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 dirtWhat 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