Laying Out Your Fence

First locate the survey markers in the corners of your lot. These markers are usually made of pipe or concrete and may be buried a foot or two under the surface.

Place a stake next to the marker and attach a chalk line to the stake. Pull the chalk line taut and secure it to a stake at the next marker. Continue until all boundaries are covered.

Spacing Posts

The first step in actual construction of your fence is properly locating and setting the posts so the footings are positioned inside the property line and in compliance with local ordinances. Setting and aligning the posts is the most important part of fence building. If the posts are not set firmly in the ground, the result will be an unsteady fence. If the posts are not plumb – vertically aligned – and located exactly in line, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to properly attach the rails and fence boards.

In addition to the structural issues, post size and spacing contribute to the aesthetic qualities of your fence. Fences look best when intervals between posts are even. Choose a post spacing between five and eight feet. Longer than eight feet, and the spans may not have sufficient strength. Shorter sections may be needed to make the fence come out even. These should be located at corners or where the fence meets a building or gate.

06/03