How to Build a Stockade Fence

Looking for privacy from a busy street or noisy neighbor? A stockade fence is a good choice because it's easy to install and provides a nice backdrop for your plantings. Learn how with these steps to build a stockade fence and the tools and material you need.

Before You Begin

Check with your utility company for the location of underground water and power lines. If you are installing the fence along your property line carefully check you survey. Obtain the necessary building permits from your local authorities.

Step 1 : Lay out the fence

Decide where to put the gates and stake out the fence line. Space and mark the post holes using a template to ensure proper spacing, dig the holes; being certain to allow for the gate. All posts should be installed with bottom rails in place before installing sections. The spacing between the surfaces of the posts must be 84 3/8-in., measured with the template near the bottom rail.
Step 2 : Set end posts

Insert the end/gate post in the first hole and steady it with dirt or gravel, then square and level it. Insert the bottom rail into an end post, then insert lock rings into the bottom rail, depress the tabs, and insert the rail in the post. The ring will hold the rail in place. All the end posts will be reinforced with 1/2-in. rebar and filled with concrete, so the ends of the rails must be taped before inserting them into the end post.

Insert the second post in the hole, square and level it, and insert the other end of the bottom rail. Square the posts and level the bottom rail, leaving exactly 84 3/8-in. between the facing surfaces of the posts. If the fence section is running on an incline, make sure 84 3/8-in. is measured with the template. Tape the ends of the rails that will fit into the end posts which are filled with concrete.

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