For an ordinary fence 48" to 60" tall, a bottom rail 6 inches (15.2 cm) from the panel bottom and a top rail 4 inches (10.2 cm) from the panel top is sufficient. For taller fences, an intermediate rail is needed, centered between the top and bottom rails. 3 Lap or butt the rails together on the post, depending on the rail design.
Full Answer
How to install a post and rail fence?
How to Install a Post and Rail Fence. 1 Step 1 - Lay Out and Measure. To determine the length that each fence rail will need, lay out and measure the fence line across the property. When you ... 2 Step 2 – Dig the Hole For Your Posts. 3 Step 3 - Measure for Your Next Post. 4 Step 4 – Place the Rails. 5 Step 5 - Continue Placing Posts and Rails.
How do you pack dirt around a fence post?
After you place the rails, go back to the corner post and use the tamper to pack the dirt around the corner post. Do not pack the dirt around the second post until you have installed the third post. After you set the rails between the first and second post, continue repeating steps two and three for all post and rails.
Do metal fence posts need to be cut off?
Some types of metal panel fencing is designed to overlap, while other panels are installed with spacers, and yet another type has narrow vertical panels staggered on opposite side of the rails. Cut off the top of the posts. This will not be necessary if you set your posts to the proper depth before you poured the concrete.
How do you determine the length of a fence rail?
To determine the length that each fence rail will need, lay out and measure the fence line across the property. When you do this, ensure that the fence is divided evenly and spaced at equal intervals. Using a predetermined and pre-cut length of rail will help make this task easier and provide for much less cutting.
How do you strain stock fencing?
2:5812:02Installing a Wire Stock Fence to keep the sheep out. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere then a horizontal post. And then a diagonal load of um wire which i tension up and it meansMoreHere then a horizontal post. And then a diagonal load of um wire which i tension up and it means that that post will never move at all. It's probably easier if i just show you to be honest.
How do you attach rails to fence posts?
0:246:56How To Install A Plinth And Rails For A Picket Fence - DIY At BunningsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then cut a block in order to fix the plinth to the plinth we're using for this job is made outMoreAnd then cut a block in order to fix the plinth to the plinth we're using for this job is made out of treated pine. And it's treated to prevent against rot or insects.
How do you build a post and rail fence with wire?
0:2014:44How to Build a Post and Rail fence with wire mesh Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we'll link to that if you haven't seen it recommend to have a look. And we're gonna see how thatMoreSo we'll link to that if you haven't seen it recommend to have a look. And we're gonna see how that really performs doing all of these posts holes for these posts we bought their seconds.
How do you make a timber post and rail fence?
7:3811:44How to build a post and rail fence | Dave Stanton woodworkingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown mark them off to the string line. Cut them turn them up the right way drop them in the holeMoreDown mark them off to the string line. Cut them turn them up the right way drop them in the hole ensuring that the holes.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).
How many rails do I need for a 6 foot fence?
three railsAll fences will have a top and bottom rail. One general rule of thumb is to have a horizontal rail for every 24 inches in height. For a six-foot-high fence, this means three rails. While a middle rail may not be a structural necessity, it will help keep fence boards in place and may limit warping and twisting.
How far apart should posts be for post and rail fence?
8ft post spacing provides for practical installation, because the rail boards we used were 16ft in length and an 8ft spacing between each post did not produce excess waste.
How do you make a rail fence?
0:393:34Building a Three Rail Fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhich we've sealed ours up really well and use pressure treat but the tops of them. Most of the timeMoreWhich we've sealed ours up really well and use pressure treat but the tops of them. Most of the time you see just cut level at the top and that allows moisture to get into the end grain.
How far apart should fence posts be?
8 to 12 feet apartMost fence posts can be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. While this is a general criteria, it doesn't cover all scenarios. For instance, high tensile fence can have larger spacing, requiring line posts every 15 to 20 feet for field fence styles, and as much as 20-30 feet for high tensile barbed and smooth wire.
How far apart should fence rails be?
Start this project by setting square fence posts 8 feet apart on center. Two parallel rails are sufficient for fences shorter than 4 feet. Three rails are necessary for taller fences and for heavier privacy fences.
How do you do dowel fence rails?
1:054:59Post and Dowel Fencing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo why you're going to want to put about a third of the post into the ground you should alwaysMoreSo why you're going to want to put about a third of the post into the ground you should always measure from the top of the post to the ground itself to keep your fence.
How do you make a 2 rail fence?
Steps to Building a DIY Split Rail FenceMark and measure your yard to ensure that your fence materials fit. ... Dig your post holes with your post hole auger. ... Fill six inches of the holes with gravel. ... Starting with the end posts, insert posts into the holes. ... Insert your rails into the holes of the posts, and voila!
How to build a fence at your property?
1. Check the local regulations or ordinances governing fence building at your location. Also review your homeowners association covenants, if applicable. Observe the following regulations for fences: required setback from your property boundary. maximum height. obstruction of sight on thoroughfares. zoning restrictions.
Do you need a COA for a historic fence?
You may be required to get a COA (Certificate of Appropriateness) in historic districts. This type of fence will, typically, not fall within the guidelines for a historic district, though. ...
What is a post and rail fence?
Posts. If you're looking for an attractive fence that is easy to construct, consider building a post and rail fence. This type of fence is completely of wood, but it requires much less lumber than other types of fences. It is also easy to run along steep hills and slopes. Erecting a post and rail fence requires a lot of work, ...
How to determine the length of a fence rail?
To determine the length that each fence rail will need, lay out and measure the fence line across the property. When you do this, ensure that the fence is divided evenly and spaced at equal intervals. Using a predetermined and pre-cut length of rail will help make this task easier and provide for much less cutting.
How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
Most chain link fences have posts that are spaced right around 10' apart. Wood fence panels, and common components are only 8' wide +/-. Spacing posts more than 8 feet apart can potentially be problematic and cause strength problems in the future. If you are going to 'stick-build' your fence, you may be able to source 10' or 12' lumber ...
What gauge is chain link fence?
Most residential chain link fences are installed with a 16 gauge or lesser grade framework. This light duty tubing is definitely not strong enough to support a solid privacy wood fence. If you have a thin wall tubing for your posts then we recommend you stop here and consider purchasing new posts.
Can you re-use chain link posts?
The extra weight and wind load of a wood fence must be accounted for. If you know that the footers are sufficient, then you could in theory re-use the posts.
Can you convert a chain link fence to wood?
Many customers are interested in how they can convert their chain link fence to wood. Unfortunately the chain link fence conversion to wood fence isn't an easy transition. In theory, it can be done but in practice there are many factors that are working against you. Issue # 1. Most chain link fences have posts that are spaced right around 10' apart.
