How to Build a Wood Fence

Everything you need to know about building a wood fence. Our video shows you how to add privacy and improve security with a DIY wood privacy fence. Click here for project details: low.es/2g0AysF
STEPS:
00:10 Check local codes and utilities
00:26 Fence design planning
00:46 Batter board layout
03:58 Dig post holes
05:23 Set posts in concrete
06:01 Install rails
11:38 Install pickets
19:48 Build and install gates
TOOLS:
Pneumatic Nailer
Portable Air Compressor and Hose
Circular Saw
Jigsaw (optional)
Post Hole Digger
Digging Bar
Auger Powerhead and Bit (optional)
Shovel
Speed Square
Tape Measure
Level
Post Level
Wheelbarrow
Ladder
MATERIALS:
4-in x 4-in Pressure Treated Posts - low.es/337KZT9
2-in x 4-in Pressure-Treated Lumber - low.es/337KZT9
1-in x 4-in Furring Strips - low.es/3cLvxQJ
Concrete Mix - low.es/3aG9BEX
Exterior Screws - low.es/3aEAqsY
Mason Line - low.es/2VYEj82
Fence Pickets (Pressure Treated or Cedar) - low.es/2wMEgBG
Fasteners for Pickets (Nails, Screws or Staples) - low.es/2vWLjaV
Gate Hardware Kit - low.es/2wJaJck
MORE INFO:
low.es/2g0AysF
Difficulty Level: Advanced. Make sure you check with local building codes. If you are not 100% confident building a chain link fence, Lowe's recommends that you hire a professional. Call 1-877-GO-LOWES or visit low.es/2CaJPcV to learn more about installation services through Lowe’s.
Subscribe to Lowe's KZbin: bit.ly/1blLmvD or head to our channel: / lowes
For more ideas to improve your home, check out Lowe's How-To Library or our other social media channels:
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Pinterest - / lowes
Instagram - / loweshomeimprovement

[@zoraimaliendo70]

Hi Megan!! I made a fence following your instructions...it looks fantastic! Thank you for the video, and keep posting stuff like this. 👏

[@joyaldridge1042]

L

[@strongholds12]

L

[@wadeel2amar]

How many days it took from you to get it done?

[@shijiechai9780]

Congratulations！！！

[@MrOrangeonion]

How much was the total costs

[@timwalsh8916]

This is an excellent tutorial. Unlike other posters here I don't have $10,000 to contract out the work and sit on my couch and watch. For my planned 400' fence as a DYI I am estimating materials cost of $1500 (and I will be happy to put in the 200 hours labor and avoid my couch!)

[@stretch5832]

Me too

[@charliesgrumma5388]

*HELPFUL HINT: Whenever you need to split a fraction of an inch keep the top number the same and double the bottom number. For example half of 1/2 is 1/4. Half of 5/8 is 5/16. Half of 3/4 is 3/8. Half of 1/8 is 1/16.*

[@edwardsmith9092]

I've been installing fence for almost 40 years this fence looks awesome love the way it flows with the ground great job

[@petestreet7535]

How many bags of cement per hole please?

[@Jo-xg6rk]

Yes Ed, iv been fencing for over a decade and she did a super job..

[@MikeHunt-dd8wn]

She didn’t even use a level once for the pickets. How could you say she did a great job?

[@Jo-xg6rk]

@@MikeHunt-dd8wn you didn't do a great job of watching vid.... 14mins ' use a level frequently'.... Dufus did u not watch or listen. .?

[@Rudy4759]

Mike Hunt If all the posts are plumb and everything that goes in between them is the same width. Then no level to plumb the pickets is needed.

[@briteness]

I have not made my fence yet, but this seems to be one of the better DIY videos out there. It really explains the process clearly. So many videos of this sort, for all kinds of different projects, gloss over significant issues. I think the idea is to make it look easy, so amateurs will spend the money for materials and do it. The people who make the videos generally do not care whether or not your project is successful, or how much more time it takes you than you thought it would. This video really gives clear answers to the many issues that people will encounter with this project. I will come back after I make my fence, and report whether or not my initial impressions were accurate. If I never come back, it will probably mean I ended up with a bunch of posts sticking out of the ground at weird angles, and had to just cut them down with the sawzall and call it a day.

