A picket fence not only prevents people and animals from entering your yard, it also gives your property a finished and attractive aspect. Hardware stores and home improvement stores sell fence panels that simplify the task of building your own wooden fence. Try planting roses or a vine to soften the look of the fence.

Instructions

1. Dig the first hole for the pole with a hand shovel if you need less than a dozen holes and are excavating relatively soft soil. For harder soil or more than a dozen holes, consider renting an excavator gasoline. Start by digging a whole 10 ” (25.4 cm) in diameter with straight sides using a shovel. When you’ve gone as deep as the shovel allows, use an excavator for posts up to 32” (81 cm).
2. Place a pole at the first hole and fill it in with 8 ” (20.3 cm) of soil. Make sure the post is plumb and then pack the soil with a tamping bar. Add 8 ” (20.3 cm) more of soil and repeat the process of leveling and tamping until the hole is full.
3. Tie a 5” (12.7 cm) string from the floor to the side of the post. Bring the rope to the first corner of the fence and drive in a stake there. Wrap the rope around the stake to mark the first side of the fence. Measure the length from the first post of the fence panel and mark this point.
4. Dig a second hole for the pole at the point marked. Place the second post in the same way as the first.
5. Use wood shims to prop the fence panel 2”-5” (5-12 cm) above the ground, and uses two ½” (1.2 cm) screws to attach the panel to the studs. Continue to place poles and fixing the panels until you’ve completed your fence.