Instructions / Assembly

Wood Fence Kits
Installation Instructions
Choose Your Fence Style
Create your preferred look:
• Solid Allows for complete privacy. Used to surround
swimming pools, define property lines or cover
unattractive areas.
• Spaced Picket Ideal for defining boundaries
while maintain decorative appeal.
Items needed
Tools Materials
Power Saw String
Hammer Grade Stakes
Level Concrete and Gravel
Posthole Digger Fence Panel Kit
Power Drill Fence Posts
Tape Measure 2x4 Bracing Posts
Carpenter Pencil Nails or Screws*
* Suggested fasteners are hot-dip galvanized screws or other fasteners
manufactured for use with treated wood as required by building code
Preparation
Check with local ordinances and regulations before building fences in your area. Before
construction, contact your local utility companies to mark any underground cables and
pipelines. In addition, it’s a good idea to discuss plans with any neighbors along your
proposed fence line.
Design and Layout
•Determinethenumberofposts,panelsandgatesneededtocompletethejobbased
on total linear footage. Take into consideration each post, panel and gate width when
determining the total number (one post per kit plus one to finish the run).
•Adjustlayouttoaccommodateasmanyfullpanelsaspossible.Ifyoumustusepartial
panel, place it in the farthest rear corner of the property.
•Locatepropertyboundariesanddrivestakesintothegroundatcornersandendsoffence
line, 6" inside property boundary.
•Stretchtwineorheavystringbetweenstakesandpulltightlytomarklayoutoffenceline.
•Besuretomeasureyourfencepanelsandgatespriortolocatingthepostholes.Also,take
into consideration your chosen method of attaching the backer rails to posts (see Connecting
Backer Rails to Posts section). Locate post placement in the following order along string line:
1 End/corner posts
2 Gate Posts
3 Line Posts
Installing Fence on Sloped Landscapes
Fences are installed on slopes using one of two methods (see Figure 1). Preassembled
panels can only be installed using the step method. The fence gradually steps up the slope
with the rails level, rather than parallel to the slope. With loose components, you have the
option to use the parallel method. The rails are installed based on the degree of the slope.
Since this method requires at the fence be constructed to conform to the slope, it cannot be
accomplished using preassembled fence panels.
Digging Postholes
A general rule of thumb is to place 1/3 of the length of the post into the ground. The fence
will be stronger if end, corner and gate posts are set at least 6" deeper. Using a posthole
digger or power auger, dig the holes 10-12" wide and 6" deeper than needed. Backfill the
hole with 6" of gravel to drain water away from the bottom of the post (see Figure 2). Keep
the height of your fence panels in mind when digging your postholes.
Setting Posts
Install end and corner posts first. Tie a string between the posts along the fence line. This
establishes a reference, ensuring the posts are in line (see Figure 3).
Figure 1 Step Method
Figure 1 Parallel Method
Figure 2
Cement
6" Gravel
10" - 12"