Laying out and installing posts for a fence in your yard is not that difficult if you take the time to make sure everything is straight and level. To set the fence post for a wooden picket fence:

• Set stakes to mark the outline of the fence just outside the fence perimeter.
• Attach string to the stakes and pull it tight to outline the location for the posts.
• Measure the length of your fence panels and mark the location of the postholes. For our project we spaced the posts 8’ apart.
• Use a posthole digger to dig each fence post hole to a depth of around 14”.
• Cut the posts to match the height of your fence. The length of the cut can be found by adding the depth of the hole to the height of the fence panel. A miter saw with a 10” blade is the best tool for this job.
• Set the fence posts in the holes.
• Use a two sided post level to make sure each post is plumb.
• Pull a string from the top of the corner posts to make sure all the posts are the correct height and the fence is level.
• Pour concrete in the hole around each post and allow it to set to secure the posts in place.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• Choosing the Right Fence
• Fences: Surrounding Your Surroundings
• Installing a Fence

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