Fence Construction
What is the Purpose of a Fence?
• Protection from enemies• To keep livestock in or protect from predators• To protect a garden from animals• Privacy• Ornamental• Other?
Fence Construction
Step 1: String a line where the fence is to be built. Usually this is along the property line. Find
the official boundary and err a little on YOUR property!
Step 2: Determine the Fence Height
• 6’ is typical for a residential privacy fence.
Step 3: Set your End Posts• If you want a 6’ fence, you’ll need to dig a hole
more than 2’ deep for each post.• The posts must be less than 6’ above ground!
WHY?
Step 4: Run a Level Line• Put a nail in the end posts and run a string
between them. • TIP: Use a level to adjust the string until level!
Step 5: Dig additional holes 8’ on center from the end posts.
Step 6: Place each post
TIP: You may end up with one section that is less then 8’, so try to plan that for a section That will be hidden by bushes or trees.
Step 7: “Plumb” and set each post in concrete
Use concreteNOT dirt
What does “plumb” mean?
Step 8: Add Horizontal “Stringers”
TIP: Use 2”x4”s. Two are enough. One about 12” from the top – the other about 12” from the bottom.
Wait! What about “neighbor-friendly”?
Use 2”x4” Brackets
• Alternate brackets closer to your yard for one section and then closer to your neighbor’s yard for the next section.
Your Yard
Neighbor’s Yard
1. Get your base material.2. Draw a property line on two adjoining sides that
is ½” from each edgeand each corner.
Scale Model FencesSTEP 1:
1. Measure and make a mark at the end of each line and every 3”.
2. You will end up with shorter sections in the corner.3. Drill “dimples” about ¼” deep into each hole. Make sure
each hole is centered on the line.
STEP 2:
1. Glue a 4”x4” post (1/4”x1/4” balsa wood) into each hole.
2. “Plumb” each post by making sure they are perfectly vertical before they dry.
STEP 3:
• Measure and glue horizontal 2”x4”s betweeneach post.
• 2”x4”s must be ½” from the top of the post and ½” from the ground.
• To be neighbor-friendly, alternate the2”x4”s so they arecloser to one side andthen closer to the otherside.
STEP 4:
Neighbor-Friendly
Your Yard
Neighbor’s Yard
Finished Fence