How to Build a Privacy Fence
Build a 6 ft privacy fence with straight lines and solid posts. This guide covers layout, post setting, rails, pickets, and a simple gate.
Confirm rules and property lines
Check local permit rules and any HOA requirements. Verify property lines and call 811 before digging.
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A fence on the wrong line can require removal.
Plan the layout and post spacing
Mark corners and gate locations. Typical post spacing is 6 to 8 ft. Run a string line for a straight reference.
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Keep the string line tight to avoid a wavy fence.
Dig post holes
Dig to the local frost depth. A typical hole is 10 to 12 in wide for a 4x4 post. Add 6 in of gravel at the bottom.
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Call for inspection if required before you pour.
Set posts in concrete
Place posts in the holes, plumb them, and brace. Pour concrete and slope the top away from the post. Let it cure before adding rails.
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Check post spacing again before the concrete sets.
Install rails
Attach top and bottom rails to the posts. Use exterior screws and keep rails level.
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A third middle rail helps reduce picket warping.
Add pickets
Set the first picket plumb, then use a spacer for consistent gaps. Work across the fence line.
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Leave a small gap to allow wood movement.
Build the gate
Build a simple frame with a diagonal brace from bottom hinge to top latch. Skin it with pickets to match the fence.
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The brace should push into the hinge post when the gate closes.
Hang the gate
Install hinges and a latch. Leave even gaps around the gate so it swings freely.
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Adjust hinges after the first week as the wood dries.
Trim and cap the fence
Cut picket tops to a consistent line if needed. Add a cap rail for a finished look.
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A cap rail helps protect end grain from water.
Stain or seal
Let the wood dry, then apply stain or sealer to extend life.
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Follow the product dry time before heavy rain.
Materials Required
| Product | Qty |
|---|---|
📦Other Materials12 items | |
🔩 4-in x 4-in x 10-ft In-Ground Pressure-Treated Post (UC4B) ⚠ 4×4×10 UC4B (In-Ground) — 10-ft post gives 4 ft below grade (frost line) + 6-ft above; UC4B required for soil/concrete embedment | 18posts |
🔩 2-in x 4-in x 8-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Fence Rail (UC4A) ⚠ 2×4×8 UC4A fence rail — 3 rails per panel × 12 panels = 36 + 6 gate rails; PT required near grade | 42boards |
🔩 1-in x 6-in x 6-ft Cedar Dog-Ear Fence Picket ⚠ 1×6×6 cedar dog-ear picket — 100 LF at 2-in on-centre spacing = 600 + 10% waste; DO NOT let bottom touch grade (leave 2-in gap) | 680pickets |
🔩 4x4 Aluminum Adjustable Post Cap (4-Pack) ⚠ 4×4 aluminum post cap 4-pk — 5 packs = 20 caps for 18 posts + spares; install immediately after cutting posts to height | 5packs |
🔩 Fast-Setting Concrete Mix 50 lb Quikrete ⚠ Quikrete Fast-Setting 50 lb — 2 bags per post × 18 posts; pour dry into hole and add water; no mixing required; sets in 25 min | 36bags |
🔩 Pea Gravel 0.5 cu ft Bag ⚠ Pea gravel 0.5 cu ft — 6-in drainage base per post hole; prevents post base from sitting in standing water | 18bags |
🔩 3-1/2-in Heavy-Duty Zinc Gate Hinge (2-Pack) ⚠ Heavy-duty 3-1/2-in gate hinge 2-pk — 2 packs = 4 hinges; use 3 hinges on gates over 5 ft tall or 30 lb; galvanized or zinc-plated only | 2packs |
🔩 Gate Latch Spring-Loaded Single-Sided Black ⚠ Spring-loaded gate latch — pool enclosure: upgrade to dual-latch with 54-in height placement; standard walk-through: this latch is sufficient | 1each |
