String Line Fence Post

The outside edge of the stake should just touch the line.

String line fence post.

At this point you pull the string to where you are placing the opposite end post. Well this is where you have to sort of take a guess or at least i did. The following formula will help you compute the number of fence posts you need. In other words the string will run where the fabric or wood pickets will be located.

The longer the run the tighter the string needs to be to stay straight. Corner posts should be buried deeper to the ground at least 2 3 of the entire length of the post compared to your line posts at least 2 feet. Stretch mason string between the centers of all the batter boards to delineate the perimeter of the fence. Measure the positions of the posts with a tape measure and drive a stake at each point.

For me building a fence starts with getting posts plumb and in a laser straight line. Drop a post into each hole and line its face up with the string while you plumb it. This can easily throw your fence line out of alignment. Considering this your corner posts should be longer and if possible larger than your line posts.

Using your string line you will run the string on the outside of the soon to be installed fence. How do you know you are parallel with the property line is the fence actually on the property line. Hammer your stakes in clear of your post holes so that the stakes are not disturbed during digging. To ensure the posts are even in height run a tight string line between corner posts and end posts.

The lower string is to the ground without touching the ground the better. I like to use fast setting concrete for these posts.