How to Build a Fence In Your Backyard
Do you want to add more seclusion to your backyard? Learn how to make a wooden fence! You don’t have to hire someone to do it for you, as long as you use these methods and pointers.
Building a Fence: How to Start
The first stage in the process of building a fence is to draw out its precise location of it. You’ll want to use stakes and string to map out the fence’s boundaries. Once you have it all planned out, your next step is to purchase the materials that you will need.
This type of fence can be made out of cedar, spruce, or pine pickets. If you’re a beginner at this, we recommend getting pre-made panels as they are quite simple to put together. The downside is that these panels tend to be on the pricier side. Another option is to buy the panels and make them yourself. This can be relatively cheap but will require some time spent on sawing pickets according to your specifications.
How To Install It a Fence
In terms of how much space should there be between each panel? Well, this really depends upon how long you want it to last before requiring any repairs or replacements. Most gardeners suggest that every six inches from one panel’s end to another is about right. In addition, these fences also have posts that need roughly two feet apart in order for stability while standing up straight with no sagging occurring either way due to being erected slanted against an uneven surface such as a hillside or patio flooring type of situation. It is also important to note how many boards you have in your panel.
Dig Post Holes
Using a post hole digger to dig at least 2 feet deep and 12 inches wide is recommended. For a panel that is six feet wide, each hole should be about four feet apart from the next in terms of how they are placed.
Set fence posts with cement
After you’ve dug your post holes, insert your posts in the middle of them. Pour concrete mix into each hole around the post, filling it up until it’s about an inch below ground level. Wait for the concrete to dry before continuing.
Connect the posts
After your cement has had time to harden, you can start connecting all of the posts and installing your rails. The rails will go horizontally across the tops of the posts and should be spaced evenly. Predrill holes in each post before attaching the rails with screws. Make sure that they are evenly spaced apart and that there is a board at the top and bottom of each post.
Install the pickets
Now it’s time to install your pickets. Start at the top of the fence and measure out how much space you want between each one. Mark this measurement on the rails and then predrill holes in the pickets. Attach them to the rails with screws, making sure that they are straight. Work your way down the fence, spacing it evenly.
Finish up!
Once all of your fence panels are in place, give everything a good coat of paint or sealant to protect it from weathering. You may also want to add trim around the edges for a more polished look. Congratulations – you’ve just built a fence.