How to Attach Wood to a Metal Fence

The wood panels of a fence are typically supported by wood posts. Wood posts may rot at the base due to moisture or snap into two pieces in heavy winds. Replacing the post by removing the concrete from the hole it is set into is a difficult job. Metal posts typically provide years of service without structural problems. Attaching wood panels to metal fence posts is not difficult and does not require construction experience. Connecting the wood panels to the posts is a two person project and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes per panel.

Measuring tape
Wood fence bracket, two per metal pole
Electric drill
Self-tapping metal screws
Treated deck screws

Instructions

- 1
  Calculate the distance up from the ground on the existing metal fence pole that you want to position the top cross-rail of the fence’s wood panel. Mark the spot on the metal pole where the top edge and the bottom edge of the cross-rail will be positioned.
- 2
  Measure the distance between the top edge of the top cross-rail and the top edge of the bottom cross-rail on the wood fencing panel. Mark the spot on the metal pole where the top and bottom edge of the bottom cross-rail will be located.
- 3
  Snap a wood fence bracket, according to manufacturer directions, over the metal pole in the middle of the two lines you marked for the top rail. The U-shape of the bracket snaps in place over the metal pole. The winged flanges of metal on each side of the U-shape of the bracket extend at right angles to each side of the pole. Screw the wood fence bracket in place with a self-tapping metal screw.
- 4
  Use the same measurements to install brackets on the next metal pole along the fence line.
- 5
  Lift the fence panel up between the two metal poles and position it so that winged flanges on each pole fit in the middle of the top and bottom wood cross-rails.
- 6
  Hold the panel in place against the winged flanges and drive treated deck screws through the two guide holes in the two flanges on both metal poles into the cross rail.
- 7
  Continue down the fence line using the same procedure to install the wood fencing to the metal poles.

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