Materials for Building Fences and Gates

Basic materials for constructing a wood fence include (A) pressure-treated 4×4s for posts; a stamp indicates that they are suitable for ground burial. Protect the tops of posts from exposure to water with (B) post caps . (C) Prefab fencing panels go up quickly and come in a variety of styles. If you want to build a fence from scratch, nail (D) pressure-treated 2×4 rails to the posts to build a frame for the fencing. Fence boards made from (E) 1×6s apply to fencing styles such as the alternate board, louver, or basket weave. You can also make your own pickets by cutting shapes from (F) 1×4s. (G) Cedar and (H) redwood fence boards resist rot naturally and are virtually maintenance-free. (I) Wire fencing is yet another option. Build a rustic fence without the old-time work, using (J) precut mortised posts and rails, or nail rails to a 6-inch post.

Vinyl fences come with ready-to-assemble (A) balustrades, (B) posts , (C) top rails, (D) bottom rails, (E) fence boards, and (F) post caps. Many local home improvement centers offer pre-assembled fence panels of both wood and vinyl, which speed installation time.

Mix (A) concrete and put it in end, corner, and gatepost holes to anchor the posts in the ground. (You can also purchase ready-mix concrete for this purpose, or hire a concrete vendor to drive a pump truck to your home and pump it in the holes.) Put (B) gravel underneath the other posts to help drain away water.

A chain link fence is easy to put up -- don’t be scared off by its large number of parts. For the basic frame, you’ll need (A) 2-1/2" diameter end posts and caps, (B) 1-5/8" diameter line posts and caps , and (C) 1-3/8" diameter rails and caps. Attach rail caps to posts with (D) brace bands. Assemble a gate with (E) top, bottom, and side rails or buy all the parts together in a kit. Install (F) chain link fencing with (G) tension bands, (H) tension bars, (I) tension wires, (J) tie wires, and (K) hog rings.

Choose fasteners and hardware suited to the type of fence and gate you’re building. Fit rails edge up between posts with (A) hangers and galvanized hanger nails. Fasten fence boards with (B) deck screws or (C) galvanized nails. Attach wire fencing to wood posts and rails with (D) staples. Hang a gate with (E) self-closing butt hinges, (F) strap hinges, (G) T hinges, or (H) lag-and-strap hinges. (I) Strike latches can be used to fasten the door shut when not in use. Other types of latches include (J) a drop latch, (K) a slide-bolt latch, (L) a thumb latch, and (M) a hasp latch. For a double gate, install (N) a barrel bolt. (O) A spring closure swings a gate shut automatically. Correct a sagging gate with a turnbuckle-style (P) anti-sag kit.