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Fence Installation

 Choose your style
Whether installing preassembled panels or building with components, there is a fence style that is right for you. Preassembled panels make installation easier and are perfect for long runs. Components leave you with more flexibility on short runs and sites that are not level.

 
Create your own look with:
Solid- Allows for complete privacy. Used to surround swimming pools, define property lines or cover unattractive areas.
Spaced Picket- Ideal for defining boundaries while maintaining decorative appeal.
Shadowbox- The ideal “good neighbor” fence features the same look on both sides. This style has the look of a privacy panel but allows for more air circulation.
 
Items you will need
  • Power saw
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Posthole digger
  • Power drill
  • Tape measure
  • Carpenter’s pencil
  • String
  • Grade stakes
  • Concrete and gravel
  • Fence panels or pickets
  • Fence Posts
  • 2X4’s for bracing posts
  • Nails or screws
 
 
Preparation:
Check with local ordinances and regulations before building fences in your area. Before construction, contact your local utility companies to mark any underground cables and pipelines. In addition, it is a good idea to discuss plans with any neighbors along your proposed fence line.
 
Design and Layout
Determine the number of posts, panels and gates needed to complete the job based on total linear footage. Take into consideration post, panel and gate width when determining the total number of each.
 
Adjust layout to accommodate as many full panels as possible. If you must use part of a panel, place in the farthest rear corner of the property. Some types of preassembled panels can be trimmed to fit odd-sized layouts, but other types are difficult or impossible to cut to size.
 
Locate property boundaries and drive stakes into the ground at corners and ends of fence line, 6” inside the property boundary.
 
Stretch twine or heavy string between stakes and pull tight to mark the layout of the fence line.
 
Be sure to measure your fence panels and gates prior to locating the postholes. Also take into consideration your chosen method of attaching the backer rails to posts. Locate post placement in the following order along string line.
  1. End/corner posts
  2. Gate posts
  3. Line posts
 
 
Installing Fences on Sloped Landscapes
Fences are installed on slopes using one of two methods. Preassembled panels can only be installed using the step method. The fence gradually steps up the slope with the rails level, rather than parallel to the slope. With loose components, you have the option to use the parallel method. The rails are installed based on the degree of the slope. Since this method requires that the fence be constructed to conform to the slope, it cannot be accomplished using preassembled fence panels.
 
Digging Postholes
A general rule of thumb is to place 1/3 of the length of the post in the ground. The fence will be stronger if end, corner and gateposts are set at least 6” deeper. Using a posthole digger or power auger, dig the holes 10-12” wide and 6” deeper than needed. You will need to backfill the hole with 6” of gravel to drain water away from the bottom of the post. Keep the height of your fence panels in mind when digging your postholes.
 
Setting Posts
Install end and corner posts first. Tie a string between the posts along the fence line. This establishes a reference, ensuring the posts are in line.
 
Brace the posts using 2X4’s nailed to both the posts and stakes in the ground. This will keep them straight while the concrete sets. Check for plump (90° angle) on two adjacent sides prior to pouring concrete. Fill holes with ready to mix concrete following the manufacturers directions. Tamp the concrete to remove any air pockets. Overfill the holes just a little at the top and slope the concrete away from the post to keep water from collecting around it. Recheck plump and alignment of all posts and allow the concrete to cure for 24-48 hours.
 
Cutting Posts to the Proper Height
An easy method to ensure that your post tops are level is to run a string from corner post to corner post at the desired height, keeping the line taut. Mark each post at the string line and cut off the tops of the posts. Finish off your posts with a decorative top.
 
Installing Panels and Pickets
For preassembled fence panels, use 18d to 20d nails to attach them to the posts. If possible, pre-drill holes through the panels to minimize any splitting form using such a large nail.
 
To install loose pickets to backer rails, use 8d or 10d box nails. Start at one end of the rail and check for level and plumb every three or four pickets. If you wish to build a “solid privacy” fence, butt the pickets without leaving a gap in between. To build a spaced picket fence, cut a board the width of the desired gap and use it as a spacer. Remember to check for plump every few pickets. Use two backer rails for shorter fences, three rails for fences 6’ tall and four rails for 8’ tall fences. Backer rails should be attached on edge to prevent sagging.
 
Connecting Backer Rails to Posts
There are many ways to attach the backer rails to stringers to the posts. You can place a board under preassembled panels to use as a lever to adjust the panel to the proper height on the post. All backer rails should run the same measurement to the ground and to each other on a horizontal plane, regardless of minor grade changes. Your finished product will be much more appealing to the eye f proper attention is given to this small detail.
 
Gate Installation
Determine the swing direction of the gate.
Mount the hinge hardware to the gate frame at the proper height, pre-drilling all screw holes.
Mount the gate to the gate post, pre-drilling all screw holes.
Check for full gate swing clearance.
Mount latch hardware, pre-drilling all screw holes.
 
   Finishing your Fence
Applying a protective finish is recommended to prolong the life of your fence. The type of finish will be determined by the look desired, as well as the species of wood that is used. There are options to choose from: stain, paint and waterproofing sealer. Clean your fence with brightener or cleaner that contains mildewcide prior to applying the finish.
 

Enjoy your new fence.

 

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