String Line Fence Post

Using your string line you will run the string on the outside of the soon to be installed fence.

String line fence post.

For me building a fence starts with getting posts plumb and in a laser straight line. Stretch mason string between the centers of all the batter boards to delineate the perimeter of the fence. Mark the positions of the line posts and dig a hole for each one directly under the string. Drop a post into each hole and line its face up with the string while you plumb it.

Measure the positions of the posts with a tape measure and drive a stake at each point. In other words the string will run where the fabric or wood pickets will be located. The lower string is to the ground without touching the ground the better. Well this is where you have to sort of take a guess or at least i did.

The longer the run the tighter the string needs to be to stay straight. I like to use fast setting concrete for these posts. Considering this your corner posts should be longer and if possible larger than your line posts. Use a string line level or bench level to make sure the line is level then check to see that.

The outside edge of the stake should just touch the line. Pulling a string it s really called mason s line tight between two points is the best way to build a fence straight and true. This can easily throw your fence line out of alignment. How do you know you are parallel with the property line is the fence actually on the property line.

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. At this point you pull the string to where you are placing the opposite end post.