Build a Picket Fence

* Note: These instructions are for a fence that lines the perimeter between a curved driveway and flower garden.

Materials:

pressure-treated 4x4 posts
tape measure
pencil
post-hole digger
crushed stone or gravel
circular saw
quick-setting concrete
water
4-foot level
pre-cut pickets
2x4 rails
drill
2-1/2 inch galvanized screws (have plenty on hand)
hinges
ratchet
cane bolt and gate latch hardware

Steps:

2. Dig your post holes (figure B). The size of the holes you'll dig are determined by the height and weight of the fence and the depth of the frost line in your area. Basically the holes should be about two to three times the width of your post and set deeper than the frost line to prevent "heaving."

3. Once your holes are dug, pour a two-inch bed of crushed gravel into each hole. This will help drainage. Next, cut the posts to length and begin placing them in the holes. Using the post, tamp the gravel down and begin adding quick-setting concrete and water around the post (figure C).

7. Next, you'll need a frame for the gate; in this case, it is a double gate. Cut 2x4s to length and temporarily screw them into place between two posts. Attach uprights for the frame, then diagonal cross-braces to form the gate frame (figure H).

8. Attach the pickets to the gate frame next. Attach sturdy metal hinges to the frame from each opposite 4x4 post (figure I) with the lag screws provided by the hinge manufacturer. Once all four hinges are in place, attach a cane bolt to keep one end of the frame in place (figure J).