Wood Yard Fencing
Perhaps the simplest and least expensive type of fence for a do-it-yourselfer is constructed of wood. There are many classic designs for wood fences, all of which are built in approximately the same way while offering considerable flexibility in height, opacity and style. A wood fence can be left natural, stained, or painted any color. Moreover, the necessary tools, expertise and physical strength are minimal for construction of a wood fence versus other fencing types.
However, to build a wood fence, a few basic tools are certainly required. A saw will be used to cut the wood to size, and a power saw greatly facilitates the job. A hammer or a screwdriver will be used to attach the fencing components; again, power tools can dramatically decrease the energy and time required. You will also need a level, a tape measure, and a shovel, post-hole digger or other digging tool to lay posts in earth.
The materials required to build a wood fence include posts, rails and panels, concrete to set the posts in, and a few lengths of string. It is common to use 4X4 wood for posts; however, it is extremely important to choose only treated wood. Untreated wood will rot when wet, be susceptible to insect degradation and eventually fall over. An even sturdier alternative to wood posts, although slightly more expensive, is to use metal posts. Metal posts are generally cylindrical and the rails can be attached with metal screws or, much more easily, with brackets.
To set your fence posts, first place two corner posts. A rule of thumb for sinking posts into the ground is that the post should be sunk into the ground by approximately one third the length of the post; hence, if you are using an 8 foot post, you will want to dig 2.5 or 3 feet into the ground.
Once the holes are dug, you will need to ensure that the posts are perfectly vertical by using a level on all sides. A level held to a length of string across the top of the two corner posts can be used to verify that they are both the same height emerging from the ground. When satisfied with placement of the corner posts, pour cement around their bases according to manufacturer’s instructions. It is also useful to tie or stake the posts into place to ensure that they remain perfectly upright while the cement is setting.
After your corner posts are in place, tie a length of string between them. This will serve as a guide for placement of other posts in between. Consult local regulations to determine the spacing between posts, and set them exactly as you did for the corner posts.
Once the posts are in the ground, the hardest and most critical part is over. You will use screws, nails or brackets to attach the horizontal rails to the posts. 2X4 beams are commonly utilized for wood fence rails, whether attaching to wood or to metal posts. With a level, a tape measure and a partner, attaching rails that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the posts is relatively simple.
The last component of a wood fence is the panels. These vertical pieces can vary widely in style and are often pre-cut to the same length. Attaching them to the rails is simply a matter of standing them up, ensuring they are vertical with a level, and nailing or screwing them to the rails one at a time. Once they are attached, it’s time to paint or stain your new fence!