How to Build A Wood Fence

Building a wood fence is a great way to define your property, add privacy, and keep pets and kids safe. If you’re thinking about installing one, you’ve likely considered the cost of hiring a pro versus doing it yourself. While there’s a learning curve if you’ve never built a fence before, it’s something most people can tackle with the right tools and materials. It will take time to learn the process, but with the right investment, you can do it yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your own wood fence.

Planning to Build Your Wood Fence

‍Check Local Regulations

Before committing to a design, it's essential to check your local regulations. These laws dictate the height of fences, where they can be placed, and other guidelines to ensure the fence is compliant with zoning and property rules. For example, many areas have specific height limits for fences in front yards—often between 3 to 4 feet—while backyard fences can typically be higher, ranging from 6 to 8 feet, depending on local codes.

In addition to height restrictions, your local regulations may specify how far the fence should be from the property line or street. Always ensure your planned location doesn’t violate any set-back rules, as failure to comply could lead to fines or the need to remove or reposition the fence.

Choose a Fence Style That Matches Your Needs

Once you’ve cleared the regulatory hurdles, consider your needs and preferences when selecting a fence style. There are many styles to choose from, and it’s important to select one that complements both your home and your goals for the fence.

Common Front Yard Styles‍

In the front yard, many homeowners opt for decorative styles that allow for visibility while maintaining a clear boundary. Picket fences or split-rail styles are popular options. These styles typically focus on aesthetics while keeping the space open and welcoming.

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Common Backyard Styles‍

For backyards, homeowners often choose styles that provide more privacy and security. Closed-board fences, shadowbox designs, or privacy nail up fences are excellent choices for creating privacy. If your goal is seclusion or protection from wind or noise, these styles are ideal.

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If privacy is one of your main concerns, be sure to opt for a solid or nearly solid style. A full-height wooden fence with little to no gaps between the boards will provide the most privacy, keeping unwanted eyes and noise out of your outdoor space.

Choose a Type of Wood for Your Fence

The type of wood you select for your fence is just as important as the design. Not only does it affect the look of your fence, but the durability and maintenance required can vary greatly between wood types. Here are a few common options:

• Cedar: Known for its natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insects, cedar is an excellent choice for fences in areas with a lot of rain or humidity. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate the wood’s distinctive aroma and reddish hue.
  
• Pine: Pine is a cost-effective option and is often treated for weather resistance. It’s more affordable than other types of wood, but may require more maintenance and treatment to avoid rot and insects over time.
  
• Redwood: Like cedar, redwood is naturally resistant to moisture and pests. It also offers an attractive look with its rich, reddish tones, making it a popular choice for high-end fences. However, it tends to be more expensive.
  
• Pressure-Treated Wood: This type of wood is chemically treated to resist rot, insects, and the elements. It’s often used for the framing of fences, though it may not have the same aesthetic appeal as cedar or redwood.
  
  

Make Sure Your Choices Work for Your Region

When selecting wood, consider the climate in your area. Wood fences are susceptible to the elements, and your region’s weather patterns will impact the longevity and upkeep of your fence.

• Sun Exposure: In areas with intense sun, certain types of wood, such as cedar or redwood, perform well due to their natural oils and resistance to UV damage. However, all wood fences will eventually show signs of fading and weathering when exposed to harsh sunlight for extended periods.
  
• Rain and Humidity: In wetter climates, wood can swell, warp, or rot if not properly treated or maintained. Choosing wood like cedar or pressure-treated pine is a smart decision in these environments, as they are more resistant to water damage.
  
  

By taking into account local regulations, your style preferences, and the climate, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the ideal wood fence for your property.

Step 1: Check Local Regulations and Acquire Necessary Permits

Before you start building your wood fence, it’s important to check local regulations and acquire any necessary permits. Start by contacting your city or county government to find out if you need a permit for a fence installation. Many areas require permits for fences above a certain height or if they’re built in a front yard. Be sure to check zoning laws to ensure you’re within property line boundaries and comply with any neighborhood association rules. You may also need to confirm the required height, materials, and fence style. If permits are required, apply for them through your local government office, and allow time for approval before you begin construction. Following these steps will help you avoid fines and delays and ensure that your fence is built legally.

