Rail Fence Installation

Rail fences are most often found on farms and horse ranches. These wooden fence structures feature posts approximately every 6 to 8 feet, with two or three horizontal railings in between. These fences are durable and most efficient in corralling livestock. If you want to erect a rail fence around the property lines of your land, you can do so yourself without having to hire a contractor to build and install the fence.

Goggles
Drill
Reciprocating saw
Gloves
Post hole diggers
Mortar mix
Sand
Wheelbarrow
Hose
Garden hoe

Instructions

- 1
  Put on goggles. Prepare each support post by drilling four holes in a square pattern approximately 6 inches from the top and four holes in a square pattern about 3 to 4 feet from the bottom. Make the holes far enough apart to accommodate the railings.
- 2
  Cut out both drilled square hole patterns at the top and bottom, using a reciprocating saw.
- 3
  Dig holes for the support posts every 6 to 8 feet with post hole diggers around the perimeter of your property where the rail fence will stand. Make the holes 2 feet deep and approximately 1 foot wide.
- 4
  Combine three parts sand and one part mortar mix in a wheelbarrow. Dampen the mixture with a hose, blending it together with a garden hoe.
- 5
  Set the first support post into the first hole and pour the concrete mix into the hole. Let the concrete dry overnight, and then slide two railings approximately one-half to three-quarters of the way into the support post. Mix more mortar and set the next support in the hole. Allow the concrete footer to dry overnight, and then fit the two railings into the post.
- 6
  Continue the pattern of setting each successive support post and sliding two more railings in after the concrete dries until you have completed the railing fence.

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