How do I set posts for a fence to make sure they are evenly spaced and of level height?

Answer 1

Set the corner posts first, measuring the distance from the ground up to the top of the posts. Stretch a stout string from post to post to the breaking point. This will give the level you want. Davide the distance between corner posts to decide how many support posts you will need. Normal spacing is 6, 8 or 10 feet. The level string will also give a straight line to the fence.

Answer 2

First of all you need to find the length of your fence. Then divide it by 8 or 10 to get the number of posts. Once you have the spacing number, use nails and bits of ribbon or paper and mark out where the holes should be. Now you need to drill or dig all the holes. Place the posts in the holes and measure them to be within an inch or so for spacing. Kick in a bit if dirt as you go from post to post and pack it in once you have the spacing and level both ways set. Pack the dirt around the posts with the wood end of your shovel. You need to pound a stake in at each end of your fence long enough that a stringline will not touch the ground. This will be your straight line. Make sure you offset the string the size of your posts one way or the other so the posts will just be touching it.
The only time you want your fence to be level across the top is if your yard is level. The top of the fence should run with the slope of your yard. You could start with 5 feet high at one end and be 8 feet at the other. Go with the land contours for the best looking fence.

Answer 3

First, how deep you need to set the post really depends on the substrata that you are digging into and what the post is to be used for. 2ft sounds about right on average. A fence pole auger would be the quickest and easiest way, you can hire one from your local hire shop fairly cheaply. Alternatively you can keep the hole narrow but dig in steps, such that as you go down you can stand on the step behind you. Incidentally, that was the way we used to dig holes to erect telephone poles pre mechanisation. two men could dig a hole 5ft deep in a couple of hours. extra info. I forgot to say, the long handled spade with the small spoon end (i've forgotten its proper name) will be excellent in heavy clay but it's not cheap to buy. The tongs are used to remove loosened soil but pretty useless in heavy clay. By the way telephone poles are set to a depth of about one seventh of their length and you don't see many of those falling over!

Answer 4

Take three 1X4's and make a cross out of one, take this and make a model of how deep you want the post, then measure the cross and nail it in place, use this as a model on all the posts for depth. Do the same with a board, use the same on on all the posts for length.
They should now all be the same height and length apart.

Answer 5

Mark where hole,s go on ground then set post,s w quick set concrete all hole,s aprox same depth.Then use string line and level to mark and saw off.

Answer 6

Get a level and a tape measure.