What You Need to Know about Setting up a Fence Properly

Before you consider setting up a wooden fence on your property pay close attention to how you install the fence posts, so that the entire structure is as stable as possible. How do you ensure this is done properly, by selecting the right type of equipment?  

Choose the Right Type of Wood

When you're looking at wooden posts, ask a specialist to make sure that the wood is pressure treated and the correct type of product for your purpose. Fence posts that are made for the purpose are calibrated according to whether or not they will come into contact with the ground as they have to be able to withstand water infiltration and rotting.

Preparatory Work

You will need to measure the distance between your posts carefully and evenly, marking the location for each one as you go.

In order to dig the right type of hole for your posts, you will need a clamshell digger. It's also a good idea to have a metal bar so that you can remove any large rocks or stones that may be in your way as you work. Make your holes a little bit wider if you're planning to set your post in concrete. If instability is not so much of an issue for you, then you can use gravel as the base instead.

Lining It up

After you have finished setting up all your holes, you will need the assistance of a helper in order to make sure that your posts are stable. When someone holds the post in its proper position several small pieces of wood should be attached toward the bottom with nails and set at right angles to the ground. Then, when the post is inserted these additional pieces of wood will help keep it stable and in place.

Each post should be treated similarly before you consider adding the footings, to make sure that everything lines up properly. Run a long piece of string between your posts and have somebody look at this from a distance, just to make sure that everything is in line. 

Setting the Base

Once you're happy with all of this, you can add gravel or concrete into each hole. In all cases, whether you use gravel or concrete, you should ensure that the footing completely surrounds the fence post, so the soil does not come into direct contact with the wood. This will help reduce the potential for rotting and boost longevity.