[@zach4425]

Watching this makes me want to hire someone to install a fence. Thanks Lowe’s!

[@jesseramos6124]

I can dig it

[@Burroughsbikebuilds]

I’d be very thankful for the work!

[@bswam44]

At least you will have an idea of how it should be done. One big exception is that the concrete for the post should come up above the ground by 1-2 inches and slope away from the post to drain water. If you want a 50 year fence or live in an area with strong winds use 2-5/8 steel posts and galvanized brackets to attach the rail sections. Fences collapse when the post weakens with rot. If using PT posts then be sure to treat the cut ends before putting them into the ground.

[@jvicente8315]

Zach LMAO😂😂😂💯💯

[@AnaPleiades]

My thoughts exactly 😟

[@abelinolopez2585]

I love to see woman do construction clearly she knows her stuff.. Awsome job Megan keep up the good work......

[@FartsMcSniffin]

That lady is a very good teacher and carpenter. I also do not have a house or a yard but I couldn't tear myself away from watching this.

[@stkrrauch1]

no house no yard no job you must be a hillary clinton or bernie supporter

[@ModernDecay70]

Probably just the daughter of someone in management. She could barely handle the nail gun.

[@ryang5719]

100% 7:03

[@Johnnyy832]

Modern Decay doubt it, you can tell she’s taking the lead on this job. In fact there’s a couple of instances where she shows the guy how to do it.

[@JohnDoe-pb4ni]

I learned one thing I have never thought about before. As a fence contractor myself I thought I knew it all. Thanks for the vid keep making more!

[@davem9297]

Best fencing video out there by a million miles. 👍🏻

[@sudhakarpathak4468]

Megan has a thorough knowledge and professional attitude towards her job and portfolio.

[@CollegeKooking]

My wife and I are installing a fence on our property. The one thing that I LOVED about this tutorial was how it brought attention to installing fencing on a slope and adding a gate on a slop as well! Looking forward to continuing my project tomorrow keeping the information I learned from this video in mind! :)

[@lowes]

Glad it was helpful. Good luck, Jeffrey!!

[@scottandrews8528]

Best video I've found so far.

[@1millionsubswomovieschalle796]

Hottest fence builder I’ve ever seen and I’ve been fence industry for 17yrs lol

[@stephenhodge6441]

Yeah he is pretty good looking! Edit: oh you meant her.... Well this is awkward...

[@1millionsubswomovieschalle796]

Stephen Hodge whatever a holes a hole 🤣

[@curtis9651]

Getting ready to build a shadow box fence. This video answered every question I had.

[@z1522]

An old tip for using a vertical spacer board, as from 13:30, is to flip it 180 deg. top for bottom, every other board - this evens out any slight variations in thickness, warp, etc. which might accumulate into an apparent slant after six or eight slats.

[@auto-did-act]

Nice! I'll use that. :D

[@imacexpress]

BTW : you can really tell she knows her stuff and has experience actually doing the work. Refreshing!

[@davidworker4053]

This is the best privacy fence instruction video I’ve found! Great explanations and all the work is done the proper way. I’m building my privacy fence now and this video has been so helpful, thank you!

[@uftCircleGod]

This is a shadow box fence

[@williamrodriguezmswlcsw8119]

@@uftCircleGodShadow Box is a version of Privacy Fence. The name just refers to the style of alternating the pickets front and back.

[@coreymorrell6272]

I am exhausted after watching this video. Now I will hire a fence contractor and watch him work while I sit in the shade and sip on a margarita.

[@JohnDoe-jq3qf]

to each their own. for me building a fence is my favorite project!

[@koryzap7339]

maybe they need their fence built still lol @@JohnDoe-jq3qf

[@atmor0zini195]

@@JoshPolce after you done by yourself you feel gratified

[@lizzard85420]

Nah a fence that large would be ten fifteen grand easy

[@ale189251]

Haha I hear this comment on every video I watch

[@tymarq07]

Using a small framing square when you're cutting a 2x4 is a great way to keep the circular saw straight when making a cut. Much simpler than trying to see the line when there's dust everywhere.

