How to Build a Fence in Pennsylvania

Preparation

• 1

  Speak to your neighbors before constructing a fence. They will have to look at it and, although you do not need their permission, ask them as a courtesy. In Pennsylvania, your neighbors will share the liability of the fence even if you completely paid for it, so let them know your intentions.

• 2

  Find your local building code office. Call City Hall and ask for the building code department. Find out if you need any permits to build and if there are any restrictions. Most cities or towns will allow a fence up to a certain height. Secure any necessary permits before building your fence.

• 3

  Contact your homeowner's neighborhood association if you have one. Many associations have their own restrictions on fencing such as certain heights or colors.

• 4

  Buy your necessary supplies at a local hardware store in Pennsylvania once all permits have been secured. Decide on the height of your fence based on local ordinances. Privacy fences are usually 6 feet where allowed. You should also know the length of your fence so you know how much supplies to buy.

Installing Your Fence

• 5

  Mark a line using chalk or a rope to determine where you want your fence to be installed. It should be at least 2 inches back from your property line in the state of Pennsylvania.

• 6

  Set end posts at each end or corner of your lot. Use post hole diggers to dig the post holes. The depth will depend on the height of your fence and soil conditions, but usually 1/3 of the post should be buried in the ground.

• 7

  Stretch a line using rope or twine from each end post so the fence will be straight. Use the post hole digger to put the rest of your posts in the ground; place a post every 6 to 8 feet. Throw a little gravel in each post hole to help drain rainwater. Use a level to make sure the posts are in a straight position and then use concrete or dirt to fill in the remaining hole. Since Pennsylvania has a lot of rain and other weather conditions, concrete is preferable. Brace each post until concrete has set.

• 8

  Attach the top and bottom rail to fence posts. Nail 2-by-4 boards along the top and bottom from fence post to fence post. Nail the vertical fence boards to make your fence panels. Attach a string line to make sure the vertical boards are straight across the top before attaching. If you bought pre-made fence panels, attach those to your rails with nails.

• 9

  Leave a space for your gate. Decide which way you want the gate to swing. Mount hinge hardware to the gate frame.

• 10

  Attach gate to fence post. Check to make sure the gate can swing all the way open and shut. Attach latch to secure your gate closed.

• 11

  Paint or treat the fence with a waterproof sealer. This is an essential step in Pennsylvania where your fence will be exposed to rain, sun and snow. Use an oil-based sealer to protect the fence from the weather. If painting, use oil-based polyurethane paint after sealing the wood.