Whats the best way to layout where you posts will go when building a fence?
Answers:
First, locate and mark all your corner posts with stakes (usually following the property line) and run a stringline all the way around. You want the middle posts spaced evenly but, not over 6' (over 6' will cause sagging). So measure the distance between corners and divide that number by approximate number of posts until you get a distance of 6' or less between posts. You can't just go 6', 12', 18', etc. off the corner because, odds are, when you get to the opposite corner, you're going to end up with a space too short or too long.
Heres an example:
Say theres 50' from corner to corner. Convert the feet to inches (50x12=600"). Now divide your inches by 72 (6') 600÷72=8.3 panels. 600÷8=75" (too much,over 6'), 600÷9=66.6 or 5'6½". Now you know if you lay out your posts every 5'6½", you will end up with even spaces.
After all post locations are marked, remove the stringline and dig the post holes.
The best way I've found to set the posts are to set all the corners plumb first, let them set a bit, then run a stringline top and bottom as a guide for the middle posts. As long as it's not windy, this will keep them perfectly in line and you only have to plumb the middle posts side to side.
If you want your fence perfectly in line with your house, rather than following the property line, run a stringline from the front of your house following the plane through and into your back yard. Then use this stringline to pull your measurements from.
Other answers:
make sure to get a level (or laser level). its a good idea to use some measuring tape while you're at it.. one word of advice: to maintain a strong fence, have some strong load posts to keep your fence together. every few feet or so dig a deep hole (at least 1 foot deep), place a large post, fill it with concrete, and build your fence outside of each of those posts. this technique has kept my fence in tip top shape after 4 hurricanes
make sure to get a level (or laser level). its a good idea to use some measuring tape while you're at it.. one word of advice: to maintain a strong fence, have some strong load posts to keep your fence together. every few feet or so dig a deep hole (at least 1 foot deep), place a large post, fill it with concrete, and build your fence outside of each of those posts. this technique has kept my fence in tip top shape after 4 hurricanes
Plant your corner posts and tie a string from one to the other. Lay out the "in line" posts, normally every 8' and mark w/paint or flag. Remove the string. Dig your holes about twice the size as your post and just below the frost line in your area. 3' will do it in most areas. Tie the string back in the same location. Put the line posts in the holes, lining them up w/the string, while leveling w/a level. I may differ w/my Friends here, but I would never use concrete in/near the post. I back fill w/stone, tamping while filing. This is just as strong and allows water to drain away, keeping the post dryer. Concrete attracts and holds moisture and will shorten the life of your post.
Now, install your fence & cut the tops of the post after the fence is up.
Good luck and enjoy this project.
Cosmo is correct about everything but the concrete around the post. Place the post in the hole, then about 5-6" of rock so the concrete dosen't cover the bottom, it allows the water to flow through and out. this will preserve your posts.
I am sure that the above answers are correct ~ but I opted to go to Home Depot and hire them to do the fence. They did a great job and I even had other fencing companies asking who did my fence.
Do you know how hard it is to dig fence post holes? I did it once before and it was only 6 post holes across the back of the yard ~ man is that hard work.
Needless to say, when we moved to our new house ~ I hired someone else to do the work ~ my arms and back are grateful.
I would never hire home depot to do anything.rent an auger.