Fence Preparation

• 1). Measure the area in which you are putting the fence. Draw a diagram on a piece of paper and note each side. Measure the length of each preassembled fence panel, and write it down on paper. Mark down where the posts will go; each post is 4 inches by 4 inches and for securing the fence to the post, you have to allow each end of the preassembled panel to overlap by 2 inches. Go back to the diagram and see how many panels can be put on each side. Mark each one on the diagram. Try to use as many full panels as you can, but you may have to trim panels to fit in an area. Note that the panels can be heavy, and you may need someone to help you lift them.
  
  
• 2). Place the wooden spikes in the ground, according to your diagram, using the mallet. Use your string and attach it from spike to spike by twisting it around the top of the spike. Mark the ground under the string with the chalk spray. Mark where each post will go. Pull up the spikes and string. This will give you a visual of where the fence and posts will be.
  
  
• 3). Dig the holes for the posts with the post hole digger. You should dig down 1/3 of the length of the post. This will give you stability.
  
  
• 4). Put a layer of crushed stone on the bottom of the hole (this will allow water to go into the ground, rather than rot the bottom of the wood.) Put a post into the hole. Take a spike and put into ground. Attach one end of a piece of scrap wood to the post with nails, and the other end to the spike (also with a nail). Make sure to nail the wood just enough to hold the post up. Put cement into the hole around the post. (Follow the manufacturer's directions. The best cement to use is quick-set). Put the post level on top of the post and adjust the post so it is level. Hold up a preassembled panel and go from post to post ensure they are the proper distance from each other, and that the posts are facing the correct way (if the posts are crooked, the fence panel will not be flush).
  
  
• 5). Remove the scrap wood and spikes from the posts when the cement is dry. Take your first fence panel and put it from the first post to the second. It should overlap the second post by 2 inches. Use your level to make sure the fence panel is level. Using your drill with a Philips bit, secure the panel to the posts with screws. Continue with the rest of the fence, until complete. Use a circular saw to cut the panel if need be.