Metal Fence Installation

Mark the fence line on your lawn with stakes and string. Space and dig all the post holes with a post hole digger according to the manufacturer's directions.

Start with a gate or end post, and set the post in place. The manufacturer's directions provide the information on what the specific gate or end posts are for your metal fence. Use a level on adjacent sides to verify the post is plumb.

Measure the height of the gate or end post; it must be at fence height. If it's too high, lay a board against the top of it and gently tap it into the ground using a rubber mallet. If it's too low, remove the post and add gravel to adjust the height. Brace the post with stakes and a hammer. Gently pound stakes against the post and in the ground.

Mix concrete according to the manufacturer's directions, and set the post in Step 2 in the concrete. Allow the concrete to cure for two days. This post is used as a starting point for the remaining sections of the fence.

Set the next post in the fence line in concrete, but do not brace this post just yet. This post will adjoin the panel from the post in Step 4. Continue setting all the metal fence posts, plumbing each post as you go. Mix concrete again and set all posts. Allow the concrete to cure for two days.

Insert the top and bottom stringers of the metal fence with a helper into the pre-routed holes on the fixed end of the gate or end post you installed in Step 2 and 3. The stringers hold the fence sections in place at the top and bottom. Refer to the manufacturer's directions for the exact fixed end or gate post piece.

Insert the stringer ends; the stringer ends are the metal fence panels that insert into the line posts creating a fence. Insert stringer ends on the opposite end of each line post. The line post is a single metal post that panels attach to on both sides via the pre-routed holes. Repeat until all straight stringer ends are attached.

Attach a stringer end to the corner end using a corner line post. Trim the stringer ends of the opposite section approximately 1 inch using a hacksaw. The corner line posts will have a "V" shape. Repeat for each corner.

Drive the screws provided that came with the metal fence kit through the posts and into each stringer end using a drill. This is to secure the metal fence sections to the posts.

Plumb all the line posts and brace them using 2-by-4 boards on adjacent sides with your hammer. There was no need to plumb the line posts before, as they might have accidentally moved while you were attaching the stringer ends. Plumbing the line posts now ensures they stay plumb.

Attach finials to the posts according to the manufacturer's directions using the screws provided and your drill. Finals are the caps that attach to the top of the line posts and provide a decorative cover. These are attached now after the entire fence has been plumbed to complete the metal fence installation.