How To Build A Fence From Scratch

Step 1 Planning Materials

• Posts 100 x 100mm x 1.8m H4 treated rough sawn
• Palings 150 x 19 H3.2 treated rough sawn OR 150 x 25 H3.2
• Rails 75 x 50mm x 4.8m H3.2 treated rough sawn OR 100 x 50mm x 4.8m H3.2 treated
• Concrete (either builders mix and cement at a ratio of 6: 1, pre-mixed easy set)
• Galvanised 100mm flat head
  nails (to fix rails)
• Galvanised fencing nails
  annular groove 500g 60mm
• Pegs
• Coach screws (for attaching
  rails to posts in high wind
  zones)
• Baton purlin screws 100mm
• Concrete blocks for the
  bottom of holes
  
  

Step 2 Fencing Layout/Dig Holes

Set Out

• Decide your height and choose your posts to suit.
• Use 100mm x 100mm h4 treated rough sawn.
• Space them 2m apart.

Dig Holes

• Dig holes with a spade or post hole borer to a depth of 600mm.
• Clear out any loose material in the holes
  
  

Step 3 Brace The Posts

• Move your stringline from the centre of the post holes, to
  50mm away from where the face of your posts will sit.
• Then position every post 50mm off the string line, which will be straight.
• Once you are happy with the placement of the posts you can
  continue to the next step

Step 4 Concrete Posts

• Next, measure up and draw yourself a plan,
  then work out your materials and order them.
• Mix concrete as per instructions on the bag.
  Pour the concrete around the posts carefully.
• After 24 hours the braces can be removed.
  
  

Step 5 Fence Rails

• Rails J Mark the position of the rails on your
  posts with a chalk line.

• Keep rails 150mm up from the bottom and
  150mm down from the top.

• Use two rails for fences up to 1200mm high.
  Use three rails for fence heights above
  1200mm. Use 100 x 50mm H3.2 treated
  rails, and for spans under 1.8m use 75 x
  50mm H3.2 treated rails.

• If your ground is uneven, find the highest
  point and measure up the post from that
  point for your bottom rail.

• Rails can be fixed either between the posts or
  to the face of the post depending on fence
  style.
  
  

Step 6 Palings/Final Touches

• Fix palings to rails with galvanised fencing
  nails. Our boards are 25mm thick, so we’re
  using 75mm nails. Use 2 nails in each rail so
  that’s 6 nails per paling. Place them 25mm
  from each side.

• Place a paling on the ground and sit your
  palings on top of the board. This will help
  you keep them from touching the ground

• Push the palings tightly together as you nail
  them, as they will shrink. Use a hammer and
  chisel to force the boards as close together
  as you can.

• Cut palings to height. Flick a chalk
  line as a guide and use a circular saw.
  It’s a good idea to screw a board to
  the fence to use as a guide, this will
  give you a nice straight line.

• Cut tops off posts on a slight angle
  using a handsaw. This helps the water
  drain off the post
  
  

Looking for an expert touch in your landscaping? The Everlast Services team have the experience and knowledge to transform your yard into your dream space. Contact us now to find out more.