Installing Wood Fence Rails Even in the age of prefab panels, it's possible to build a fence from scratch. The job starts with posts. You dig the holes, align the posts and fill in the holes. The rails come next, followed by the fencing (pickets, basket weave, or countless other possibilities). You can attach a rail several ways; none is necessarily better than the others. If your fence will be taller than 4 feet or particularly heavy, however, you'll need to install a third rail midway between the other two.
You can install rails either between or across posts, and you can fasten them with hangers, nails, or screws. Rails placed wide side up resist side-to-side pressure. Rails placed narrow side up sag the least and are recommended for heavy fences and those whose posts are 6 feet or more apart. When attaching rails to the sides of posts, use 16-foot rails and stagger them so there is only one joint per post. Don't cut notches in the posts to hold the rails; it creates a lot of work and weakens the posts.

Follow These Steps

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  • Step One

    Laying Out Rails On Posts
    Start at an end post and measure up from the ground to draw layout lines marking the location of each rail.

  • Step Two

    Transfer the layout lines to the other posts using a line level and mason's line. (Don't use ordinary string because it stretches). If you're hanging the rails between posts, use a square to transfer the lines to the inside faces of the posts.

  • Step Three

    Hanging Rails Between Posts
    Nail rail hangers to the posts. Slide the ends of each rail into the hangers, and then nail the side flanges of each hanger to the rail.

  • Step Four

    Fasten 2× cleats to the fence with #8 2 ½" deck screws. Place the rails on the cleats and drive two screws at an angle through the ends of the rails into the cleats.

  • Step Five

    Attaching Rails to the Side of the Posts
    Cut the rails so joints fall at the center of posts and the ends butt together tightly. Fasten the rail to the posts with #8 2½-inch deck screws.

  • Step Six

    Cut rails so the joints fall at the center of the posts and the ends butt together tightly. Cut a 45-degree miter on rails that meet over corner posts. Fasten with 10d (3") nails or #8 2½" deck screws.

  • Step Seven

    Hanging Rails for Curved Fencing
    Cut rails so the joints fall at the center of the posts. Put the rails on the posts, butting the ends tightly. Fasten the rails to the posts with #8 2 ½" deck screws.

Skill Scale
Varies
Time Required
Installing an 80-foot run of fence rails should take about:
- Experienced: 2 hrs.
- Handy: 3 hrs.
- Novice: 4 hrs.
Shopping List:

tools

Tape measure

Pencil

Mason's line

Line level

Combination square

Hammer

3 / 8" drill and bits

Safety glasses

Work gloves

materials

#8 2½-inch deck screws

Galvanized 10d (3") nails

Pressure-treated or rot-resistant rails

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