How to Install Outdoor Fence

Decide on your main reasons for building a fence as this will help determine the type of fence you install. Different types of fencing entail different costs and labor requirements. If you want a privacy fence and have a relatively flat yard, then you may want to purchase fence portions that are already assembled from a home improvement store. If you want a chain-link fence, then you will need a lot of brackets to connect each segment.

Lay out a path for your fence by placing wooden stakes along the desired locations. Use a ball of string to mark the path that your fence will take. You may also need to dig into the ground or add some dirt in uneven areas of the yard so the fence is level and touching the ground throughout the fenced-in area.

Dig your post holes. Regardless of which type of fence you are installing, you will need to dig post holes. The holes must be deep enough to bury 1 1/2 to 2 feet of the fence pole with about a foot of concrete in the hole to hold the pole upright. Dig out the post holes so that they are at least 4 to 6 inches wider than the post itself.

Mix the concrete and place the fence post in the ground. Use a level to make sure that the the fence post is pointing straight up.

Connect fencing sections to the fence posts. If you are using pre-made panels of fencing you can simply use a power drill to connect the sections to the posts, making sure you leave enough room to place two sections on each post so each is supported equally.

If you are installing a chain-link fence, then you will need to connect the top of the fence sections with crossbars before unrolling the chain-link material and tying that to the fence posts. You will also need to attach all the brackets and hardware fittings to the fence posts

Tighten your fence as much as possible between posts if you are using a wire, mesh or fabric fence. This will eliminate unsightly sagging once the fence is finished.

Install the gates. Most fences need gates to improve access between fenced and non-fenced areas. Make sure the gate is level enough to connect with the fence post that it latches to.