Every day someone builds a new fence. Most are built correctly, but with a few simple insider tips you could build a better looking, more durable fence. Follow these little known tips to build a better fence. Let this be your do it yourself fence building guide.
Begin by digging holes every 8 feet using posthole diggers. These will provide the anchor locations for your 4”x4”x 8’ treated fence posts. Dig each hole two foot deep. Here’s the secret to creating a fencepost that withstands the tests of time: Use the posthole digger to dig at an angle at the bottom of each hole. Create a ball shaped anchor that, when filled with concrete, will provide a stable, sturdy fence post.
Another important tip is to understand that concrete and wood will not bond. In order to make your fencepost sturdy, you need to paint the bottom two feet of the fence post with black roof tar. That tar will bind with the concrete and protect your post from rotting.
Once the posts are set and leveled give them a full day to dry. If you start nailing rails and slats to the posts before the concrete has had adequate time to set the posts will be knocked out of level.
Use three rails to build a fence post that will last for years. Place the top rail horizontally along the top of the fence posts. Make sure that you do not install fence slats more than 8” above the top rail. Place the center rail evenly between the bottom and top rails. Unlike the top rail, nail the middle and bottom rail horizontally to the fence posts. This helps prevent fence rails from warping. It also helps build a sturdier fence.
Another important insight is to understand that water has a secret spot for penetrating your fence. If this is not taken care of your pence slats will rot. What I’m referring to is called the linger factor. Water runs down the face of the wood over the years. An exposed bottom lip allows water to be soaked up through the wood, resulting in rotted wood. This is the same problem that is often faced with fascia boards. Knowing these tips will help you build a better, stronger, more beautiful fence.
