How to Build a Wood Privacy Fence?
Fences are a great way to add privacy and beauty to your property. They come in all different styles and are usually made of wood, metal, or vinyl. The best choice for your particular yard is going to depend on a few factors, including cost, style, and size.
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Start by getting your property surveyed and making sure it’s clear of tree limbs, brush, and other debris that could interfere with the construction of your fence. This will help ensure your fence is built to exactly match the measurements of your land and will save you from having to buy extra material later.
Next, determine how tall you want your fence to be. This will require you to determine how many posts you need and where they should go. You can use a yard calculator to determine this, but it’s more accurate to get a professional survey done by a local land surveyor.
You can also ask neighbors for their opinion. If they have a fence, they may be able to give you an idea of how high you should build yours.
Once you know how tall your fence needs to be, it’s time to begin digging the post holes. This will take time and can be tedious, so try to make the job as quick and easy as possible.
Whether you’re digging by hand or with a post-hole digger, it’s important to keep your work area clean. This includes wearing safety glasses and gloves, as well as cleaning up the debris you create.
Before you dig, check with the local building department to make sure your fence will comply with local codes. They might also recommend a permit.
Prepare for the Fence Boards
Before installing your fence boards, set a string across each end of each run so that you can use it to guide the height at which you’re setting them. As you install your fence, this will help you keep your slats perfectly plumb.
Once your boards are in place, make sure they’re evenly spaced with the help of a spacing block. If you don’t have a spacing block, you can use a level to find a plumb and nail the first fence board home. Follow suit with the other boards, using two nails per rail location.
Step 6: Concrete the Posts
In order to support a wooden fence, you need to bury your fence posts at least two feet deep. This can vary based on the type of soil where you live, but typically, the deeper the posts are, the stronger they’ll be.
If your soil isn’t stable, you can bury them a little lower than the desired height to make them stronger. You can even sink them a few inches below the ground level if your soil is loose or unstable.
You should always choose pressure-treated wood for fences, as this will provide a longer lifespan than untreated lumber. It will also resist warping, cracking, and rotting. However, it’s a common fact of life that wood will expand and contract in the weather, so you should treat your fence with a good wood stain or weather sealer to protect it from rotting and other damage.
