Installing a Privacy Fence

Privacy Fence Overview

A privacy fence looks simple from the street. The hard part is keeping the posts straight and the lines even. Start with the layout, then build from post to final picket.

Project difficulty: Intermediate Time required: 2-3 days for 100 linear feet Helpers needed: 1-2 people

Tools and Materials

Tools Needed

Essential:

• Post hole digger or power auger
• 4-foot level
• String line and stakes
• Tape measure (25-foot minimum)
• Circular saw or miter saw
• Drill/driver with bits
• Hammer
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Safety glasses and gloves

Helpful:

• Laser level
• Post level (attaches to post)
• Speed square
• Clamps
• Sawhorses

Materials Checklist

Item	Quantity Guide
4×4 posts (8 ft)	1 per 8 feet + ends/corners
2×4 rails	2 per section (top and bottom)
Fence pickets	18-20 per 8-foot section (for 6” boards)
Fast-setting concrete	1-2 bags per post
Galvanized screws	3” for rails, 2” for pickets
Gravel	50 lbs per post
Post caps (optional)	1 per post

Use our Fencing Calculator for exact quantities.

Step 1: Layout and String Lines

Mark the Corners

1. Drive stakes at each corner location
2. Position stakes 6 inches outside actual fence line
3. Pull string tightly between stakes
4. Verify corners are square (3-4-5 method)

The 3-4-5 Method for Square Corners

1. Measure 3 feet along one string from corner
2. Measure 4 feet along the other string
3. Diagonal between marks should be exactly 5 feet
4. Adjust until perfect

Mark Post Locations

1. Starting at a corner, measure along string
2. Mark every 8 feet (or your chosen spacing)
3. Use spray paint or stakes to mark center of each post
4. Double-check measurements before digging

Step 2: Dig Post Holes

Hole Specifications

• Depth: 1/3 of post length (24” for 6-foot above-ground)
• Diameter: 10-12 inches (3× post width)
• Add to depth: 4 inches for gravel base

Digging Methods

Manual post hole digger:

• Position handles over mark
• Plunge blades into soil
• Spread handles to grab soil
• Lift and remove
• Repeat until depth reached

Power auger:

• Position over mark
• Start slow, let auger dig
• Clear soil every 6 inches
• Check for utilities while digging

Pro tip: Dig all holes before setting any posts. This ensures consistent spacing and saves time.

Dealing with Obstacles

Rocks: Use digging bar to break or pry out

Roots: Cut with root saw or axe

Utilities: If hit, stop immediately and call utility company

Step 3: Set Corner and End Posts

Why Corners First?

Corner and end posts become your reference points. Get these perfect, and the rest of the fence follows.

Setting Process

1. Add drainage gravel: 4 inches in bottom, tamp firm

2. Position post: Set in hole, centered

3. Check height: Top should be at finish height (usually 6 feet above ground for privacy fence)

4. Check plumb: Level on two adjacent faces—not opposite faces

5. Brace temporarily: Use 2×4 stakes angled to post, screwed in place

6. Mix concrete: Follow package directions in wheelbarrow

7. Fill hole: Pour around post, not on post. Leave 4 inches from surface.

8. Re-check plumb: Adjust while concrete is wet

9. Tamp concrete: Use stick to remove air pockets

10. Crown the top: Slope concrete away from post for drainage

11. Let cure: Minimum 24 hours before removing braces

Step 4: Run String Lines

After Corner Posts Set

1. Run string from corner to corner at top of posts
2. Run second string at bottom rail height (8-12 inches from ground)
3. Pull very tight—sag causes crooked fences
4. Verify strings are level (within reason for sloped ground)

For Sloped Ground

Stepped fence: Posts level, panels step down with grade

• Better for steep slopes
• More material at transitions
• More formal appearance

Racked fence: Panels follow ground slope

• Works for gentle slopes (less than 1 inch per foot)
• Continuous appearance
• Requires angled cuts

Step 5: Set Line Posts

Process for Each Post

1. Position post in hole against string line
2. Adjust height to match string
3. Check plumb on two faces
4. Brace and fill with concrete
5. Verify alignment with string before concrete sets
6. Move to next post

Maintaining Alignment

• Check every post against string before concrete sets
• Minor adjustments possible for 15-20 minutes
• Work efficiently but don’t rush

Step 6: Install Rails

Wait for Concrete

Allow concrete to cure minimum 24-48 hours before attaching rails.

