How to Construct a Small Wooden Garden Fence
- 1). Place the initial stake. Hammer one 2x4 section into the ground so that one end is facing the sky. This will be your starting point for two sides of the fence. Make sure this stake is squared off with the corner of your garden area.
- 2). Measure out post positions. Hook the measuring tape to the edge of the stake. Walk backward until you reach four feet on the measuring tape. Place a marker at that point. This is the second pole of that side of the fence. Walk back to the stake and hook the measuring tape to the side on the left or right of where you just were depending on which way you want to go. Walk backward four feet on the measuring tape again. Place a marker at that point. You now have the location for two sides of your wooden garden fence.
- 3). Square off your fence line. Place a 2x4 stake at each end point where your measurement stopped. Make sure these stakes look square with the original stake. You will be using these new stakes to measure the remaining sections of the fence. Repeat the first half of the preceding step with the two new stakes. If done correctly, both measurements should help form the fourth corner of your small wooden garden fence. Measure back one foot along one of the sides and place a stake; this will become your entrance.
- 4). Dig the post holes. Using the post hole digger, dig a hole at each corner of where the fence will be. Each hole needs to be two feet deep. This will allow the fence post to remain stable and not be affected by the ground around it freezing and thawing over time. Make sure the post holes are large enough to fit a 4x4 beam into them by testing each with a post.
- 5). Plant the posts. Place an inch of gravel at the bottom of the hole. This will do three things: keep the post from shifting, keep boring insects from attacking the bottom of the post, and keep moisture from seeping into the post bottom, which causes rotting. Place a post into the hole. Fill around the post with gravel and dirt until the hole is filled. Hold the post while doing this to keep it stationary or have someone hold the post while you fill the hole. Pack the hole tight to avoid movement. Repeat this step with each post and hole.
- 6). Attach the cross beams. Place the first 2x4 along the outer sides between two posts. Make sure the board is even with the outer edge of the post. Nail in place with a hammer and nails. Repeat this step twice more on the same side to create three cross beams. Repeat the entire step for each side of the garden.
- 7). Paint the fence. Coat the fence with protective varnish, wood seal or paint to keep it looking good and keep the wood from rotting or being invaded by insects. Use a two-inch brush for speed and complete coating.
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