Building a Fence: Complete Tool List
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Building a fence is straightforward work repeated many times. Dig a post hole, set a post, attach a rail, nail up pickets. The skill is in keeping everything level, plumb, and evenly spaced over a long run. The tool list is heavier on digging and measuring than cutting.
Cost Breakdown
Layout & Post Holes
A 100-foot tape for the fence line, a 25-foot tape for post spacing.
Run a string between corner posts to keep the fence line straight. Cheap and critical.
Manual clamshell digger for holes 8-10 inches wide, 24-36 inches deep. A one-time use tool.
A 4-foot level checks post plumb. A post level that straps to the post frees both hands.
Clear sod, clean out holes, backfill around posts.
Post Setting
Mix concrete for post footings. A wheelbarrow and hoe work fine for the 1-2 bag batches each post needs.
Compact gravel at the bottom of each post hole before setting the post.
Rails & Pickets
Cuts rails to length between posts. A miter saw is faster for repetitive cuts but not essential.
Drives screws to attach rails to posts and pickets to rails.
Speeds up picket attachment dramatically. A framing nailer or 15-gauge finish nailer works. Borrow if you can.
Marks square cut lines on pickets and checks that rails are perpendicular to posts.
Consumables and Supplies
These get used up during the project. Always buy these new.
- Fence posts (4x4, pressure-treated) 8-foot posts for a 6-foot fence. One every 6-8 feet of fence line.
- Rails (2x4, pressure-treated) Two or three horizontal rails per bay, cut to fit between posts
- Pickets (1x6 or dog-ear) Count: fence length in inches / (picket width + gap)
- Concrete mix (fast-setting) 1-2 bags per post hole depending on depth
- Galvanized screws or nails Exterior-rated. Screws for rails (3 inch), nails or screws for pickets (2 inch).
- Gravel 2-3 inches in the bottom of each post hole for drainage
Safety Gear
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Hearing protection (nail gun, saw)
Before You Buy Anything
Check if your neighbors already have the tools you need. Borrowing saves money, saves storage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See how FriendsWithTools worksCommon Questions
How deep should fence posts be?
The standard rule is one-third of the total post length underground. For a 6-foot fence with an 8-foot post, that is 24-30 inches deep. Check your local frost line depth. Posts above the frost line can heave in winter. In cold climates, 36 inches is common.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most jurisdictions require a permit for fences over a certain height (typically 6 feet). You also need to know your property line (a survey helps) and local setback requirements. Some HOAs have additional restrictions on style and height. Check before you dig.
How long does a wood fence last?
Pressure-treated pine lasts 15-20 years. Cedar lasts 15-25 years. The posts fail first because they sit in the ground. The pickets and rails last longer because they dry out between rains. Staining or sealing extends the life of everything above ground.