How to Install a Picket Fence Easily
- 1). Tie a string to a stake and push the stake into the ground where you would like the fence to set. Tie the other end of the string at the opposite side of where the fence will be and press it into the ground. You now have a straight row marker for installing your fence. Repeat the process for the remaining sides of the picket fence.
- 2). Measure the length of the fence line that you marked. Each wooden fence panel comes in 8-foot sections, so you need to have a fence that fits your dimensions. Make adjustments as necessary to allow for gates in the fence. Adjust the string line as necessary. Make sure that your corners are square.
- 3). Dig the corner postholes with a power auger. Use jobbers to clean out roots and rocks in the holes. These holes need to be at least 32 inches deep, according to ThisOldHouse.com, or deeper if the frost line is lower than that. Gate postholes need to be at least 32 inches deep, as well, because they support the weight of the gate. Dig the remaining postholes for the fence.
- 4). Set the posts. Use a level to make sure that the posts are straight. Put a small amount of small gravel around them, and then fill the holes with dirt. Tamp the dirt firmly in place. Alternatively, you may use a quick drying cement. If you do so, leave some space on top so that you may fill it in with dirt and grass after the cement dries.
- 5). Paint the wooden fence panels, the gate and the posts. It's easier to paint the whole panel before you install it because you can turn it over to paint it from all angles. Let them dry fully before installing.
- 6). Attach the panels to the posts with stainless steel screws. They don't rust and won't discolor the wood over time.
- 7). Hang the gate on the gatepost by its hinges. Attach the latch hardware.
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