How to Build a White Picket Fence
Building a picket fence can be easy with the right tools and information.
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You Will Need
- Stakes
- String
- Shovel
- Fence posts
- Gravel
- Plumb bob
- Concrete mix
- Wood for the rails
- Pickets
- Paint or stain
- Fasteners
- Pencil or tape
- Hammer and nails
Steps
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Step 1
Lay out your posts and rails
Decide where the end, corner, line, and gate posts will be located and place a stake in the ground at each of these points. Attach a line of string between each of these stakes.
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Check all building codes, ordinances, and property lines to make sure your fence is legal and on your property.
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Step 2
Dig the post holes
Dig post holes in each of the staked spots about 2 feet deep. Make sure the holes are larger than the posts to allow for adjustment.
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Step 3
Put in your posts
Install your end posts first, and then install line posts every 6 to 8 feet. Put about 2 inches of gravel in the bottom of the post holes, make sure they're plumb, and then set your end and corner posts in concrete.
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Line posts can be set in dirt unless you expect heavy use on the fence, but use gravel at the bottom.
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Step 4
Cut the rails and measure the pickets
Cut the rails to the length between the posts and determine how many pickets you will need.
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You can buy pre-made pickets at most hardware or lumber stores.
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Step 5
Stain or paint the rails and pickets
Stain or paint the rails and pickets.
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Step 6
Hang the rails
Hang your rails with weatherproof fasteners. Put the bottom rail about 6 inches from the bottom and the top rail a couple inches below the top of the posts.
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Step 7
Arrange the pickets
Measure where each picket should go and mark the spot lightly with a pencil or tape. Then nail the pickets to the rails and posts.
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In Seaside, Florida, picket fences are required for all houses.
