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How to Wood Fencing?

Whether you’re looking to build a fence to increase privacy or to secure your property, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure your project goes off without a hitch. It’s a great way to add value and aesthetics to your home and it’s also a very affordable project. 

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The first step is to decide on a material to use. Wood is a good choice, but there are several other options for fences. You’ll want to consider the climate in your area, as well as how long you plan to keep your fence up. Cedar, for instance, is very durable and can last up to 40 years. However, in regions with more extreme weather, durability is more of an issue. 

When planning your fence, you’ll also want to check with your local building codes. If you’re unsure, speak with your neighbors who share your property line. A contractor is usually able to give you a warranty on their work, but if you’re doing the installation yourself, you’ll need to follow industry standards. 

For your posts, you’ll need to use 2x lumber that is at least 1-1/2 inches thick. They should be buried at least 2 feet deep. In the case of unstable soils, you’ll need to dig a deeper hole. Once you’ve completed this, cover the post with dirt. Set it in place and allow it to set for at least a few days. 

Once you have your posts in place, you’ll want to create a spacing block that is at least a foot longer than the distance between your posts. Use it to space the boards. This will prevent the joints from being too close together. 

After all the posts are in place, you’ll need to attach the rails to them. You’ll want to do this on both the front and back of the fence. If you’re installing a fence that’s less than four feet tall, you’ll need to start and end the rails on the center of each post. 

Once the rails are in place, you’ll need to install the pickets. These slats should be attached to the post with a galvanized finish nail. Pickets come in several different styles and are usually 5-5/8″ wide. Be sure to take measurements with a string line. 

Your fence will need to be maintained regularly. Wood is prone to decay, so it’s best to apply a water-resistant stain and sealer to protect it. Doing so will help keep the natural color of the wood from fading. Keep in mind that you’ll need to re-stain and re-seal the fence every few years. 

If you’re building a wood fence, you’ll need to get a building permit. You’ll also need to consult your local building code to determine the height and style of your fence. There are many types of fencing, including stone walls and iron fences. Some popular types include split-rail and privacy. 

For a more attractive fence, you can paint or stain the wood to match the look of your house or property. You can also choose to have your fence paneled with a trim board. This creates a clean, finished look around your fence.