Table of Contents
How far apart should post and rail fencing be?
The structure of post and rail fencing is the same for all types of timber, unless otherwise stated, all posts should be set at 1.8m centres, rail spacing will vary depending on the number of rails used. All nails to be 100mm x 4mm and galvanised.
How do you attach fence rails to posts?
Lay your rails out three per bay for six foot fencing and two per bay for four foot fencing. Mark your post with a crayon at top of rail for each rail. With your posts set at 7′ 10” center to center, start railing your fence at one end of the project, setting the first rail flush to the edge of the post.
How do you make a simple rail fence?
Steps to Building a DIY Split Rail Fence Mark and measure your yard to ensure that your fence materials fit. Dig your post holes with your post hole auger. Fill six inches of the holes with gravel. Starting with the end posts, insert posts into the holes. Insert your rails into the holes of the posts, and voila!.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
2 feet is the minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for. To dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post’s aboveground height, is a general formula. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has.
How thick should fence rails be?
Rails are the horizontal members to which the pickets are fastened. They are commonly 2″ thick by 3″ – 4″ wide. Posts, which are partially buried underground, are the vertical structural members that support the rails and pickets of a fence.
Is it better to use screws or nails on a fence?
Nails are faster than screws to install, meaning less labor for you or your builder (which may translate into lower installation cost). However, nails are more likely than screws to grow loose over time. Screws, on the other hand, secure the fence better than nails.
What size are fence rails?
The most common size for rails is 2” x 3” or 2” x 4”. Maximum post spacing is 8′ between posts; thus, a 2″ x 4″ x 8′ rail would be used. If you are doing an 8′ tall fence, we recommend using a 2″ x 4″ x 12′ rail and setting your posts on 6′ centers. This is the foundation of the fence.
What type of wood is used for fence rails?
Redwood performs well for fence rails. Redwood doesn’t shrink or warp and requires minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for a boundary fence that will receive little attention.
Do you need to cement split rail fence posts?
No, the hole should be filled only with the dirt that came out of the hole and tamped back in . Concrete is bad for the wood (erodes it), and gravel simply creates a porous pocket where water can collect. Well tamped soil is very stable and waterproof. Some people use concrete for gate posts for additional stability.
Can you put dry concrete in a post hole?
Fast-setting concrete is ideal for setting posts because there’s no mixing—you simply pour the dry concrete from the bag right into the hole, then add water.
How many bags of concrete do you need for a fence post?
1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what’s needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post’s hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.
How big of a hole do I need for a 4×4 post?
The diameter of your post hole should be three times the diameter of your post. So, if you’re planning on using a four-inch round or 4×4-inch square post, your post hole will need to be 12 inches in diameter. For a six-foot-high fence post, we would need a hole that’s 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.
Can fence posts be 10 feet apart?
Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circumstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet. Once you have a rough idea of your post layout start by digging your first hole.
Should I use pressure treated wood for fence rails?
When used for fencing, it must be pressure-treated to stand up to decay and the elements. It resists shrinkage, but it can still warp, crack, or twist. When properly treated, it can last a lifetime, even if it comes in contact with wet soil.
How do you stagger fence rails?
Attach the top rail to the first post. Stretch it across the second post and then attach it to the third post over. For the second rail, start at the second post, cross the third post and attach to the fourth post. Continue staggering the rails in this fashion until all the posts are surrounded with rails.
