How to build a wooden fence

This step by step diy project is about how to build a wooden fence. If you want to build a learn more about building a beautiful privacy fence, pay attention to this project. Follow the instructions and pay attention to the diagrams and build the wooden fence in just one weekend, even if you are a beginner when it comes to woodworking. Take a look over the rest of the projects, to see more alternatives and design ideas.

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. In most of the cases, building a privacy fence requires a permit, so make sure you make the necessary diligence. Building the fence requires digging, so you must make sure there are no electrical or gas lines on your property.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tools when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. Round the exposed edges with sandpaper or by using a good router.

Made from this plan

Wooden fence plans

Building a wooden fence

Materials

• A – 4×4 lumber – 120″ long POSTS
• B – 2×4 lumber – 72″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 1×6 pickets – 72″ long PICKETS
• D – decorative finials CAPS

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

• Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
• Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws
• Set the posts in concrete for proper support

Time

• One Week

Related

• Garden gate plans

How to build a wooden fence

Laying out the posts

The first step of the project is to lay out the posts in a professional manner, using batter boards and string. It is essential to pay attention to the process, otherwise the fence won’t be perfectly straight.

Setting the batter boards

In order to make sure the corners are right-angled, we recommend you to apply the 3-4-5 rule. Adjust the position of the batter boards and the string until everything is aligned in a professional manner.

Fitting the posts

Setting the posts in concrete is essential for the rigidity of the privacy. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to dig 3′ deep holes and to pour 2″ gravel on the bottom. Install the tube forms to the holes. Secure the posts with braces before filling the forms with concrete, making sure the posts are level.

Fitting the framing

After fitting the posts, every 6 feet, you need to install the framing beams. Use 2×4 lumber to build the components and place them equally-spaced. Make sure the corners are right-angled and plumb the posts after installing each support beam.

Fitting the framing slats

The easiest way to secure the framing beams to the posts is to use hangers. You could find the hangers at any DIY store and they save you time and create rigid joints.

Fitting the pickets

Once the supports are fitted into place, you can install the privacy boards. The wooden pickets are usually 6 feet long and made out of 1×6 slats. Space the pickets as described in the diagram and secure them to the supports using 8d galvanized nails. Drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.

Fitting the opposite pickets

Fit the privacy boards on the opposite side of the privacy fence. Use the same techniques described above to get a professional result.

Fitting the post caps

In order to enhance the look of the posts we recommend you to fit decorative finials. Center the finials to the top of the posts and secure them into place using finishing nails and glue.

How to build a wooden fence

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary. If you want to build a concrete fence with wooden panels, take a look over my step by step project HERE.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a wooden fence and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to SHARE and LIKE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets, if you want to help us keep adding free woodworking plans.

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