Top Rail Installation

1. Measure between posts: Each bay may vary slightly
2. Cut rail to fit: Should be snug but not forced
3. Position rail: Top edge 7-8 inches from post top
4. Check level: Adjust as needed
5. Attach: Two 3-inch screws per end, toe-screwed

Bottom Rail Installation

1. Measure and cut: Same as top rail
2. Position: 4-8 inches from ground level
3. Check level and parallel to top rail
4. Attach: Two screws per end

Rail Options

Flat rail (2×4 on edge):

• Standard method
• Easy to attach pickets
• May hold water on top

Rail on flat (2×4 flat):

• Stronger for long spans
• Sheds water better
• Harder to attach pickets

Middle rail:

• Add for 8-foot tall fences
• Reduces picket warping
• Position at center height

Step 7: Attach Pickets

Starting Point

Begin at corner or end post where alignment matters most.

First Picket Placement

1. Position against post, flush with top rail
2. Check plumb with level
3. This picket sets the pattern—be precise
4. Attach with two screws at each rail (4 total per picket)

Subsequent Pickets

For solid privacy fence:

• Place pickets touching (no gap)
• Check plumb every 5-6 pickets
• Adjust spacing slightly if needed to end evenly

For shadow box or spaced:

• Use spacer block for consistent gaps
• 1-2 inch gaps common for shadow box

Attachment Methods

Screws (recommended):

• Use 2-inch exterior screws
• Predrill to prevent splitting
• Two screws per rail (4-6 per picket)
• Use corrosion-resistant (ceramic coated or stainless)

Nails:

• Ring-shank or spiral for holding power
• Two per rail location
• Faster but less holding power

Picket Height Options

Flush with top rail: Classic look, rail visible

Above top rail: Hides rail, dog-ear design common

Below top rail: Rail caps possible

Step 8: Install Post Caps

Purpose

• Protect end grain from water
• Decorative element
• Extends post life

Installation

1. Apply construction adhesive to cap bottom
2. Center on post top
3. Press firmly
4. Nail or screw if needed (some caps have attachments)

Step 9: Gate Installation

Gate Opening

Calculate width:

• Desired opening + 3-4 inches for hardware
• Example: 4-foot opening = 3’8” to 3’9” gate

Building the Gate

1. Build frame: Use 2×4s, same as fence rails
2. Add diagonal brace: Corner to corner, bottom hinge side to top latch side
3. Attach pickets: Same as fence
4. Hang gate:
   • Heavy-duty hinges at top and bottom
   • Shim gate in opening for even gaps
   • Attach hinges to post
   • Test swing before tightening

Gate Hardware

Required:

• Heavy-duty hinges (strap or T-hinges)
• Latch (gravity or thumb)
• Cane bolt for double gates

Optional:

• Self-closing hinges
• Lock
• Gate wheel (for large gates)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Problem	Prevention
Posts not plumb	Crooked fence	Check two faces with level
Inconsistent post height	Wavy top line	Use string line
Posts too shallow	Leaning fence	1/3 length underground
No concrete crown	Post rot	Slope concrete away from post
Rails not level	Crooked pickets	Check every section
Wrong screw size	Split wood	Use correct length, predrill

Finishing Touches

Staining or Painting

• Wait 2-4 weeks for pressure-treated wood to dry
• Apply stain or paint for weather protection
• Reapply every 2-3 years

Maintenance

• Annual inspection for loose boards
• Tighten hardware as needed
• Replace damaged pickets promptly
• Keep soil away from base of posts

Cost Summary

Materials (per 100 linear feet)

Item	Cost Range
Posts (13 × $15-25)	$195-325
Rails (26 × $8-12)	$208-312
Pickets (250 × $3-5)	$750-1,250
Concrete (20 bags × $5)	$100
Hardware	$50-100
Total materials	$1,300-2,100

Add professional labor: $1,500-3,000 for 100 ft

Calculate Your Fence Materials

Need exact fence numbers? Use our Fencing Calculator.

---

Pro Tip: Build one section at a time. That helps you catch mistakes before they repeat down the whole line.