- 1). Begin by outlining the area where you will build the fence. Be aware of any electrical and gas lines that need to be avoided while installing posts and also check with your local authorities for any permits you may need. Drive stakes into the ground and run a string line along the stakes to use as a guide as you set posts.
- 2). Drill holes into your posts at a slightly larger diameter than the adjoining doweled rails. Drill holes all the way through for line posts and approximately halfway through for end (terminator) posts. For corner posts, drill adjacent holes at 90 degree angles. The number of holes you drill in each post will vary with how many rails you use. Post and rail fences commonly have two to three.
- 3). Use a post hole digger to dig a hole 1/3 the length of your post. Set in your initial post and make sure it is leveled correctly with a bubble level, then fill the hole with dirt and pack it down with a tamper and your feet.
- 4). Repeat step three using a line post at a distance of the length of your rails minus the doweled end. Common lengths are four to eight feet.
- 5). Set rails into the posts. Once they are set, check again that your base posts are level and adjust them if necessary.
- 6). Repeat step five for the entire length of your fence using corner posts where necessary. Always measure the height of each base post and see if they are level before moving on.
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