How to Fence My Ranch
- 1). Measure the dimensions of the area where you will place the fence. Draw those dimensions on a piece of paper. Make a note of where each corner post and gate post will go. Use the dimensions to purchase the correct amount of vinyl ranch rail parts.
- 2). Place a stake into the ground where a corner or gate post will go. Tie a string to the stake and walk in the direction that the fence will run. The distance between the posts will be equal to half the length of the rails, plus about half an inch. The instructions that come with the fence should tell you how far apart to place the posts. Put a stake in the ground to mark the next post and tie the string around it. Continue this process until the entire fence is laid out.
- 3). Dig the holes for the posts about 10 inches in diameter and 30 inches deep. Dig out the bottom of the hole so that it is a little wider than the top, which will prevent frost from pushing the post out of the ground.
- 4). Place the post into the center of the hole, and if it is a corner post, make sure that it is the type of post with the slots on adjacent sides. Alternate pouring the pre-mixed concrete and water into the hole according to the directions on the bag of concrete. Place the level against the post and adjust it until it is perfectly straight and the holes on the side are pointing directly at the next post. Repeat the process for each post. Leave the posts to sit for 24 hours while the concrete sets.
- 5). Saw one rail in half. Notch the cut ends of the rails by placing the head of the notching tool on the rail and squeezing the handles.
- 6). Slide the rails into the holes in the fence posts. Begin by placing the smaller 8-foot section that you cut into the bottom holes, or middle hole if you are making a 3-rail fence. Start the adjacent rails with 16-foot pieces. This staggers the rails so that the breaks in the rails do not line up. Cut more rails in half, if you need to, for the other end of the stretch of fence.
- 7). Apply the PVC glue to the inside of a post cap. Place the post cap on top of the post and press down. Repeat the process for the entire fence.