String Line Fence Post

For me building a fence starts with getting posts plumb and in a laser straight line.

String line fence post.

The outside edge of the stake should just touch the line. In other words the string will run where the fabric or wood pickets will be located. I like to use fast setting concrete for these posts. Using your string line you will run the string on the outside of the soon to be installed fence.

Hammer your stakes in clear of your post holes so that the stakes are not disturbed during digging. At this point you pull the string to where you are placing the opposite end post. Use a string line level or bench level to make sure the line is level then check to see that. How do you know you are parallel with the property line is the fence actually on the property line.

Considering this your corner posts should be longer and if possible larger than your line posts. The following formula will help you compute the number of fence posts you need. To ensure the posts are even in height run a tight string line between corner posts and end posts. Pulling a string it s really called mason s line tight between two points is the best way to build a fence straight and true.

Stretch mason string between the centers of all the batter boards to delineate the perimeter of the fence. Corner posts should be buried deeper to the ground at least 2 3 of the entire length of the post compared to your line posts at least 2 feet. Mark the positions of the line posts and dig a hole for each one directly under the string. Well this is where you have to sort of take a guess or at least i did.

Measure the positions of the posts with a tape measure and drive a stake at each point. This can easily throw your fence line out of alignment.