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Preliminary Steps
Before you start a fencing project, a few preliminary steps are in order:
- Discuss your plans with any neighbors whose property lies along your proposed fence line. They may be willing to split the cost of fence installation with you.
- Make sure the fence will be on your property.
- Check for easements in your deed. An easement is a right of way granted to another property owner or utility company, which may limit the design and location of your fence.
- Check local zoning laws and neighborhood association rules, which may regulate the size and placement of your fence.
- Apply for the proper building permit as directed by local code.
Before beginning any excavation, call 811 to check for underground utilities.
Post and Rail Fence Materials
The most common materials are pine and cedar. Rails are usually 8 feet or 11 feet long and can be round, half round or square/diamond shaped. The rails insert into the holes in the posts and are held in place by their own weight.
Posts are made to accept either two or three rails. Two-rail fence posts are approximately 6 feet long and three-hole posts are approximately 7 feet long.
Posts are predrilled for use as end, corner or line.
- End posts are drilled halfway and are used as starting and stopping points.
- Corner posts are drilled halfway on adjoining sides for use on right angles.
- Line posts are drilled all the way through and support the rails on long, straight portions.
When buying fencing, make sure the components and wood finishes match. After it's installed, stain the wood split-rail fence or let it weather naturally.
Fence Layout
The layout of the fence is somewhat determined by length of the pre-cut fencing rails. The problem is that few landscapes are laid out in 8-foot or 11-foot increments. That's why measuring is a must.
For wood fence ideas to make a fence fit the landscape, there are several options:
- Shorten the overall length of the fence to accommodate the length of the pre-cut rails.
- Put a shorter section at each end to preserve the symmetry of the fence.
- Make the gate(s) or opening wider or narrower.
- Shorten the fence rails. Cutting the rails themselves isn't difficult. Trimming the ends to fit into the posts can be awkward and tricky. The measure twice, cut once rule definitely applies here.
Slope Changes
When dealing with slopes, follow the angle of the slope on steep inclines.
Take time to lay out the fence carefully. An incorrect measurement could result in problems. If you're dealing with extreme slopes, you may need to choose another fencing type.
To plan your fence:
Dig Post Holes
The most important part of a fence is underground: the posts. When planning the height of your posts, plan for a clearance of at least 6 inches from the ground to the lowest rail to allow mowing and trimming. Add a couple of inches for settling over time. The best practice is to put 1/3 of the post in the ground. Using a post hole digger or power auger, dig the holes 10 inches to 12 inches wide and 6 inches deeper than needed. Backfill each hole with 6 inches of gravel to drain water away from the bottom of the post. If your fence requires a permit, the depth may be specified there.
Posts and Rails
Finish assembling your fence by adding posts and rails.
Don’t have time to do this project yourself? Check out our professional fencing installation service.