# Wood Fencing

#### Required Items

- Pressure-treated posts
- Pressure-treated boards
- Outdoor wood screws
- Earth Auger, 40V Electric or Gas 
    - [Ryobi 40V Auger](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-40v-hp-brushless-cordless-earth-auger-with-8-inch-bit-tool-only-/1001619449)
    - [10-inch Bit](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-10-inch-dirt-auger-bit/1001697549)
- Temporary 3ft Stakes
- Twine
- Concrete/Gravel, estimate 3 60-lbs bags per hole

#### Quick Reference

- All wood should be **Pressure Treated** to last exposed to the elements
- Verify utility lines before you dig 
    - [Ontario One Call](https://richerkb.ca/ontarioonecall.ca)
- Fence posts are generally 4x4'
- Fence posts should not be further apart than 8'
- Fence posts need to be buried 
    - The hole must be as deep as 30-50% of the post's above-ground height
    - Deeper burials provide better rigidity in structure
    - The hole's diameter must be 3x wide as the post used - ex: a 4x4' post is 3.5" wide, requiring a hole diameter of 10.5"
    - The post should sit flat and level in the hole, and be arrested with collars while concrete or gravel is poured in
    - Fill the hole almost entirely, leaving 4" to be filled with soil
    - Do not attach fencing to posts until concrete is cured

#### Installing Posts

- Dig holes for the end posts of the fence
- Install temporary stakes in the same line as the planned fence
- Run a length of twine between the steaks, overlapping the dug holes.   
    This serves to ensure that the installed end posts maintain the same facing as one another
- Flatten the earth at the bottom of the holes, and drop posts within
- Install Post Collars around the posts
- Bring the posts level while maintaining facing
- Pour concrete/gravel around the posts, while performing fine-tuning leveling adjustment
- <p class="callout danger">**Do not** lift the posts once concrete/gravel has been added, as the material will slip under the post's base, reducing its depth</p>
- Wait for concrete to set

#### Post Collars

- Collar should be constructed with 2x4's
- Two boards should run for at least 2'
- Two other boards should be cut to the width of the post used + 3/16" for tolerance
- The end result will be a bracket with a hole in its center the same size as the used post
- It aid in the post holding its position while leveling adjustments are made, and cement/gravel is poured
- Reference photo:  
    [![1000001052.jpg](https://richerkb.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/zHQTsq0ddAIlQGjC-1000001052.jpg)](https://richerkb.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/zHQTsq0ddAIlQGjC-1000001052.jpg)