How To Build Fences With Pressure Treated Lumber

Wooden fencing is popular, effective and attractive. Pressure treated lumber lasts longer than untreated wood and can provide safe containment for the most expensive horses or livestock for many years. Wooden fencing is also fairly simple to erect, making it a great choice for the do-it-yourselfer.

Things You'll Need

  • Posts
  • Boards (no longer than 12 feet)
  • Screwing nails or screws
  • Hammer or cordless drill
  • Hydraulic post driver
  • Chainsaw
  • Tarp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark your posts so you know how far to drive them into the ground. The posts should go in at least 18 inches. If your fence is over 42 inches high, you should drive in 2 feet of post. Create points on the bottom of the posts with a chainsaw so they are easier to drive into the ground.

    • 2

      Measure your boards. Use that measurement to determine how far apart your posts will be spaced. Drive your first post into the ground using a hydraulic post driver. Using your board measurement, measure from center of the first post to the spot where the center of the next post will be. Mark that spot, and follow the same procedure to mark the spots for the remaining posts. Remember, it is easier to cut a board than drive to the store to buy longer ones, so if in doubt, keep the posts a little too close together. Drive the remaining posts into the ground. If the post leans, it will prevent your boards from fitting nicely, so use a level to be certain the posts are straight.

    • 3

      Nail or screw the boards to the posts. Use screwing nails (they have a slight twist like a screw does) instead of straight ones because they will hold much better. Align the boards from the center of one post to the center of the next. You may have to cut a few boards if your posts are not placed exactly right. (A circular saw makes nicer cuts, but when you are 40 acres from the nearest outlet, you may find a chainsaw gets the job done.)

      Start with the top board and align it with the top of the post. Keep no more than 18 inches between boards so animals can't put their heads through.

    • 4

      Paint or stain your fence. Oil and latex products can be used on pressure treated wood, but you should wait at least one month before painting or staining as fresh pressure treated lumber contains a great deal of moisture. Only use product that is recommended for use with pressure treated lumber. This step is optional, but a painted fence will last longer, be less enticing for animals to chew on, and will prevent your fence from looking green as treated lumber often does.