How to Build a Fence and Gates

Fences have many applications in different kinds of buildings. They can add security to your home, business or farm. Also they can add a touch of beauty to your yard, and they can keep curious neighbors away. No matter why you need a fence, follow these simple instructions and build your fence in no time.

1. Consult with city clerks about any building licenses and property lines you will need to have if you want to build a fence. Talk to utility companies about your building plan and they will mark your property for utility lines, like gas, power or sewer.


2. Estimate the area needed for the fence. Make sure that the distance between two posts is 6 to 8 feet. Place two rails and connect the two posts or place a pre-built part between the two posts. If you do not use pre-built parts, obtain a board with the same length as the distance between the posts. The gap between the boards of privacy fences needs to be around 1/8 of an inch.


3. Choose the fence material. Make your choice based on how much time you can spend in maintaining your fence and how you would like your fence to look. Cedar and vinyl are great if you are looking for low maintenance fence, and that do not have to be painted. After you make your decision about fence material, you can buy the required material.


4. Mark the location of each fence post and the area where your fence line will go. Use wires to connect the posts. Start at corners of your yard and dig the location planned for each fence post with a post hole digger. Your fence will be more stable if you make the bottom of the holes wider than the top.


5. Put gravel in the holes for posts. Put the posts in the holes and after that put concrete and then press the concrete down so the post will be straight and stable. If you use wooden posts, put concrete or dirt around the part that is in the ground to protect it from water. If water gets near the wooden post, it will eventually root away the wood.


6. Place fence rails or boards between posts. Use two rails between each post, one for the bottom part and one for the top part. Use nails or screws to secure the fence boards to these rails. Choose the wood or the design of the wooden boards according to your style, taste and the purpose of the fence. If you are building a privacy fence, firmly secure the board at one part and then continue till you get to the end of the board. Keep a distance of about 2 inches between the fence boards and the ground. This will help prevent water and board contact, rotting of the wood and will make grass cutting easier.