How to Build a 4-Board Fence
- 1). Lay out the fence line according to the landscape and the purpose of the fence. Horse and livestock fencing can curve if needed around obstacles; yard and landscape fencing needs to be straight and follow property lines. Mark the fence line with wood stakes at the corners and stretch builder's twine between the stakes; add interval stakes for stretches over about 20 feet. Mark post locations with stakes every 8 feet along the line.
- 2). Dig holes for posts with a post hole digger. Make holes a third the depth of the finished post -- a 4-foot fence using 6-foot posts needs a 2-foot hole. Adjust post height to the fence purpose; 4 feet is a good all-purpose height. Set the posts, either square or round, in the hole and hold them plumb with gravel in the bottom of the hole. Fill the hole with concrete, either mixed or dry, to just below ground level. Wet dry concrete and let concrete set, then fill the hole with dirt to slightly above ground level, sloping away from the post. Set all posts and let concrete dry before proceeding.
- 3). Attach the boards horizontally between posts. Nail top boards across the top of the posts or on the sides of the posts. Add a bottom board about 6 inches above the ground and two other boards inbetween. Position boards facing in or out, depending on the use for the fence. Livestock fencing needs boards inside the posts for the most strength. Yard fences generally have boards on the outside of the posts, for appearances. Use hammer and nails or a screw gun and galvanized screws to attach the boards. Use a level to keep the boards level.
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