[@LuckyLucky-xp2sz]

Hey my fellow lady, you are a super lady and you make me proud. Great job sister. Hi from a country in Africa. More grease to your elbow. Love you bunches. Keep going.

[@DanO181919]

Best fence building/explanation on KZbin.

[@prospectsinc]

NOT!!!

[@djcampbell544]

Thank you! I just bought my first home. Beautiful place but needs some minor repairs and I want to put up a fence. You made this very easy to understand.

[@SteveBueche1027]

I like to match the rail members of the gate to horizontal parts of the fence. It just looks right when finished. Great video!

[@joshgreen1698]

I was wondering why she didn't do that in the first place. Anyways, the fence still looks really good.

[@chairez449]

I'm subscribing because of the clear instructions I like the animations. I will be trying to do a chain link fence around my front yard 🥳

[@bryanrolland2967]

Megan; what a badass. Thank you for the easy to digest video.

[@d_no_allyn_86]

She's so knowledgeable and adorable. I gotta learn how to do all this stuff.

[@user-wd4ky6ck7p]

This is the best gate ever you are a real pro!

[@moonalty6947]

You guys make it look so easy and effortless. Hello from 2020!

[@muscleman369]

Dang girl I'm impressed!! I pray atleast one of my daughters has this "get it done" attitude! You are nothing less than a Professional, and would be welcomed on any job site.

[@TheElevenBravo]

Did you forget she's getting paid to look and sound so enthusiastic?

[@breathnstop]

Megan you are living the life I wanted. But girls didn't do this. Well done. Love your videos.

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

I suggest you use screws if youre in high wind areas. I've seen so many of my neighbors with fences destroyed because they used nails. Nails are good with shear strength but not pull strength.

[@dobysaurus]

I wanted to know how you fix it to the ground but this video answers it. Nice.

[@itizme8072]

A word to the wise: Wood today is very cheap. And I don't mean cost wise. Compared to wood from as early as 30 years ago, the same type of wood today is 1/2 as dense, but at least twice as porous as wood then. 40 years ago before I put posts into the ground, I brushed a gasoline/ used motor oil mix onto the lower 2 feet that was going into the ground. I brushed it on about a dozen times over the course of two days. Before putting them in, I put on a nice thick coat of the oil, then put a cheap garbage bag over the end and dropped it in. Those posts went into cement. If you don't treat the post that is exposed to moisture, they will suck up the moisture, whether from the cement or the ground , if you just use dirt. They WILL rot out quick. Those same posts came out in 2019 when I had to replace the retaining wall they were supporting. After hammering off the concrete , not only were they still rock solid, but they weighed about 3 times the weight as todays posts. Todays wood is grown fast on farms and they use chemicals to grow it, no different than Miracle Grow with vegetable plants

[@born2win259]

Going to have my wife watch this video and see if she can build a fence with me as an assistant :D

[@Jokah113]

Why am I watching this? I dont even have a house...or a yard...

[@lowes]

Because when the zombie apocalypse happens...you'll be thankful you know how to build a fence.

[@IsmaelLa]

OMG Best DIY comment ever! :D Loved the video. Awesome tips

[@imnotsurelol5943]

Jokah113 the real question is HOW are you watching this

[@tensio4926]

Demonic Flash187 | laptop or tablet, youtube, in bed, or on couch.

[@alvarovilla7309]

I was hoping to see a comment like this lol. Because same.

[@Freddy-ek8vg]

The only problem about this video is that there is no specification on the nails so they don't rust (galvanized or stainless) and they are too deep. I personally use deck screws so there are no pickets coming off later. Contractors use nail guns to be faster but I always recommend screws if its for your home, which i believe that is what this channel is for. Either way, still looks nice.