Step 2: Plan Your Fence

Measure the Area

1. Start by measuring the length of the area where you want to install the fence. Use a tape measure or measuring wheel to get accurate measurements of both sides of the area.
2. Mark the starting point of the fence line and extend the tape along the ground to measure the entire perimeter. If the ground isn’t perfectly straight, take measurements in sections to get the correct total length.
   

Mark the Corners

1. To mark the corners of the fence line, you can use wooden stakes or metal markers. Place the stakes at the corners where you plan to change the direction of the fence.
2. For straight sections, drive a stake at each end of the line. For corners, make sure the angle is square by using a carpenter’s square or a 3-4-5 triangle method (measure 3 feet along one line, 4 feet along the other, and the diagonal should measure 5 feet).
3. Use string or chalk lines to connect the stakes, which will give you a visual guide for the fence's path.

Calculate the Materials

1. To estimate how much material you’ll need, first measure the total length of the fence line. Divide this number by the spacing between each fence post (usually 6-8 feet). This will tell you how many posts you’ll need.
2. Next, calculate the number of boards needed for the fence. For example, if you’re building a privacy fence, measure the height of the fence and divide the total length by the width of each fence board. Don’t forget to account for gates, which will require special materials and hardware.
3. Finally, consider other materials like nails, screws, and post anchors. Always add an extra 10-15% to your total material estimate to account for mistakes or miscalculations.
   

Why It’s Important:

Planning thoroughly ensures you measure everything correctly and purchase enough material. It helps avoid costly mistakes, like running out of supplies or buying the wrong type of material. A clear plan also ensures your fence will be straight and stable, making the build easier and the end result more professional.

Step 3. Mark the Fence Layout

Once you have decided on what type of wood you want to use, and your fence height and fence style, you can move on to actually starting the process of building!

This begins with creating the layout where your fence will be by marking the boundary of your property. This is a good time, if you haven’t already, to communicate your plan with your neighbors to make sure there will not be any arguments over where the property lines are. If there are, you can check with a land registry service.

After you have the property lines established you can start marking the fence line with your stakes. Be sure that you make a straight line here and stake out the corners of the plot. Once you have the corners staked out, tie a string around each stake using a square to ensure that the stakes are level and the corners are at 90 degree angles.

This is the part of the process of building a wood fence where it pays off to take your time and carefully check your markings and measurements. Anything that is off now will be much harder to correct later.

Step 4. Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Once you’ve decided on the type of wood you want to use, you will need to decide on the type of fence you want to build, get the wood pickets and posts to get started.

If you are going to build your own fence, there are different fencing materials you will need to have on hand. If you need to purchase these materials, you can visit our curated storefront with everything you need for fence DIY in one place! Simply click the image below to shop.

• Fence posts (make sure this wood is treated wood to ensure your fence lasts decades)
• Fence rails
• Fence pickets (also make sure this is treated wood)
• Rail brackets
• Fence screws
• Cement
• Shovel
• Post hole digger
• Tape measure
• Post level
• Stakes and strings or mason line

Step 5. Dig Holes for the Fence Posts

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As part of staking out the perimeter of your fence, you have already marked where your corner fence posts will be. Now you need to mark out where the remaining posts are going to be.

The main rule here is to be sure that the distance between post locations is not more than eight feet. If you have a fence length that is 40 feet long, then you’d want to divide that by eight which means you will need five posts and evenly spaced.

Now that the post locations are marked, you need to use the post hole digger to create the holes. The hole should be deep enough to bury about a third of the post underground.

Step 6. Set the Fence Posts

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1. Position the Post
Place the fence post in the center of the hole. Use a level to make sure the post is vertical (plumb) in all directions.‍

2. Add Gravel for Drainage
Pour about 6 inches of gravel at the bottom of the hole around the base of the post. This helps with drainage and prevents the post from rotting over time.‍

3. Fill the Hole with Concrete
Pour quick-setting concrete mix into the hole around the post. Follow the instructions on the concrete bag for the correct water-to-concrete ratio. Use a shovel or a stick to stir the concrete around the post and fill the hole.‍

4. Level the Post Again
As the concrete begins to set, check the post’s alignment once more using a level. Adjust the position of the post if needed, making sure it stays vertical.

5. Allow Concrete to Set
Let the concrete set for at least 24 hours before proceeding to the next step. Once the concrete has hardened, the post will be securely set and ready to support your fence.