🔩 #8 x 1-5/8-in Exterior Coated Deck Screw Star Drive (200-Pack) ⚠ #8 × 1-5/8-in exterior coated screw 200-pk — 3 packs = 600 screws; 2 screws per picket × 3 rails = 6 screws/picket × 100 face-screw pickets + gate | 3packs |
🔩 1-5/8-in Galvanized Ring-Shank Fence Nails 1-lb Box ⚠ 1-5/8-in galvanized ring-shank nail 1-lb — ring shank is critical (plain nails pop out); alternately use power nailer with 2-in ring-shank coil nails | 4boxes |
🔩 Wood Preservative End-Cut Solution 1 qt Copper Green ⚠ End-cut preservative — apply to every cut post top and any field-cut PT rail ends; apply within 30 min of cutting | 1qt |
🔩 Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer Natural Cedar 5 gal Ready Seal ⚠ Ready Seal 5-gal semitransparent stain — wait 6-12 months before applying; penetrating stains only; no film-forming paint on cedar privacy fence | 1can |
4-in x 4-in x 10-ft In-Ground Pressure-Treated Post (UC4B)
18 posts
⚠ 4×4×10 UC4B (In-Ground) — 10-ft post gives 4 ft below grade (frost line) + 6-ft above; UC4B required for soil/concrete embedment
2-in x 4-in x 8-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Fence Rail (UC4A)
42 boards
⚠ 2×4×8 UC4A fence rail — 3 rails per panel × 12 panels = 36 + 6 gate rails; PT required near grade
1-in x 6-in x 6-ft Cedar Dog-Ear Fence Picket
680 pickets
⚠ 1×6×6 cedar dog-ear picket — 100 LF at 2-in on-centre spacing = 600 + 10% waste; DO NOT let bottom touch grade (leave 2-in gap)
4x4 Aluminum Adjustable Post Cap (4-Pack)
5 packs
⚠ 4×4 aluminum post cap 4-pk — 5 packs = 20 caps for 18 posts + spares; install immediately after cutting posts to height
Fast-Setting Concrete Mix 50 lb
Quikrete
36 bags
⚠ Quikrete Fast-Setting 50 lb — 2 bags per post × 18 posts; pour dry into hole and add water; no mixing required; sets in 25 min
Pea Gravel 0.5 cu ft Bag
18 bags
⚠ Pea gravel 0.5 cu ft — 6-in drainage base per post hole; prevents post base from sitting in standing water
3-1/2-in Heavy-Duty Zinc Gate Hinge (2-Pack)
2 packs
⚠ Heavy-duty 3-1/2-in gate hinge 2-pk — 2 packs = 4 hinges; use 3 hinges on gates over 5 ft tall or 30 lb; galvanized or zinc-plated only
Gate Latch Spring-Loaded Single-Sided Black
1 each
⚠ Spring-loaded gate latch — pool enclosure: upgrade to dual-latch with 54-in height placement; standard walk-through: this latch is sufficient
#8 x 1-5/8-in Exterior Coated Deck Screw Star Drive (200-Pack)
3 packs
⚠ #8 × 1-5/8-in exterior coated screw 200-pk — 3 packs = 600 screws; 2 screws per picket × 3 rails = 6 screws/picket × 100 face-screw pickets + gate
1-5/8-in Galvanized Ring-Shank Fence Nails 1-lb Box
4 boxes
⚠ 1-5/8-in galvanized ring-shank nail 1-lb — ring shank is critical (plain nails pop out); alternately use power nailer with 2-in ring-shank coil nails
Wood Preservative End-Cut Solution 1 qt
Copper Green
1 qt
⚠ End-cut preservative — apply to every cut post top and any field-cut PT rail ends; apply within 30 min of cutting
Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer Natural Cedar 5 gal
Ready Seal
1 can
⚠ Ready Seal 5-gal semitransparent stain — wait 6-12 months before applying; penetrating stains only; no film-forming paint on cedar privacy fence
* Prices are estimates and may vary. Always verify at checkout.
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Safety & Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional engineering, architectural, or contractor advice. Building codes vary by jurisdiction — always verify local requirements, obtain all required permits, and consult a licensed contractor or structural engineer before beginning any construction project. Aribuilds makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information for any particular project. Use of this guide is at your own risk. Aribuilds accepts no liability for personal injury, property damage, structural failure, or code violations.
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