[@williamrodriguezmswlcsw8119]

Yes, well said! Coated screws (preferably Torx bit) are the only way to go if want your deck, fence etc. to last. Today's screws are built so tough you could probably reuse them after the wood deteriorats.

[@austinma62]

@@williamrodriguezmswlcsw8119 should you predrill all the screw holes? Or just fine screwing those in.

[@pawelfronczyk1579]

Always nails, screws may break with wind, nails will just bend in the worst case scenario

[@jeffreywhite7657]

Building a fence is so enjoyable! Good job!

[@ryanhill4918]

Nick looked super thrilled to be your little assistant.

[@englishrose4388]

I’d love to see a video like this for lattice top fence. Thanks for including slope work and being so detailed.

[@lowes]

Thank you for the feedback! We appreciate it and are always making new how-to videos.

[@BoastfulGhost]

Oh my god, that looks so good! I would love to build a fence like this!!! Too bad I'm broke ;D

[@spookysworld]

Brandon Beck do you know how much this costs?

[@tensio4926]

Spooky's World | thats why he's broke

[@Pcpguy]

+Stickydude101 cool.

[@Pcpguy]

+Stickydude101 cool.

[@leonardbrown2543]

Cost?

[@qiannivan5287]

An extra hand really help in pretty much everything.

[@hmongadventures8106]

Love your voice of demonstrating

[@kratosLL]

Double side is better, it allows the wind pass and reduce the pressure.

[@DanielDTUBWeinberger]

Thank you, I did not understand the purpose of this past personal preferences of appearance. I'll keep that in consideration as it gets very windy here.

[@kanecarmody3885]

Wrap the posts in Post Shields so they don't get torn to shreds by the string trimmer. You can cut under the panels but those posts will get chewed up. And they'll add a nice trimmed look to your fence line.

[@overdalimit]

The 1000 DISLIKES though!!!!! WHY!!!!??????? Because a woman built the fence? Because this fence is nothing short of AWESOME!!!!!! signed... a man!!

[@ThePete2432]

She did a beautiful job

[@tedspens]

I never thought of running long horizontals and staggering the joints. That will be my standard from now on. I also like the gate hardware. I've just used cross braces, the long one going from lower hinge side to upper latch side and optionally cut in some cross pieces for a complete look. But the hardware kit is way faster and looks really nice. Thanks for the how-to... very well done! 👍

[@moe11209]

You are an amazing instructor. Thanks a lot.

[@mr.cumbow7438]

only one criticism-- First off great video, you are a pro! --- however the pine trees are too close to the fence, I know you put the fence on the property line, and the trees were planted too close to the line. So in ten years (or less) you'll have to cut them down or they will destroy the fence. I'd go ahead and cut them now while they are small and replant 5 ft away from fence, so when they grow up they wont interfere with the fence. Thanks for your video, very helpful.

[@PapaMist]

Notice how many people here dismissing safety glasses are spelling it as "saftey glasses." 🤔 They are the reason OSHA exists. Gents.

[@melissabibza2020]

This requires a lot of patience and time. I couldn’t even finish the video

[@craigschaffer828]

I have a slope in my front yard that I need to address with a new fence. Boy was I overthinking it. Great video!

[@RobotoForgoto]

Made a wooden fence as opposed to a wood fence. The extra two letters didn't seem to add any cost...i am happy with the results.

[@andrewgreer2786]

Tip: You don’t have to wet the concrete, just compact it and the ground will soak up moisture to harden it. Worked for a deck and fence company and that’s how we did it and it works the same without taking extra time to mix concrete.

[@Joshua-se5sm]

Yeah don’t do this…. Background in civil engineering, degree in mechanical / nuclear. This does not allow for a uniform hydration process. Additionally moisture content of soil can vary significantly from yard to yard. Long story short, if you don’t mix your concrete properly, your foundations can shift and fall years later. When I worked for the county not mixing concrete was a fine on the contractor/owner

[@MRxLOP3Zx714]

"Hi guys I'm megan. I'm a carpenter, a remodeler, and a body builder" Swol nation baby

[@marvin6324]

Hahahaha

[@chriswilson1098]

T H I C C

[@TriniLush7]

lmao yoooo, i thought I was the only one who noticed lol

[@user-ct1lf3hf1v]

Transgender

[@SbassLaser]

@@user-ct1lf3hf1v 1. no 2. youre just salty a woman can do things that you cant

[@armandomiranda7244]

Just can't stop watching it!

