The Complete Fence Building Guide: Everything Homeowners Need to Know Before Building a Fence

A new fence can completely change the look and function of your property. It can create privacy, keep pets safely contained, define property boundaries, and create a more enjoyable outdoor space. But before you start digging holes and stacking fence boards in your yard, a successful fence project starts with one important thing:

A good plan.

Step 1: Plan Your Fence Before Buying Materials

The most important part of building a fence happens before the first shovel hits the ground.

Start by asking:

What is the purpose of my fence?

Are you building for:

• Privacy?

• Pets?

• Security?

• Decoration?

• Livestock?

When it comes to planning your fence set up, you must think ahead for the long term. A solid fence should last roughly 25 to 50 years tops, with the occasional touch-ups and board replacements. Make sure you have clear outlines of the land being enclosed by the fence, so you can know which sections of land will benefit you the most.

Step 2: Measure Your Fence Line

Accurate measurements help determine how many materials you need.

Measure:

✔ Total fence length and lines
✔ Number of corners
✔ Gate locations
✔ Changes in elevation

A few minutes with a pencil can save a lot of trips back to the store.

Step 3: Check Property Lines

Before installing a fence, make sure you know where your property ends.

Options include:

• Reviewing property documents

• Finding existing markers

• Hiring a surveyor if needed

Building a fence several feet in the wrong direction is an expensive mistake nobody wants.

Step 4: Call Before You Dig

Before digging any post holes, contact your local utility locating service.

Underground utilities can include:

• Electric

• Gas

• Water

• Internet

• Cable

A quick call can help keep your project safe.

Step 5: Choosing Your Materials

When thinking of what you will use for the fence, you want to find materials that complement the house. Think of your walls, the yard, garden, etc. The fence now becomes a visual extension of all of those areas when others view your property.

It can send different messages to neighbors and visitors alike. What kind of homeowner lives here? Do they own livestock or family pets? Is this an area where residents are inviting pedestrians to enjoy the vibrant colors and build of the fence as they pass by?

Treated Wood Fence

Pressure treated wood remains one of the most popular choices for homeowners.

Benefits:

• Affordable

• Easy to install

• Natural appearance

• Easy to repair

• Widely available

A treated pine fence is a great choice for homeowners looking for a traditional fence without spending a fortune.

Cedar Fence

Cedar is popular because it naturally resists some moisture and insects.

Benefits:

✔ Beautiful appearance
✔ Naturally durable
✔ Less maintenance than some woods

However, cedar usually comes at a higher price.

Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fencing is known for:

✔ Low maintenance
✔ Clean appearance
✔ Long lifespan

The upfront cost is often higher compared to wood.

Composite Fence

Composite fencing offers:

✔ Long-term durability
✔ Resistance to rot
✔ Minimal maintenance

It is a premium option for homeowners wanting a long-lasting fence.

STEP 6: How Many Fence Pickets Do You Need?

A simple estimate:

Measure your fence length in inches.

Divide by the width of each picket plus spacing.

Example:

A 100-foot fence:

100 feet = 1,200 inches

A 5.5-inch picket with a small spacing gap may require approximately 200+ pickets.

Always purchase extra material because:

• Some boards may have natural imperfections

• Cuts create waste

• Future repairs may require matching boards

  Fence Posts and Rails: The Backbone of Your Fence

  Fence posts provide the strength behind your fence.

  Common options:

  • Pressure treated posts

  • Metal posts

  • Specialty systems

  Post spacing often depends on:

  • Fence height

  • Wind exposure

  • Soil conditions

  • Local requirements

  A strong fence starts with strong posts.

  Rails connect your posts and provide support for your pickets.

  Common residential fences use:

  • Two horizontal rails for shorter fences

  • Three rails for taller privacy fences

  Proper framing helps prevent:

  • Sagging

  • Warping

  • Loose boards

  Final Thoughts From Hetch's

Building a fence is one of those projects that can make a huge difference in your property. Whether you're creating privacy, protecting pets, improving curb appeal, or simply finishing your yard, the right materials and planning make all the difference.

At Hetch's, we enjoy helping customers tackle projects of all sizes—from small backyard improvements to large contractor jobs.

A fence doesn't just mark where your property ends.

It creates a place where memories begin.

And hopefully keeps the neighbor's dog from making surprise visits. 😉

Happy building!