MATERIALS PREPARATION SETTING FENCE POSTS 01 TIP

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1 Skill Level: INTERMEDIATE Give these projects a try if you're a confident DIYer with a good working knowledge of a variety of tools. They can take a day or more to complete. If you can build a birdhouse or install a ceiling fan, your skill level is probably appropriate. In this series, Decorative Metal Fence Installation Tips, you ll learn how to set aluminum posts and panels. For detailed steps on building a vinyl, wood or chain-link fence, check out those videos and printable instructions available online at Lowes.com/Videos. PREPARATION Typical aluminum, wrought-iron or other metal fence installation is as follows: Install the vertical posts in the ground, then slip the rails or panels between them using notches or hardware on the posts. SETTING FENCE POSTS (pic. 1) If installing the metal fence around a swimming pool, make sure the construction and materials meet local building codes for safe pool enclosure. Also, if installing a metal fence on an existing concrete slab, such as around a pool, posts may be bolted into pre-drilled holes in the concrete rather than set into holes. Refer to the previous video and instructions on Layout and Digging Post Holes for steps on layout, spacing and digging post holes for all types of fences. Follow the metal fence manufacturer s specific guidelines on installation and post spacing. Typically, that means digging only a few post holes at a time, and the spacing is the width of the panels. Mark the fence line with stakes and mason s string. The fence posts should touch but not stretch the line when installed. MATERIALS End Posts Corner Posts Line Posts Fence Panels Post Caps Gravel Concrete Water Measuring Tape Stakes Furring Strips (for braces) Clamps Mason s String Post Level Hacksaw or Jigsaw Drill w/ Bits Temporary Support Wood Blocks Safety Glasses Work Gloves IMPORTANT Before you begin this project, call 811 to be connected with your local utility companies to have your underground utilites marked. Make sure that the site you have selected and where you will dig does not have underground utility lines that can be damaged by digging tools. Before you install a decorative metal fence and gate surrounding a swimming pool, contact the local building department to determine requirements. You also may need to have a building permit in some locations. If you have additional questions, discuss them with a Lowe s associate. If you want professional installation, call GO LOWES.

2 SETTING FENCE POSTS Select the appropriate posts per the layout to be installed: End posts have rail holes or hardware mountings on one side. (fig. 1) Line posts have rail holes or hardware mountings on opposite sides. (fig. 2) Corner posts have rail holes or hardware mountings on adjacent sides. (fig. 3) End posts and corner posts are also referred to as terminal posts. (fig. 1) Attach post caps to the posts before setting them in concrete. Start the post installation with a terminal post. Gate posts typically are two terminal posts. If the fence does not have a gate, start at an end or corner post. (fig. 2) 06 Mark where the groundline will be on the posts. For most installations, the panel should be raised 2" above the ground to allow for yard work, so include that measurement when calculating the post height above ground. (fig. 4) 07 Dig holes for the first two posts. Depending on the post, holes will be 18"-20" deep. (fig. 3) Check with local building regulations to determine if code requires a deeper post hole, one that is below normal frostline in your area. 08 Add gravel to the bottom of the post hole for drainage and to ensure that the post is at the correct height. The mark you made earlier will be at ground level. (fig. 4) Set the first post in the hole against the layout line. Temporarily hold the post in place with clamps and braces. Make sure the post is plumb with a post level. Add concrete following the manufacturer s instructions. Work the concrete to about 2" below the surface so dirt can be added later for the grass to grow back.

3 SETTING FENCE POSTS Verify that the post is plumb with a post level. (fig. 5) Taper the top of the concrete downward and away from the post for better drainage. If you started at a gate post, set the other gate post. Be sure to account for the gate hardware when spacing. Check the manufacturer s recommendation, as some account for the hardware in the gate s listed size. For example, a 46" gate is actually narrower so that it will fit in a 46" opening. (fig. 5) Cut a scrap board to the full gate width to use as a spacer between the gate posts. This will make precise gate post placement easier. If you did not start with a gate post, proceed to installing panels. Set the first panel in place on the gate or terminal post. Slide it into the post notches (or on mounting hardware). (fig. 6) (fig. 6) Cut a couple of scrap blocks of wood to use as temporary supports under the panels as they are installed. (fig. 7) (fig. 7)

4 If the yard has slopes or changes in grade, the fence must be stair-stepped or racked. Post spacing on grades may require adjustment. Racking panels reduces the post spacing. Be sure to keep the panels at least 2" above the ground. Refer to manufacturer s instructions for installation on grades. (fig. 8, 9) (fig. 8) (fig. 9) 06 Add gravel to the bottom of the next post hole as needed. Lower a post into the hole, and slide it onto the panel. Some panels may need to be cut to fit. 1. Temporarily set the next post in place. 2. Measure between the posts on-center. 3. Transfer that measurement to the panel, keeping equal space to the first picket on both ends. (fig. 10) 4. Cut the rails. 5. If necessary, notch the ends to match the factory ends. For panels that attach to corner posts, a ½"x ½" square may need to be cut with a hacksaw from the rail ends of one panel to allow both rails to fit. (fig. 11, 12) Verify that the post is against the layout line. Temporarily hold the post and panel in place with clamps and braces. Make sure the post is plumb with a post level. (fig. 10) (fig. 11) (fig. 12)

5 07 08 Add concrete around the post following the manufacturer s instructions and work it down to within 2" of ground level. Secure the rails to the posts with screws. To avoid stripping the metal or screws, use an electric drill on slow speed and adjust the clutch to slip Continue working along the fence run: digging holes, adding gravel, placing the next panel and post, and adding concrete. (fig. 13) When 4-8 panel sections have been installed, look down the line of the fence to verify that the tops and sides are straight, making adjustments as needed. (fig. 13) Your metal fence should be taking shape. The next step is to attach the gate. You ll learn how to do that in the next video and printable instructions, Decorative Metal Fence Installation Tips: Attaching the Gate, at Lowes.com/Videos. These "How-To's" are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in Lowe's "How-To" videos is intended to provide general guidance to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations are continually changing, Lowe's assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any question or doubt in regards to any element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional.