DIY Fence Basics

Wooden Fencing Materials

• When constructing a wooden fence, make sure you choose pressure-treated wood for all of the vertical posts that will come in contact with the soil. Untreated wood will quickly fall victim to termites or rot when placed below ground level. If it's in your budget, opt for pressure-treated slats for the entire fence.

Tools

• Having the right tools will make the job of constructing a fence much easier. Purchase a manual fence post digger, or rent a gas-powered model if you will be installing a fence across a large section of property and will need numerous holes dug. A laser level and a guide string to ensure you are placing your fence posts and sections in a perfectly straight line will also be helpful.

Frost Line

• The key to installing fence posts that will not rise in the winter is placing them at a depth greater than the frost line. The frost line is the depth in the soil at which temperatures consistently dip below freezing in the winter months. This is usually located at a depth between 24 and 27 inches. Placing your posts beneath this line will help to ensure that your fence stays put during the colder weather.

Dig First

• Dig your post holes before installing any sections of fence. This is a great way to make sure that you will be able to install the entire length of your fence without hitting any obstructions, such as pipes, cement or underground wiring. Consult your local utility companies to make sure that you are digging in a safe area or if you suspect there may be any underground cables or pipes.