[@kerrymadgett9852]

Hey you two did not argue once!

[@Sixtus62]

I'd like to volunteer my house for use, as model for one of these videos.

[@jole4261]

same lol

[@marvin6324]

Hahahaha

[@Ivan_-up5nc]

Lol!!

[@user-ss9ue1kc1q]

😬

[@nikk18]

Ditto

[@peterfrancinsshelukindo9215]

great job congratulation,thank you for the video it will help me a lot for my fence projerct I gained alot of ideas.

[@stevencarter844]

this is use full and very cool i like this video its about team work and you get a great since as well.

[@sagisstar4553]

You’re a special kinda lady! Great work!😎

[@gregoryjoubert2606]

She said to the guy in the video, "let me do ALL the talking." Very good video.

[@atmor0zini195]

all the talking and all the work, he literally just helped her.

[@dannylewis5428]

Probably a Lowe’s Decision. If he talked more, they would have to pay him more.

[@justinb2374]

Add some stones at bottom of post hole. Also paint the posts to keep an from rotting before setting them or you'll be digging concrete boulders up when those rot

[@zacharywatson1458]

Or just use aluminum posts instead.

[@dezznutz3743]

It depends on your soil composition. I live in clay soil and rocks/stones in the bottome of the hole are worthless. Its better to throw some dirt in, then the post, the the mix...

[@MrRosiesfavorites]

lots of great instruction .how ever after watching ,it has become clear it is out of our league .

[@ShotByNae]

This is awesome! Especially to see a woman doing this type of work!

[@dezznutz3743]

Why does it matter unless you are OBSESSED with outside identities?

[@jasonking6510]

Beautiful job! Master carpentry skills

[@glockman9c]

Wow. Step 1: Google Fence Companies Step 2: Read Company Reviews Step 3: Call for Quotes

[@greatestever7623]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@glockman9c]

@@commonomics - keep calling other companies...

[@glockman9c]

@@commonomics - how many feet of what kind of fence?

[@glockman9c]

@@commonomics yea, $10k is ridiculous. Should be able to find for $5k-$6k installed. I had 120ft of chainlink removed and 6ft wood installed with post every 4ft (not 6 or 8) in concrete with one large wood gate with metal frame for under $4k from a real fence company not a fly by night. Get some more quotes. Good luck!

[@emailkenny]

I was quoted 8K-10K by the pro’s 🥺

[@williamsaltsman6537]

Great info! I plan to add a fence in the spring. Thanks for the great how to video. All that I can say now is...... Oh! Nick!!!!

[@Steve-fz9gt]

Wow she really knows what she is doing.👍

[@davidraether730]

She knows her stuff

[@CorrosiveRoulette]

I wish people would make a video as to how they measure what/quantity of boards they need

[@davescopes249]

All that beautiful hard work and a lovely fence at the end. But you will have to do it all again in a few years when the wooden posts rot. In my opinion always use concrete posts. Even if you clad them with wood afterwards. Almost every fence I see collapse is due to wooden posts rotten.

[@toddmathis7484]

If my wife and I did this project, we would be at each other's throats in 10 minutes.

[@bobbyzee3581]

Lol 😂

[@pinkyhotmessx69]

Yep I feel your pain with my husband. He knows NOTHINg about building or tools n I know nothing about teaching lol

[@SbassLaser]

sounds like an unhealthy relationship

[@justin66446]

🤣 after i watched this video ,I refused to do woodfence for my house.

[@daniellewis8042]

Lmao I was thinking the same exact thing.

[@christinapriest5537]

Made it look easy! Thank you!

[@spectah24]

She's definitely doin everything the hard n long way really..

