8 Steps to Install a Wood Fence in 2024

1. Plan Your Wood Fence Installation

Proper planning and preparation are critical for a successful and hassle-free wood fence installation. Take some time to consider the purpose of your fence and how it will fit into your yard before you begin to build the fence. With careful planning and thoughtfulness, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that adds to your other home improvement projects. Here are some steps that you can follow to plan the layout of your fence.

Determine the Purpose of the Fence

When building a new fence, as a homeowner you should think about why you're building it. This is a crucial first step even before you start selecting materials or coming up with design ideas. Think about what functions you would like your new fence to serve. Are you looking to add privacy to your backyard? Are you looking to establish boundaries with your neighbors? Do you want to increase your home security? Are you looking to create an enclosure for your pets? Or, are you looking to create a decorative boundary for your garden? Whatever the reason might be, answering these questions will help you determine the design and style of your fence.

Understand the Location and Size of your Property

When it comes to fence design, one of the most important elements is understanding the size and location of your property. Before beginning any fencing project, it’s important to take a look at your property dimensions and decide how much space you want to encompass with fencing. It’s also crucial to consider additional factors such as the grade or ground level, which can affect design decisions such as how far out from the fence line posts should be set, if they need special reinforcement due to elevation changes, or if sloped edges are required. Be sure you keep the fence layout at least 1-foot away from any trees or other obstacles that could potentially interfere with your project. Taking these factors into account early can save you time and money in the long run by ensuring an appropriate fence design for your property layout.

Research Local Building Codes and Regulations

Before starting a fence project, it’s important to do your research. This can make a huge difference in cost and completion time for the project so it’s important to know what you’re getting into from the start. It’s also essential that you check for any utility lines that could be impacted while building your fence. Another key area of research is regarding the maximum allowed fence height in your area as this can vary significantly between neighborhoods and cities. Depending on where you are located and other factors involved in your project, such as the size or fence materials used, many jurisdictions will also require a building permit before construction begins.

By planning your fence's layout, you'll be able to create a type of fence that meets all of your needs and complies with local regulations.

2. Measure and Mark the Location of Fence Posts

Now that you've planned the layout of our fence, it's time to move on to step two: measuring and marking the fence posts. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the rest of the project. You’ll want to make sure each post is placed precisely where you need it.

Measure the Length of the Fence

With a tape measure in hand, start at one corner of your fence layout and measure the length of where you’d like your fence to go. As you move along each side of the proposed fencing area be sure to record all measurements. This will help you when shopping for supplies or installing posts.

Mark the Post Locations

When building a wood privacy fence, you need to use the length of support rails to determine the distance between each fence post. Doing this step accurately is essential to smooth fence installation. Properly marking the fence post locations will also provide the most stability and safety for your fence. It is important to remember that the ideal length of support rails and best distance between posts will depend on your type of fence and its purpose. Generally, it is recommended that you position a post every 6-8 feet for a wood fence. However, if you are using large or heavy materials for your fence, then you may need more posts closer together to keep the structure intact. You’ll typically be able to find and use support rails (2-by-4’s) in standard 6-foot and 8-foot lengths.

You may also need to space your fence posts differently to avoid tree roots in your fencing area. Ensure you cut your support rail lengths to fit the rail brackets in areas where you use non-standard distances between fence posts to avoid tree roots.

Use spray paint or stakes to mark the fence post locations.

Buy Fence Supplies

After planning and measuring, it's time to gather all the supplies you’ll need to build the fence. Make a list of all the supplies you'll need, including fence posts, fence rails, fence panels, deck screws, fasteners, and any necessary hardware. Don't forget to also purchase any tools you may need, such as a post-hole auger, circular saw, etc.

If you're not sure what materials to buy, don't hesitate to ask the professionals at your local hardware store. They'll be able to help you pick out the right materials and give you advice on how much to buy. And remember, it's always better to buy a little extra material just in case!

3. Dig the Post Holes

At this stage, you already have a fence plan and marked where the fence posts will be located. The next crucial step in building a fence is digging post holes. When done correctly, this step ensures sturdy, long-lasting posts that will support your fence.

Prepare to Dig

Have a service provider locate any underground utilities before you start digging to avoid any damage or safety hazards. Schedule this service far enough in advance of digging so you don’t delay your fencing project. Adjust any fence post locations if needed to avoid underground utilities.

Make sure to wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to stay safe while digging. Start by clearing away any large roots that may come into contact with your posts as these may affect their stability once installed.

How to dig the post holes?

To dig the holes, use a post-hole digger or a power auger if you have one. You can rent a power auger if needed. Using a power auger makes post-hole digging a breeze.

Make sure the holes are deep enough to provide adequate support for the fence, taking into account the height and weight of the materials. Typically, the depth should reach one-third of the height of your fence so that posts are stable after being filled with concrete.

It's important to consider soil type when determining post-hole depths; for example, sandy soils may require deeper holes than loamy soils. Remember to widen the holes at the bottom to prevent posts from tipping over. Also, when you start to dig each post hole, make sure that they are all the same depth and width; this will ensure uniformity when it comes time for installation.

