Installing privicy fence posts

And what about fence stain? Gate size? Gaps, no gaps? Should I use metal fence posts instead of wood? The answer is often YES.

While the fence post material of choice for years has been pressure-treated wood… Today, many people are choosing metal fence posts over wood. What Are Metal Fence Posts? The end result when using metal is a stronger, straighter, longer-lasting fence. Wood Posts vs. Metal Posts Fence posts typically create the most vulnerable part of a traditional wooden privacy fence. Your fence posts are embedded in concrete and soil and are in constant ground contact.

The are vulnerable to early rot, mildew and insect damage. There are several reasons why you may want to use metal fence posts instead of wood: Your fence will stand up to wind — Wind is often the final straw that breaks the back of an old privacy fence.

Wind puts tremendous pressure on privacy fence panels, and when wood posts get compromised, they simply break off at the ground. Metal posts have more strength to resist the forces of wind. Your fence will stand straighter — Sometimes, as wood fence posts age, individual posts get weaker. After you determine how deep the hole should be, add six inches to allow for the addition of gravel in the bottom.

Make the holes wide enough to fill with concrete. The minimum recommended diameter is three times the width of the posts. Add six inches of gravel, such as Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel , to the bottom of the holes.

Gravel provides a solid base for the fence post to sit on and prevents it from coming into direct contact with the soil below, which might increase the risk of rotting. Tamp down the gravel using the bottom of the fence post.

To do this, set the post in the hole and, with gloved hands, lift the post up a few inches and bring it back down hard on the gravel. Repeat this three to five times to even out the gravel. Position the post in the center of the hole and hold it upright. Then, pour dry Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix into the hole, getting an even amount around all sides of the post. Continue filling the hole with the dry fast-setting concrete mix until the mix sits approximately three inches below ground level.

This will take at least 24 hours. Part 3. Measure and cut your rails. These are the boards we recommend 2x4s set between the posts, in a perpendicular alignment. You will attach the main boards of the fence to these rails. They should be measured and cut to fit between the posts. You will probably need two or three rails, depending on the height of your fence.

Create your rail frame. Next, take a 1x4 and cut it to be the same height as the posts. Mark the spots on the board where you would like your rails to go. With that marked, nail the 1x4 flat to the end of the top and bottom and possibly middle rails. Do this for each end of the rail. Fit and attach the frame. Fit the frame in between the posts and fasten from the inside edge into the posts using deck screws.

Attach the outside slats or pickets. Continue the entire length of the fence. Attach the inside slats or pickets. Now attach the boards on the inside of the fence.

These should be placed so that they cover the gaps created by the outside boards. Add a gate. You may or may not wish to add a fence gate to provide you entrance to the yard. Follow the linked instructions for adding a gate. Add finishing details. With this done, you can paint or stain your fence as you wish. A decorative top can be added or shrubs planted along the baseline. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Anthony "TC" Williams.

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3. Which side of the fence should be placed inside my property and which side should face my neighbor? The nicer side goes toward the neighbor and the post side to your yard. It's the same with chain link: the posts are on your side of the fence if it belongs to you. Not Helpful 10 Helpful 7.

Use a bag and a half of cement for each post. The hole should be 3 feet deep for a 6 foot high fence. Not Helpful 22 Helpful 5. You could, but then your fence becomes very easy to scale if someone wants to get in. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. The posts, framing, and planking boards should all be made from pressure-treated lumber or cedar.

Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1. The materials to build the fencing and gates are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Only galvanized nails should be used for pressure treated wood, coated screws, stainless steel nails, or other corrosion resistant fasteners should be used with cedar, since galvanized fasteners will discolor cedar wood. You will typically receive a copy of the local rules when you apply for a permit.

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