Install A Simple Wooden Fence - Outdoor Feature

Install a wooden fence and you can have instant privacy. Below are some simple steps to create this attractive outdoor feature.

Are you tired of not having any privacy in your backyard? Maybe you have just put in a pool and your community or township requires a fence around the pool.

Are you tired of taking the dog out on the lease? It is time for you to think about putting in a fence. Today there are many different materials to use. This is a simple step by step procedure to install a wooden fence.



Let's first talk about the basic tools you will need.

1. Post hole digger or auger


2. Regular level, stakes, string, and hammer


3. Circular Saw, drill, power screw driver and screws


4. Shovel and Rake


5. Pressure treated wood panels, usually six or eight feet, and wooden posts. The prefab panels are the easiest to install.


6. One or two bags of cement, depending on the size of the fence.


7. Option of decorative post tops

I will be giving you the basics on a solid panel or slotted wooden fence. You can also install two by fours along with panel strips. One of the first things to think about is the overall size of the fence.

Are you looking at a complete privacy area and taking the fence around your entire yard? Here are two pictures of solid panel fencing.













Do you need just a fence along the back of your property? Whether you are doing just a single line or a complete privacy, you will need wooden posts to support your panels. Here are the steps to install a full fence averaging 32 feet length on sides 24 feet across the back.

1. Measure out the entire area. Take some string and stakes and mark off the distance from one end of the yard to the other. Hammer the stakes on all four corners. Make sure the string is taunt so you can get an accurate measurement.



2. Most local big chain stores or lumber yards carry the panels. There are different style such as a straight panel, scalloped, or rigged.
   
   I will use an example of a eight foot panel. You will need a total of eleven panels. If your yard doesn't coincide with the exact measurements, usually the store can cut it down for you at a small fee. You could also cut it yourself.
   
   You will need three panels along the back, and four panels on each side. A post is needed on each corner and also where each panel connects. You will need a total of eleven posts for these particular measurements.



3. Your first real big job is to set the posts into the ground. Take the post hole digger or auger and go down below your frost line. This of course will depend on your geographic location. An area that doesn't have a frost line, do a minimal of two feet.
   
   Set your posts in the center of the hole. Use your level to make sure it is straight. Pour your cement in and add water. There is quick drying cement available in stores today. I recommend letting the posts set for at least 24 hours.





4. Start across the back side and install your three panels. Use decking screws to attach each panel to a post. There are different size decking screws so make sure you get the screws long enough to attach properly to the post.
   
   Always use a level when putting in each panel. Once you have the back done, continue installing each panel along the sides. This process is much easier if you have one or two other people helping you. Don't rush the process as you want to make sure each panel is straight and secured before you move on to the next one.



5. After the panels are all in place, you can put a decorative top on the posts. This adds a finishing touch.
6. Now you are ready to stain, paint or polyurethane the fence. This choice is up to you and how the finishing color will look with any other outdoor features or your house tones such as shutters, bricks, stones, or siding.

What about an area that has a small degree of sloping or an incline? You can use paneling but there are a couple of things you will need to do. Take and measure the bottom of the panel and cut some of the bottom part of the panel to get it even to fit on the ground. This can be difficult and troublesome. One alternative to a fence if you have a slope is install Arborvitae Trees and Shrubs Add Spice To Any Garden Project.

Big trees or wood fencing both are good landscape solutions for privacy. Another alternate to using panels on a slope area, is to install a split rail fence. You will put in posts just like above and attach two by fours across to each of the posts. You can do a top and bottom with the two by fours or a top, middle, and bottom.

There also is the option of using two by sixes or two by eights, but be careful as the wood may warp after a few years due to the length of the board. Here are a couple more pictures of a split rail and a small board fence.













These are the basic steps of installing a simple wooden fence as a nice outdoor feature to your home. Take the time to research the different options in fence material.

A wooden fence also adds a natural look to your landscape area. There are many different stains or paint colors available today for you to blend in with your plant colors and other outdoor features.

There are many other fencing materials available. The wooden fence is just one option for you to think about if considering a nice privacy area for your yard.