If you’re looking to protect your land from erosion and wild animal invasions, you need to consider building a wooden post fence. Wooden post fences are a great way to do this and can be easily erected by anyone with a bit of initiative and some basic tools. In this article, we will walk you through the steps necessary to build your own wooden post fence.
Obtain All Of The Materials You Need
Before starting to build your wooden post fence, you will need to gather all of the materials you need. You will need a post, some lumber, and a saw. You will also need nails, screws, and a drill. The post will depend on the width of your fence, so you will have to measure that before beginning. The lumber you use for the fence should be at least 2 inches thick. The saw should be able to cut through this thickness easily. Once you have all of the materials necessary, it is time to start constructing your fence.
Consider Purchasing A Post Driver
If you are planning on building a wooden fence, it is important to purchase the correct post driver. A post driver is a tool that helps you drive the posts into the ground. Without a post driver, it could be difficult and potentially dangerous to install the posts into the ground. There are many different types of post drivers available on the market, so it is important to select one that will fit your specific needs.
A skid steer post driver is a particularly good choice if you are planning on installing a wooden fence. This type of post driver has wheels that help it move easily across the ground. This is especially helpful if you have uneven ground.
Measure The Width Of The Fence And Purchase The Correct Lumber
Once you have purchased the post driver and the lumber, it is time to start measuring the width of your fence. Measure the distance between the posts and purchase enough lumber to span this distance. Make sure to allow for a 3-foot overlap on each side of your fence. This will ensure that your fence will be sturdy and protected from animals.
Mark Off Measurements On The Wood
Once you have determined the required dimensions, it is time to mark them off on the wood with a pencil. Make sure to use a level while doing so to ensure that your fence ends up looking level from one side of the post to the other. It is also important to make sure that the measurements you make correspond with those that you took when you installed the posts into the ground.
Choose The Right Lumber
Now that you have measured and marked off your fence area, it is time to choose the right lumber. Select boards that are at least 2 inches thick and select lumber that has a uniform grain. Do not use wood that has knots or blemishes because they will show through the finished product.
Cut The Lumber To The Correct Length
Now it is time to start cutting the lumber to the correct length. Use a miter saw or a handsaw if necessary to make accurate cuts. Be sure to keep track of your lengths so that you do not run out of lumber halfway through your project.
Be Sure To Practice Safety
When building a wooden post fence, it is important to take safety precautions, including practicing proper hand-eye coordination. Building a wooden post fence requires precision and accuracy when measuring and cutting the pieces of wood. Fences can be dangerous if not constructed correctly, so be sure to practice safe fencing techniques before starting your project.
Drill Holes Into The Posts And Screw The Lumber Into Them
Once you have measured and purchased the correct lumber, it is time to drill holes into the posts and screw them into place. Use a screwdriver to do this, being careful not to scratch the surface of the posts. You can also use a drill if you prefer but be sure to use caution when doing so. Drilling into hardwood could cause damage that is difficult to repair.
Nails And Screws Will Secure The Lumber To The Posts
After screws and nails are in place, it is time to secure the lumber with screws and nails. It is important to use just enough screws and nails so that they do not show through the surface of the wood. Over-screwing will cause damage that may be difficult or impossible to fix later on.
Install The Posts Into The Ground
Once you have purchased and measured the lumber, it is time to install the posts into the ground. Use a post driver to drive them into the ground evenly spaced apart. Make sure to use a level while installing the posts to ensure that they are perfectly level. Once you have installed all of the posts, cover them with wood sealant or a wood sealant sprayer in order to protect them from moisture and pests.
Section Off Areas For Your Needs
Now is the time to mark off where you will need your fence. Use a post driver to make a hole in the ground at each corner of the area you want to fence in. It is important to make sure that the posts are level before you start drilling.
For vegetable and flower gardens, it is best to fence in an area that is at least 6 feet wide by 8 feet tall. For larger animals such as horses, the minimum size for a fenced-in area is 12 feet wide by 12 feet tall.
Now that you have installed your posts and fence, be sure to keep an eye on it. Repairing a post fence is not only easy but can also be done cheaply and easily. If there are any problems with the fence, such as a post that has become damaged or needs to be replaced, don’t wait to take care of them.