How to Build a Wood Fence
A wood fence is one of the most satisfying weekend projects, and it lives or dies on the posts. Get them deep, plumb, and set in concrete and the rails and pickets go up fast. Work through the steps below — each has a calculator so you order the right amount — and tap “Add to my materials list” as you go.
1Lay out the line and call 811
Mark the fence line with stakes and string, confirm the property line and any setback, and call 811. Plan posts at 6–8 ft on center — never more than your rail length — and tighten the spacing in windy or corner spots.
2Dig and set the posts
Dig each hole to 1⁄3 of the total post length and below your frost line (a 6-ft fence uses an 8-ft post set ~2 ft deep), with the hole about 3× the post width. Add 6” of crushed stone for drainage, plumb the post, fill with concrete (about one 60-lb bag per line post; 2–3 for end, corner, and gate posts), and crown the concrete above grade so water sheds off.
3Run the rails and pickets
Use one rail per ~24” of height (a 6-ft fence gets 3 rails), keeping the bottom rail ~10” off the ground. Then hang the pickets — edge-to-edge for full privacy — held 1–1½” off the ground and fastened with two ring-shank nails or screws per rail. The calculator sizes posts, rails, and pickets for your fence.
4Build and brace the gate
Frame the gate square, then run a diagonal brace in a “Z” from the bottom of the hinge side up to the top of the latch side so the gate’s weight loads the brace in compression — the single trick that keeps a gate from sagging.
5Stain or seal the wood
Let pressure-treated wood dry out, then apply a stain or sealer on a dry, mild day to protect against UV and water. The calculator sizes your stain and cleaner for the fence area.