Putting up a wood fence involves carefully planning, preparing the site, setting the posts, and attaching the fence panels.
Key Steps to Installing a Wood Fence
Based on common practices and the provided reference points, here are fundamental steps for erecting a wood fence:
- Mark the Site for Buried Services: This is the absolute first and most critical step. Call your local utility locator hotline before you start any digging. They will mark the location of buried gas, water, electric, and other lines, helping you avoid dangerous and costly accidents.
- Stake Out Fence Location: Using a hammer, tap two wood stakes into the ground to mark points along your fence line. The reference suggests placing them 10 feet apart as an example, likely indicating post spacing or the length of a fence section you plan to work on. This helps define the path of your fence.
- Dig the First Post Hole: Dig the hole for your first fence post according to your planned depth and width, typically determined by local frost lines and fence height.
- Measure to the Second Hole: Accurately measure the distance from the center of the first hole to where the second post will go. This measurement dictates the spacing between your posts, which must match the width of your fence panels or rails.
- Dig the Second Post Hole: Dig the hole for the second post at the measured location. Continue this process for all required post locations along the fence line.
- Add the Base Fill: Before setting posts, add a layer of base fill, such as gravel, to the bottom of each post hole. This helps with drainage and provides a stable base.
- Add the Concrete: Mix and add concrete into the hole around the post to secure it firmly in the ground. Ensure the post is plumb (perfectly vertical) while the concrete is wet.
- Place the Fence Panel: Once the concrete has cured sufficiently, you can place the fence panel or attach the fence rails between the set posts. This involves aligning the panel and fastening it securely to the posts using appropriate hardware.
Following these steps sequentially allows you to establish a sturdy framework for your wood fence before adding all the boards or pickets to complete the barrier. Remember that installing a full fence involves repeating these steps for each section and ensuring consistency in post height and alignment.
