How to Build a Cedar Fence
- 1). Spray paint the ground to mark the outline of the fence and the location of the fence posts. Go around immovable objects like trees or large rocks. Place a post at the ends and corners of the fence line, and line posts in between the end and corner posts. Keep the posts equal distances apart from each other, allowing no more than 6 feet in between posts.
- 2). Dig a hole at the location of each fence post with a post hole digger. The holes should be deep enough to hold at least one-third of the fence post plus a 6-inch layer of gravel.
- 3). Pour 6 inches of gravel into each hole and tamp it down.
- 4). Mix a batch of concrete, following the instructions on the packaging. Fill the first end post hole about halfway with the concrete, then set the post into the hole. Check the post for plumb -- that is, make sure that it's vertically straight. Fill the rest of the hole with concrete, smoothing the surface and sloping it away from the post to improve drainage. Check it for plumb again.
- 5). Build a brace for the post by nailing a 2-by-4 board to each side and nailing a wooden stake to the other side of the 2-by-4. Drive the stake into the ground. Check the post for plumb, and adjust the stakes if you need to.
- 6). Set the other end and corner posts into the ground, using the same method, and allow the concrete to set for at least four days.
- 7). Tie a string tightly between the posts to provide a guide when setting the line posts.
- 8). Set the line posts into the ground, using the same method you used for the corner and end posts. When setting the line posts, make sure that they are flush with the string. Allow the posts to set for at least four days.
- 9). Cut 2-by-4 boards into blocks that are 3 inches long to support the fence rails. Use two blocks for each end post and four blocks for the other posts.
- 10
Remove the string and the wooden braces from the fence posts. - 11
Nail the blocks for the rails to the sides of the fence posts, placing them a foot down from the top of the post and a foot above the ground. - 12
Cut 2-by-4 boards to fit the distance between the fence posts. These are the rails which the slats will be nailed to. - 13
Lay the fence rails on top of the blocks along the bottom of the fence and nail them to the blocks. - 14
Lay the fence rails on top of the blocks along the top of the fence and nail them to the blocks. - 15
Put the slats for the fence against the rails and nail them to the rails. When installing the slats, keep them at the same height. - 16
Paint the fence with a water sealant to help protect it.
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