6. Repeat for All Posts
Repeat the process for each fence post, ensuring all posts are level and spaced evenly.

Step 7. Attach Fence Panels

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Prepare the Fence Panels
Before attaching the panels, make sure they’re ready and fit properly between the posts. If necessary, trim the panels to ensure they align with the posts and fit within the desired space.

Secure the Panel to the Posts

Attach Additional Panels
Once the first panel is securely attached, repeat the process for the next panel. Line up the edges of the new panel with the first one, ensuring the spacing is consistent.

Secure All Panels  
Once all panels are in place, double-check that each one is securely fastened to the posts. Tighten any screws or nails as necessary.

Step 8 (Optional Step) Install a Gate

Most of the time if you are installing a fence for your yard, whether front yard or backyard, you will want to have a gate to get in and out.

Fence gate kits are easy to find, and will come with the hardware you will need for the gate.

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Step 9. Staining and Finishing

Staining and finishing your fence protects the wood, enhances its appearance, and extends its lifespan. Here’s how to do it:

Steps for Staining and Finishing:

1. Clean the Fence: Remove dirt and old stain using a pressure washer or scrub brush.
2. Dry the Fence: Let the fence dry completely (24-48 hours).
3. Choose Your Stain or Finish: Pick between transparent, semi-transparent, or solid stains, depending on the look and protection you want.
4. Apply the Stain: Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the stain evenly. Cover all sides of each board.
5. Let It Dry: Allow the stain to dry (24 hours), and apply a second coat if needed.
6. Maintain the Finish: Reapply stain every 2-3 years to keep the fence protected.

Benefits of Staining and Finishing:

1. Increased Durability: Protects the wood from UV rays, rain, and snow, helping it last longer.
2. Prevents Rot: Acts as a sealant to protect against moisture, mold, and decay.
3. Improved Look: Enhances the natural beauty of the wood with rich color.
4. Insect Protection: Some finishes guard against pests like termites.
5. Lower Maintenance Costs: Regular staining reduces the need for major repairs.

Staining and finishing your fence helps protect your investment while enhancing its appearance and durability.

DIY Fence Installation FAQs

Is it hard to build a wood fence?

You do not need to be a master carpenter to put up a wooden fence. The keys are to choose good quality materials and carefully measure and stake out your planned fence route. That being said, fence building can require specialized tools that can be difficult and dangerous to operate if you don't have any experience. DIY fence construction can save money in the short-term, but may mean your fence is not as sturdy or high-quality as one built by experts.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of building a wood fence?

Advantages to building a wood fence are plentiful- but a main advantage is being able to choose from a wide variety of styles. You can add elements like lattice or kickboards as well. Additionally, there are different types of wood and different stains to give your wooden fence a unique look. A wooden fence will provide a great deal of privacy for your yard.

Disadvantages to building a wooden fence include the fact that it is a bit more labor intensive compared to other types of fences, like chain link fences, to install. With wooden fences, each fence board needs to be nailed to the rail or post individually. Whereas other types of fences, like chain link fences or vinyl fences, can be put up in large rolls or panels. Materials may also be more expensive for a wood fence, and they must be maintained for their longest lifespan. Metal fences will also last longer than a wooden fence.

How far apart should wooden fence posts be?

You do not want your wooden fence posts to be further than 8 feet apart. So if you have a 40 foot long side of your fence, you would want to divide 40 feet by 8 feet and evenly space out your posts every 5 feet.

If it does not divide evenly, then put an extra post in so that there is no span longer than 8 feet without a post for support.

How much does it cost to build a wood fence?

The cost of building a wood fence can vary depending on the materials you choose and the size of the area you're fencing in. Here’s a general breakdown:

Basic Wood Fence (Cheapest Materials): For a simple, budget-friendly wood fence, you can expect to pay between $10 to $15 per linear foot. This typically includes lower-cost materials like pressure-treated pine and basic pickets.

Mid-Range Wood Fence (Good Value Materials): A wood fence made from higher-quality materials such as cedar or redwood will cost between $15 to $25 per linear foot. These materials offer better durability and appearance without going into premium territory.

Premium Wood Fence (High-End Materials): For top-tier materials like high-quality redwood or custom designs, the cost can range from $25 to $40+ per linear foot. This price includes premium materials, more intricate designs, and longer-lasting finishes.

Keep in mind, these are estimates, and additional costs like labor, posts, gates, and hardware will also factor into the total price.

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