Putting up a Fence? 10 Things You'll Need

Whether you’re adding curb appeal to your home, preventing your dogs from running away or seeking privacy from your neighbors, installing a fence can have an array of benefits.

But, if you’re not an experienced fence installer, you might be intimidated by the process of building a house or even what supplies you need to start.

Luckily, when you break down putting up a fence into a step-by-step process, it makes it much easier to tackle your beloved weekend project, and collecting your supplies is the first step in the right direction.

Below are a list of supplies that are a surefire way to help your project run smoothly and to provide you with the beautiful fence you’ve been dreaming of.

1. Fence Permit

Before you tackle your new project of putting up a fence, it’s important to ensure you have the proper permission to do so. Make sure to do some research, check city and country codes and then request a fence permit if you live in an area that requires one.

2. Stakes

Once you have your permit and your property lines, it’s time to start the building process. Place a stake in the ground at each corner that your fence will be to ensure you build on your property lines and create a guide for the actual fence. Don’t forget extra stakes to mark your posts.

3. String

Now that your stakes are all set up, it’s time to wrap some string around the stakes and run it along the property line. This will allow you to perfectly line up your fence posts once you start the installation process.

4. Square Level

Before you move on, use a square level to make sure each corner of your fence is exactly a 90-degree angle. You may have to re-adjust your strings and stakes a few times, but it’s important that your corners are perfectly measured.

5. Post Hole Digger

Use a post hole digger to easily dig in holes where you placed the stakes for your fence posts. It’s important to dig holes that are half as deep as the fence post is tall and three times as wide.

6. Gravel

Once you place your posts in the ground, you’ll use gravel to fill in the rest of the hole. Make sure your posts are leveled vertically and at the proper 90-degree angle before moving on to the next step- because no one wants a lopsided fence, right?

7. Cement

While you hold your post in place, you’ll need to pour concrete into the hole until it’s two-thirds of the way full, and then make sure to follow the directions for the correct amount of time for drying and curing. Use dirt to top off the rest of the hole.

8. Wood for Rails

You’ll also need to attach horizontal rails between your posts to act as support bars and so you have a secured place to attach your pickets. Depending on how tall your fence is, you’ll need two to three rails between each post.

9. Drill

You can’t forget your drill! This item is necessary for obvious reasons such as attaching the panels, rails and pickets to form one uniform fence. And, of course, you’ll need decking screws or galvanized nails as well.

10. Treatment

If you’re installing a wood fence, you’ll need to treat the wood in order to improve the longevity of your new fence. There are a variety of treatments you can use that include a stain, an enamel paint or even just a weather-proof finish to keep that rustic vibe of fresh wood.