How to Float a Fence to Another Neighbor's Fence

Find out what your local ordinances and laws are regarding fencing by calling the building department or local government office. They should specify regulations regarding the type and height of the fence.

Find the property line. This can be found by contacting the title company and asking if a survey record of the property exists or by calling the city government office for additional property information. You may also obtain a metal detector and locate the metal property markers, which maybe several feet underground. Mark them with spray paint.

Meet with your neighbor to discuss the fence plans, if possible. Discuss whether there will be a gap in between the two fences or if they will connect completely. Depending on the size of the gap, weed control and mowing should also be discussed. If disagreements arise, offer compromising solutions.

Figure out how the front of the fence posts will face, which is especially important if you want to float a wood privacy fence. Most commonly, local ordinances require that they face your yard, but be sure prior to installation to avoid feature issues.

Mark where you plan to install fence posts around the perimeter of your yard using spray paint. Start at the end of the fence you plan to float your new fence to, and mark the perimeter of your new fence. Make sure you stay within your property lines. Wood fence posts should be about six to eight feet apart, though the exact distance depends on the type of fence you are installing, as well as your personal preference.

Install the fence posts as marked. Use a posthole digger to dig the holes for each fence post and a small shovel to remove any excess dirt or debris. The holes should be as deep as about one-third of the length of the fence post plus 6 inches. Install one post at a time. Fill the holes with 6 inches of gravel, and then place the posts into the holes. Fill the holes with dirt or concrete. Allow them to stand at least 24 hours, and then test the stability of the posts by pushing on them. They should not move.

Attach top and bottom rails to the posts. The rails attach perpendicularly, running parallel to the ground. Use a hammer and nails to attach the rails. Attach the top rail to the top or near the top of the posts, and do the same for the bottom rails. Ensure the space between each rail is equal throughout the fence; use a tape measure to measure the distance.

Attach the fence boards or links to the fence rails. The style, spacing and size of the fence boards or links vary based on what type of fence you want and how you want it to look. Nail wooden boards to the fence rails, or nail brackets to the rails to hang linked fencing to the rails.