Install a residential fence from property survey and material selection through post setting, panel installation, and gate hardware for security and privacy.
Last updated:
0 of 23 completed0%
Copied!
Planning and Legalities
Confirm your exact property lines
Hire a licensed surveyor ($300-$600) or locate your existing survey plat. Building a fence even 6 inches over the property line can result in a legal order to remove it. Never rely on assumptions about where your property ends.
Check HOA rules and local fence codes
Most residential codes cap front yard fences at 4 feet and backyard fences at 6 feet. Some HOAs restrict material types and colors. Violating these rules means tearing down the fence at your expense.
Talk to neighbors whose property borders the fence
Many jurisdictions require the finished side (flat side) to face outward toward the neighbor. Some neighbors will split the cost 50/50. A quick conversation avoids disputes and potential legal issues later.
Pull a fence permit if required
Fence permits cost $50-$200 in most areas. Some jurisdictions don't require them for fences under 6 feet. Call your building department to confirm. Permit approval typically takes 3-10 business days.
Call 811 to mark underground utilities
Post holes are typically 24-36 inches deep — deep enough to hit buried gas, water, or cable lines. The 811 service is free and marks are placed within 2-3 business days. Never skip this step.
Material Selection and Ordering
Choose fence material based on budget and purpose
Pressure-treated wood costs $12-$25 per linear foot installed. Cedar runs $15-$30. Vinyl costs $20-$40 but requires zero maintenance. A 150-linear-foot wood privacy fence costs $1,800-$3,750 in materials.
Calculate total linear footage and post count
Space posts every 8 feet for wood fences and 6-8 feet for vinyl. A 150-foot fence needs 19-20 posts at 8-foot spacing. Add 1 extra post for each gate opening and 1 for each corner.
Select gate size, style, and hardware
Standard walk gates are 36-42 inches wide. Double drive gates for vehicles are 10-12 feet wide. Use self-closing hinges ($15-$25/pair) and a gravity latch ($10-$20) for gates near pools — most codes require them.
Order materials with 10% extra for waste and cuts
Lumber prices fluctuate seasonally — spring and summer are peak pricing. Order 4-6 weeks before your planned install date. Schedule delivery close to your start date so materials don't sit exposed to weather.
Post Installation
Mark post locations with stakes and string
Run a string line between corner stakes and mark each post position. Check that corners are square using the 3-4-5 triangle method: measure 3 feet on one side, 4 feet on the other, and the diagonal should be exactly 5 feet.
Dig post holes to the correct depth
Dig holes 1/3 the total post length plus 6 inches for gravel drainage. A 6-foot fence with 8-foot posts needs holes 30-36 inches deep. Rent a two-person auger ($50-$75/day) to dig 20+ holes in a few hours instead of all day with a manual digger.
Set corner and end posts first
Place 4-6 inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole for drainage. Set the post, brace it plumb in both directions with 2x4 stakes, and pour concrete. Each post uses 1-2 bags of fast-setting concrete ($5-$7 per bag).
Set remaining line posts using string as a guide
Run a string line between the tops of corner posts to align the line posts. Check each post with a level before the concrete sets. Fast-setting concrete firms up in 20-40 minutes but needs 24-48 hours for full cure.
Let concrete cure before attaching rails
Wait a minimum of 24 hours for fast-setting concrete, 48 hours for standard mix. Attaching rails to uncured posts can shift them out of plumb. Use this cure time to pre-cut rails and pickets.
Rails and Panels
Attach horizontal rails between posts
Use 2x4 rails for 6-foot fences — one at 8 inches from the bottom and one at 8 inches from the top. A third middle rail adds strength on tall fences. Toe-nail or use rail brackets ($2-$3 each) for secure attachment.
Install fence pickets or panels
Pre-built 8-foot panels ($50-$100 each) save time but don't follow uneven ground well. Individual pickets ($2-$4 each) allow you to step the fence with the terrain. Use 2 screws per rail per picket for 6 total fasteners.
Maintain consistent picket spacing and height
For privacy fences, overlap pickets by 1/2 inch or butt them tightly. For semi-private, space pickets 1-2 inches apart. Keep the bottom of pickets 2-3 inches above ground level to prevent rot from soil contact.
Cut and trim the top for a level or contoured finish
For a level top on uneven ground, snap a chalk line at the desired height and cut along it. For a contoured (rack or step) top, each panel follows the terrain. A level top looks cleaner; a contoured top has no gaps at the bottom.
Gate and Finishing
Build or install the gate frame
A gate frame needs a diagonal cross-brace from the bottom hinge corner to the top latch corner to prevent sagging. Without this brace, gates sag within 6-12 months. Use a metal anti-sag gate kit ($15-$25) for extra support.
Mount hinges and hang the gate
Use 3 heavy-duty hinges ($8-$15 each) for gates over 4 feet tall. Leave 1/2-inch clearance on each side for swinging. Shim the gate in position before drilling hinge holes to get the alignment right the first time.
Install latch and any lock hardware
A standard thumb latch costs $10-$20. For added security, add a padlock hasp or keyed lock ($20-$40). Test the latch from both sides before finishing. Self-closing gate hardware is required by code near swimming pools.
Apply stain, sealant, or paint to the entire fence
Stain within 4-8 weeks of installation for best absorption. One gallon of fence stain covers 100-200 sq ft. A 150-foot, 6-foot-tall fence has about 900 sq ft of surface to cover both sides. Use a pump sprayer and back-brush for even coverage.
Clean up and schedule final inspection if required
Backfill around all posts with dirt and tamp firmly. Remove all string lines, braces, and debris. Some jurisdictions require a final fence inspection — check with your permit office. Keep your permit records for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a fence per foot?
Wood privacy fences cost $15-$35 per linear foot installed, vinyl runs $25-$50, chain-link is $10-$20, and aluminum/wrought iron costs $30-$75. A standard 150-linear-foot backyard fence typically totals $2,500-$8,000 depending on material and terrain. Gates add $200-$600 each, and removing an old fence adds $3-$5 per foot.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 4 feet tall in front yards and over 6 feet in backyards. Permit fees range from $20-$400 depending on your city. Some HOAs have additional restrictions on materials, colors, and heights. Call your local building department before starting, as unpermitted fences can result in fines of $100-$1,000 and mandatory removal.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Fence posts should be buried one-third of their total length, so a 6-foot fence needs posts set 2 feet deep in concrete footings. In areas with frost, dig below the frost line, which ranges from 12 inches in the South to 48+ inches in northern states. Each post hole should be 3 times the post width (roughly 12 inches for a 4x4 post) and filled with fast-setting concrete.
How long does a wood fence last compared to vinyl?
Pressure-treated wood fences last 15-20 years with regular staining every 2-3 years, while cedar fences last 20-25 years. Vinyl fences last 30-50 years with almost no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. Over 30 years, vinyl is often cheaper due to zero maintenance costs, even though the upfront price is 40-60% higher than wood.
How close to my property line can I build a fence?
Most building codes require fences to be set 2-8 inches inside your property line, though some jurisdictions allow building directly on the line. Building on or past your neighbor's property creates legal liability and potential forced removal. Get a professional survey ($300-$800) before installation if property boundaries are unclear, as disputes after construction are far more expensive to resolve.