[@Void-gn9zm]

DaMarcoMuzik She doesn’t cut corners like you and your “partner”. Hence why she was chosen to represent a major home improvement retail store and not you and your “partner”. She knows what she’s doing.

[@spectah24]

@@Void-gn9zm cut corners? ...some of her tactics are unnecessary, not wrong and for the record were a very successful independent company and also contracted through Home Depot as well. You know that place? Lol

[@dezznutz3743]

Right, and using as MUCH materials as possible...I almost fell out of my chair when she started this video with pre-built batter boards, when a simple stake will do...she also went overboard marking each post hole with a stake and then STILL using marker paint! This is as much of an Ad, as it is a DIY video

[@dezznutz3743]

@@Void-gn9zm You are daft in the head, as well as your hands.

[@Void-gn9zm]

dezz nutz Your username is “dezz nutz”. Who’s the real daft one here?

[@kevinbaird7277]

This reminds me of working with my ex wife in the garden, non stop chatter, Maureen's annual leave, Mary's illness, her mothers catarrh, it never ended, hours on end, chatter chatter chatter, so glad she is now talking in her new garden, silence is golden, even the wildlife has returned.

[@alfrednaconas7190]

Wooden Fence is the great option in my own opinion.

[@FightinRooster]

This video helped me a lot. It told me to use a contractor vs DIY 😂

[@henrysimpkins6926]

That was sweet Magan and helper

[@henrysimpkins6926]

So nice iam building a fence thanks for the help

[@tomterrica4032]

Great instruction. Beautiful fence.

[@danielvillazon3149]

I love the video, only thing missing is a list of material used.

[@rubenarroyo299]

This video just makes it more difficult but very educational for building a proper sturdy fence.

[@picklerix6162]

Most wooden fences are not built this way because it takes more material and labor (due to all of the trimming of the interior pickets). Also, small dogs and other critters can easily squeeze under this fence.

[@vanmasterflash7153]

I think they need to do more eyeballing. Its too perfect

[@chjr4740]

What an awesome, descriptive video.

[@infotainment999]

One thing I've learned from this video is I will never make a wooden fence.

[@d_no_allyn_86]

Lmao. Good one. But the finished product would make it all feel worth while. Work and finishing that work brings a great feeling. It really does.

[@jasonjohnson944]

Lol

[@adrianacamerini5607]

🤣

[@ascendedprophetessofTMH144k]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dreadjay6934]

😂😂😂

[@ivanpinto2080]

And this is why i have my fellow mexican people do the work . We get the job done in 30 min not wait days 🤣😂

[@rmn-vf9hf]

This guy explains it well

[@TripDarlin]

Mam, you are a boss. Great work.

[@michaelsaunders2157]

She missed a lot of key points for a DIY, but overall her finished product was excellent! Contractors tend to forget how skilled they are. Therefore forgetting to explain some of the tricks of the trade. These tricks are what makes your project go smoothly and look smoot when your completed . Just a little FYI on the DIY !!!😁👌👍🙏🏻

[@pedrorojas6934]

Excellent tutorial,very good Explanation good job thanks!!!.

[@lilcactus8079]

Ah, wish me luck. About to do this myself with my SO.

[@ourfirsthome1667]

Jesus they make it look so easy

[@xyooj96]

if you build your fence 6 inches from the property line and your neighbor build his fence 6 inches off the property line, who's taking care or looking after of the 12 inches between?

[@DrugsAreBadUmmmKay]

Round up.

[@seancallinan5352]

A part of me wants to say "I wish I was this talented..." but.... even more.. I have to REALLY focus to even throw a wood screw in that fast and clean HAHAHAHA

[@rickbilbrey3235]

Very helpful! Answered all my questions.

[@chrisvaldez1205]

I asked myself an honest question after seeing this video , can I do this project by myself , and I gave myself an honest answer , NO WAY !!!! I’m calling someone to come in do it I don’t have the tools , or the patience , lol

[@drewpolaris812]

More info that Home Depot's instructional videos. Thanks!

[@mikejustice1196]

Great job Nic🍪

[@rochiellebevans1783]

Love this. Thank you.