Fence Building Technique

Standard Residential Wood Fences

• A common residential fence consists of vertical fence boards fastened to a framework of upright posts and horizontal rails. Typically 3 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches, fence posts anchor to a post hole or elevated concrete pier. A set of two rails runs between adjacent posts and provides a nailing surface for fence boards. Standard wooden fence rails are 1 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches of lumber, called a "2 by 4," and fence boards typically measure 3/4 inch thick by 5 1/2 inches wide.

Chain-Link Fences

• Like wooden fence posts, a chain-link fence's tubular, metal posts anchor to a buried concrete footing. A set of tubular rails runs between adjacent posts and attaches to the posts via specially designed brackets. Chain-link fence installers unroll chain-link fabric between the posts, pull the fabric taut with manual or mechanical stretching equipment and bind the fabric to posts and rails with metal clips or wire connectors.

High-Tensile Wire Fences

• Often applied to agricultural operations, the exceptionally taut wires of a high-tensile wire fence withstand great stress. For large high-tensile wire projects, fence builders sometimes pound fence posts directly into the earth. Alternatively, posts sit within a concrete post hole. As with a chain-link fence, fence builders use special stretching equipment to pull high-tensile wire between posts. High-tensile wire fence posts are typically wooden, and builders commonly secure wire to posts with staples. Because of the wire's tightness, the posts of a high-tensile wire fence often require additional bracing, such as anchor-post assemblies at each corner of the fence's perimeter.

Vinyl Fences

• Manufactured from rot-proof plastic, vinyl fencing resembles conventional wooden fencing or picket fencing. Like conventional wooden fence boards, vinyl fence boards attach to a set of post-mounted rails. Most vinyl fence systems are not entirely plastic. Many vinyl fence systems consist of wood or metal posts covered with a vinyl sheathe. Vinyl rails connect to the sheathe via special brackets, and vinyl fence boards, panels or pickets fasten directly to rails with screws.