How To Properly Install Wood Fence Posts

After building a fence staining or treating the wood can be the first step in proper maintenance that can extend its life.

How to properly install wood fence posts. A butt joint is a basic wood joint where the ends of the rails are aligned placed together and then secured. Periodically use a level to make sure the pickets are plumb. After digging the post holes the posts should be braced and set in concrete before attaching the rails and pickets. Installing posts rails and pickets.

Install the next picket flush against the spacer to get the proper 3 1 2 inch spacing and to keep the picket plumb. In this project we used a butt joint to secure the rail to the body of the post rather than the top of the post. Apply wood preservative around the base posts to prevent the wood from rotting. The sawn off ends of the fence post are vulnerable to moisture.

Install the remaining pickets. Consider these precautions if you live in a damp climate. A well constructed fence can protect privacy define your property and enhance curb appeal. How to mark a fence line and the post locations before building a fence.

Bevel the top of the fence post to a 45º angle to encourage rain runoff or plan on installing a post cap. Three factors contribute to this early failure. Install a bottom and top rail to attach to the fence posts. Poor drainage low quality wood and poor protection against insect damage.

Continue installing pickets along the run spacing them 3 1 2 inches apart. Treat the two ends with a non water based brush on wood preservative such as copper naphthenate. Cedar has a reputation for durability but unless a few guidelines are followed cedar posts can fail in as few as five years. When the fence is in place apply paint stain or a weather proofing finish according to manufacturer s instructions.