Wood Fence Tips: Installing Posts, Rails and Pickets

Dig the post holes according to your fence layout. If your local code requires a certain depth below the frost line, be sure to dig the holes accordingly. Add 4 inches of gravel base to the bottom of the post hole. When digging holes for gateposts, make sure to allow space for the gate hardware. Lay Out and Dig a Post Hole will give you more detail on post holes. Remove the dirt from the lawn to keep from killing the grass — you’ll need some of it to fill in the post holes after the concrete has cured.

Add concrete mix following the manufacturer’s instructions. Work it to about 2 inches below the surface to allow for fill dirt later. Verify that the post is still plumb. Continue installing the posts. After the concrete has cured, add the fill dirt back into the holes.

Attach the middle stringer about midway up the post. Remember, whenever possible stagger the joints of the middle and bottom stringers. Your first middle stringer may need to be a different length than the first bottom stringer. However, for some parts of the fence — for example, for short runs of fence or if the first couple of posts are on a steeper slope — you may need to use short stringers of the same length to follow the contour of the ground. As with the bottom stringer, fasten the end flush with the first post but in the center of the post to allow space for the next middle stringer.

Attach the first top stringer at the top of the posts, fastened so there’s room to attach the next top stringer and so the joint is staggered correctly.