in this article:
- Measure & Mark The Post Holes
- Dig The Post Holes
- Set The Posts
- Trim The Posts
- Attach The Rails
- Attach The Pickets
- Maintaining The Fence
How To Build A Fence
When you are gonna build a picket fence, there will be two choices for u. You can set up prefabricated panels that include the pickets already connected to the rails. Otherwise, you can attach the rails to the post and attach the pickets individually. In this article, I will tell you how to build your own fence sections.
You’ll start by building a post and rail skeleton. The posts are typically set 4, 6, or 8 feet apart. If you’re installing the fence on sloped terrain, you can either attach the rails following the slope or use a step-down technique. When building a fence using the step-down process, check that the rails are level when attaching them between the posts. The wooden pickets are obtainable in Redwood, Pressure-Treated Pine, and Cedar. It is good to plan to stain or paint the rails and pickets before building your fence.
There are also composite pickets available. These are more durable and require less maintenance but they do cost a bit more. There are also many ticket styles to choose from including Gothic, Dog Ear, and French Gothic. Traditional picket fences will keep small children and pets contained but they don’t provide much privacy or security. However, they do help define your property line and boost your home’s curb appeal which makes this type of fence a popular choice for front yards. Remember, before you begin any fencing project you should check your local codes and ordinances
Step 01: Measure & Mark The Post Holes
As with all fence projects the fence lines need to be planned out and marked. Begin by using stakes into the floor at the contrary ends of your deliberate fence line. Tie a mason’s line around one stake and unfurl it toward the other end stake. Tie the line off taut and use a line level to make the necessary adjustments until the line is level. Mark the location of the first line post using chalk or spray paint and measure out 6 feet on center from that mark for the location of the next line post.
Most picket fences have posts every 4, 6, or 8 feet. For a french gothic fence set the post 6 feet apart in the center and trimming the rails to be toenailed into the inside edges of the posts.
Step 02: Dig The Post Holes
If the fence won’t require many posts, dig them with a manual post hole digger. If you’re planning a long fence line, consider renting a gas-powered auger. Each post should be set into a hole, twice the post’s width and to a depth of one-third to one-half the length of the posts. Dig down an additional 6 inches to allow for gravel backfill. This gravel will help drain moisture away from the base of the posts and help prevent wood rot.
Step 03: Set The Posts
Once all the post holes have been dug, you can begin setting the posts. Start by setting the end corner and gate posts and concrete. Each post will be braced into a level and plumb position before being set. to maintain a straight fence line check that each post is touching the mason’s line. To brace the post, drive a stake into the ground and attach a 2×4 to the stake using a single screw. This will allow you to pivot the 2×4 to the post and connect it with screws. Repeat the process on an adjacent side of the post to hold it firmly in place.
When filling the holes, it’s best to stir the concrete with a piece of scrap wood to break up any air bubbles. Air holes can weaken the concrete when it hardens. Since a space picket fence won’t offer much wind resistance. You can set the line posts and compacted soil and gravel. Pour about 6 inches of the soil and gravel into the hole. Tamp it down and then pour another level and tamp it down. If you’re building a fence with many posts, brace only 3 or 4 at a time and reuse the braces as you work your way down the line.
Step 04: Trim The Posts
Clamp a carpenter’s square to the post to serve as a guide for the saw and trim the posts to the desired height. Most saws won’t cut through a 4×4 in one pass, so you will need to reposition the square and cut the post through again on the other side. The post can extend beyond the rail when installed or they can be trimmed flush with the upper rails after they’re installed.
Step 05: Attach The Rails
Mark each post 3 inches up from the mason’s line. This will be the location for the bottom of the lower rail. Measure up from the mark for the lower rail and mark the position for the bottom of the upper rail. Measure the distance between the inside edges of the posts before trimming the rails to size. The rails can be attached between the posts by toenailing them in with galvanized nails or screws. Always use galvanized or stainless fasteners to prevent rust and staining. It’s best to install all the rails for the fence before you begin to attach the pickets.
Step 06: Attach The Pickets
Begin by placing the first picket flush with the end post. Pickets should be attached to rails with a consistent spacing between each picket. Creating a spacer will help speed the process. Attach a wood block so the spacer can hang on the upper rail, freeing both your hands. Attach a level to the spacer to check the pickets or plum when butted up against the spacer. Drive two and a half inch weatherproof screws through each picket into the rail. Align each picket with a mason’s line to maintain level pickets.
Step 07: Maintaining The Fence
When properly maintained a wood fence can last for many years, to help prolong the life of your fence it should be cleaned and sealed every 3 years. Do clean the fence with a kills mildew product and remove stains too before applying a protective sealant. When dry, then apply a high-quality protective sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and be sure to coat all exposed surfaces.
I will drop all tools and materials links that you’ll need to complete the job. If you’re ready to take on this project, do check that tools and materials out first.
Hope so guys you liked reading this article. I tried my best as much as possible ways to make you understand everything clearly so hopefully, this article is gonna be helpful for you in how to build a fence. Keep visiting us to learn many more things. Have a nice day!
Some Useful Links:
- Wood Pickets … click here to buy
- Gas Auger … click here to buy
- Gravel … click here to buy
- Galvanized Nails … click here to buy
- Stainless Fasteners … click here to buy
- Spray paint … click here to buy
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