4. Position the Fence Posts in Concrete

Building a sturdy fence requires you to firmly set posts in concrete for the most secure structure. Setting up the posts properly is extremely important, as it ensures that the fence will be stable and remain standing for many years to come. Once you completed digging the post holes, make sure the post holes are of the right depth and width. If they're not, now's the time to make any necessary adjustments.

Mix the Concrete

After everything is ready, mix quick-drying cement according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's important that the concrete mix has the right amount of water. Mix enough cement to surround the posts in the holes or make small batches of cement to use as you set the posts.

Set the Fence Posts

This is a two-person job, so make sure you have a helper to assist you.

One-by-one, set each fence post in its hole and pour the mixed cement into the hole to hold the post. Tamp the concrete down as you go to remove any air pockets. Make sure the concrete reaches the top of the hole and is level with the ground. Level the post using a bubble or laser level so each post is perfectly upright and not slanted in any direction.

Let the Concrete to Set

Give some time for the concrete to set. This usually takes a couple of hours, but it's best to wait 10 to 24 hours depending on weather conditions, before moving on to the next step. During this time, make sure to keep the concrete moist by covering it with plastic. This will prevent the concrete from drying too quickly and cracking.

5. Mark and Attach the Rails to Fence Posts

This step requires patience and attention to detail, but with proper techniques, you can be complete it quickly and accurately.

Mark Where the Rails Should Go on the Fence Posts

The first step is to determine the position of the rail brackets for the fence posts. Select upper and lower rail bracket positions on a corner post that will support the fence pickets securely. Use a measuring tape, chalk plumb line and level to mark the rail bracket positions on every fence post so all rails will be level.

Attach the Rail Brackets to the Fence Posts

Use the fasteners, screws or bolts to fasten the rail brackets to the fence posts. Make sure the brackets are level when fastening them and tightening the fasteners so the fence rails have proper stability to support the pickets.

Hold the support rails up against the brackets as you install them to make sure you’ll be able to fasten the rails properly when you get to the next step. If you planned and measured properly, the support rails should fit perfectly in the brackets.

Attach the Support Rails to the Brackets

Place the rails into the brackets and firmly secure them with screws to hold the rails in place. You can start by installing each bottom rail first and then installing the top rail. Trim any rails using a circular saw if necessary so they fit properly. Tighten all the screws firmly so the support rails are completely stable.

6. Attach the Fence Pickets to the Support Rails

For most wood privacy fences, you can fasten pickets against each other because the wood will try and the pickets will shrink slightly over the next several months. If you want spaces between pickets, keep in mind that the gaps will expand slightly over time.

Have your circular saw ready because you may need to trim pickets to create a level height at the top of the pickets and a standard gap at the bottom of the pickets for a professional and refined look.

Set a Plumb Line to Control Picket Height

You’ll need to set a plumb line to properly control the height of pickets as you install them. Ideally the plumb line should be level but you can set it at a grade if necessary depending on the terrain around your fence.

Attach the Fence Pickets to the Support Rails

Place the first picket or panel into position, making sure it is level and straight. Mark and trim the picket if needed using the circular saw. Use screws to secure the fence picket to the support rail. Make sure the screws are spaced evenly and driven straight into the rail, so the panel or picket is securely fastened. Repeat this process for each panel or picket, making sure each one is level, straight and trimmed properly before securing it in place.

7. Attach the Fence Post Caps

One of the most important and overlooked steps is attaching fence post caps as they are essential for protecting your posts from water and other weather elements. Also, attaching post caps is one of the final touches that will give your new fence a polished and professional look.

Clean the top of each fence post with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Once the top of the post is clean, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the top of each post to help protect the post from moisture.

Place the post caps onto the fence posts, making sure they are level and centered. Secure the post caps in place using adhesive or fasteners provided with the post caps.

8. Seal or Stain the Fence

A new fence is a big investment, and to keep it looking beautiful for years to come, it is important to properly protect it from the elements. Sealing or staining the fence is the final step in the fence-building process and can also enhance the look of the fence. Not only does it add an aesthetic quality to your outdoor area, but also helps protect the wood from harmful weather conditions.

Choose the Right Product

Choose a wood sealer or stain that is appropriate for your type of fence and the look you want to achieve. Make sure the product is easily available so you can get it also in the future to match any previous treatments or coatings on your fence.

Prepare the Fence

Clean the fence with a pressure washer or soap and water to remove any dirt, debris, or mildew. If the fence is rough or has splintered, lightly sand it with fine sandpaper to make the surface smooth. Cover the areas around the fence with drop cloths to protect them from any drips or spills.

Apply the Sealer or Stain

Apply the sealer or stain to the fence with a brush or roller. Start at the top of the fence and work your way down, making sure to cover every surface and crevice. After applying, allow the sealer or stain to dry completely. This may take several hours depending on the product and the weather conditions. If the fence is porous or if the manufacturer's instructions recommend it, apply a second coat of sealer or stain.

Clean your fence yearly using a garden hose sprayer to remove dirt and mildew. Replace any cracked, rotting or broken pickets to help keep your fencing looking great for years to come.

Remember, if you need to have a professional install your fence, visit our Sears Home Services Fencing page to begin your project. Our partner Ergeon can likely build your fence within 3 weeks.

When you have a professional build your new fence, you’ll have more time to concentrate your efforts on other home improvement projects.