How to Build a Fence

If your garden needs some extra privacy or it's lacking that extra something to complete it, building a fence is a great solution. By following this guide and making sure you have the right tools, you can easily put up a fence by yourself on your own property.

Adding fences around the perimeter of your garden not only gives you privacy but they can complete your landscaping. You can also add fencing to different areas of your garden to define spaces such as your patio, vegetable patch or to block off an area. A wood fence can also add to the aesthetics of a garden too. You can leave the wood in its natural state for an earthy look and treat it to protect against the elements or you can paint the fence to add some colour to enhance its look.

Required Tools

When building a fence, it’s very important that you use the right tools.

You'll need:

• Safety Glasses and Gloves

• Fence Posts, Rails and Boards

• Stakes

• Nails

• Gravel

• Tape Measure

• Post Driver

• Shovel

• Spirit Level

• Saw

• Hammer

• Wood Paint or Fence Stain

• Wood treatment

• Paint Brushes

Before you start building, be sure to read the instructions on how to use your equipment correctly and safely.

Step 1: Plan the Fence

First decide where you will build the fence. Take measurements to figure out how much lumber you will need to buy. One easy way to do this is to make a sketch of the fence on graph paper, marking where posts will go and measuring exactly how many posts, rails and boards you will need.

When you've got the wood you need, a rule of thumb is to install posts between two & two and a half metres apart. You will need rails to attach the posts together on the top and bottom horizontally. The fence boards will be installed between the fence posts by attaching them to the rails.

You can make the fence as tall as you want, but keep in mind that one third of the post’s height needs to be buried underground so that the fence will be stable and sturdy.

Step 2: Dig Post Holes and Install the Posts

Use a shovel and shovel holer to dig enough holes for all the posts you will be using. If you don't have one, we have some post hole borers you can hire to help you. Once you have dug the holes, insert a pole then add a few litres of gravel to each hole to help stabilise the posts. A post driver can help you push the post down into the gravel and make it level. Use a spirit level to make sure it is perfectly straight and then use stakes to temporarily hold the post upright while you work around it.

Next, using a shovel, fill the space around the post with dirt, packing it as tightly as possible. The goal is to make the posts very sturdy so that when you remove the stakes and install the rest of the fence, they will be able to stand alone and support the rails and boards. Continue installing each post this way until you have installed them all.

Step 3: Install the Rails

Starting at the first post, install the top rail between the first and second post. If you are cutting your own lumber, you can use a heavy duty saw to cut the rails to length. Use a hammer and nails to make sure the rail is installed securely on the posts. Then, continue adding rails between all the posts by attaching them to the tops and bottoms of the posts. As you do this, use a level to make sure each rail is level and straight so that the fence will work and look the way it should.

Step 4: Add the Boards to the Rails

Once all the rails are installed, it’s time to add the boards. Use your saw to cut them to the right length and width so they fit perfectly for your fence. Install each board vertically along the fence to cover the length. Use the level to make sure each board is straight and then nail it to the rails, on both the top and the bottom.

This is the final step in erecting the fence itself, so now is the best time to make sure all the boards are attached firmly and that everything is level and sturdy.

Step 5: Treat or Paint the Fence

Now that the fence is up, it’s time to treat or paint the wood. Leaving the fence as it is can cause a lot of damage, such as cracks and mould that can eventually ruin your fence due to weathering.

If you like the natural wood look, use a product that seals the wood but doesn’t alter its look. In most cases, you will need to retreat and reseal the fence once a year. This will keep your fence in top condition for years. For a different look, why not bring out the paint. There are paints formulated to be used outside so they can withstand heat and moisture. Pick a colour that complements the exterior of your home or one that adds something new to your garden.

Wood fences are extremely sturdy and tough, but they do require regular maintenance. Replace broken or cracked boards, rails or posts as you find them to ensure your fence is sturdy. Nails can rust, become loose and even fall out, so be sure to replace those as needed too. Periodically, you may need to sand and refinish sections of your fence as they wear down or sustain damage that is unavoidable, like water or wind damage.

Installing a wood fence in your garden is an excellent project that enhances the way your home looks from the outside and can bring your garden to a whole new level of beauty. If you need any support or information regarding tools that will help you build a fence, get in touch with our online live chat team or contact your local branch.