Wooden Privacy Fence

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  Marking layout lines and checking right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Recommended to use home center cutting service

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240 grit

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking level during assembly

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixation during joining

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for applying wood preservative

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm Installation Location and Site Boundaries

   ≈ 30 min

   Measure the planned installation line for the wooden privacy fence (1800×90×1800mm). Clearly define the site boundaries and check distances to neighboring houses, existing structures, and underground utilities (pipes, electrical lines).

   Measure

   W 1800 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 9

   Tip

   • Keep at least 50mm inside the site boundary for safety to prevent boundary disputes
   • Verify locations of underground water and gas pipes with local authorities before digging post holes to avoid accidents
   • Notify neighbors in advance about construction noise and traffic impact

   Watch out

   • Misunderstanding boundaries may lead to disputes; confirm survey maps before construction
   • Damaging underground utilities incurs liability; always check in advance
2. 2

   Cut Components and Prepare Stainless Steel Screws

   ≈ 45 min

   Prepare three posts (89×89×2400mm) cut from 4x4 lumber, three horizontal rails (38×89×1800mm) from 2x4 lumber, and twenty boards (19×89×1800mm) from SPF lumber 1x4. Also prepare 120 stainless steel coarse-thread screws 75mm, three bags of quick-setting mortar, and two cans of outdoor wood preservative (e.g., Xyladecor).

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 9

   Tip

   • Post length of 2400mm = 1800mm above ground + 600mm underground; embedding depth is minimum for wind resistance
   • Stainless steel screws are essential for outdoor use; iron screws rust within one year decreasing strength
   • Choose quick-setting mortar to allow hardening the same day for continued work

   Watch out

   • Insufficient post embedding length risks collapse in strong winds
   • Using iron screws causes rust stains on boards and destroys paint film
3. 3

   Dig Post Holes and Lay Gravel

   ≈ 90 min

   Dig three post holes 200mm in diameter and 600mm deep. Posts are spaced 900mm apart (for 1800mm wide fence, at center and both ends). Lay 100mm thick gravel at the bottom to ensure drainage.

   Drill a hole

   下穴 φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 3 / 9

   Tip

   • Using a post hole digger reduces digging time by two-thirds
   • Hole diameter twice the post thickness (200mm) is ideal to allow mortar thickness to hold the post securely
   • Gravel layer prevents post bottom from being submerged in water

   Watch out

   • Insufficient hole depth risks collapse under strong wind; keep 600mm depth
   • Poor drainage causes post bottom rot; always create a drainage layer with gravel
4. 4

   Set Posts Vertically and Fix with Mortar

   ≈ 120 min

   Stand posts vertically in holes, check verticality from front-back and side-to-side directions with a level, and temporarily fix using wooden stakes and wire. Mix quick-setting mortar and pour into holes to secure posts. Finish mortar slightly above ground level to prevent water pooling. Allow 24 hours for curing.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 4 / 9

   Tip

   • Use less water for a firmer mortar mix; too soft reduces strength after curing
   • Check verticality with a level in two directions (front-back and left-right)
   • Finish mortar surface about 10mm above ground level to prevent water ingress

   Watch out

   • Strong winds before mortar cures can tilt posts; choose a day with minimal wind
   • Posts not vertical prevent horizontal rails from being installed level
5. 5

   Attach Horizontal Rails

   ≈ 60 min

   After mortar cures, attach three horizontal rails (38×89×1800mm) on the outside (garden side) of the three posts at approximately 200mm, 900mm, and 1700mm above ground. Drill φ5mm pilot holes from posts and drive in two stainless steel coarse-thread screws 75mm per joint.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 5 / 9

   Tip

   • Attach rails to the garden side of posts so boards hide rails when viewed from the road
   • Check rails are level before fastening using a level
   • Drive screws from the post side; rails are hidden by boards for aesthetics

   Watch out

   • Post misalignment affects rails; measure post spacing before cutting rails
   • Not drilling pilot holes can split even 4x4 posts when screwing
6. 6

   Install Boards (1x4 Lumber) Vertically

   ≈ 90 min

   Attach twenty SPF 1x4 boards vertically to horizontal rails leaving a 5mm gap (width of one finger) between boards to reduce wind pressure and ensure ventilation. Fasten each board to upper, middle, and lower rails with one screw per rail (3 screws total).

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 9

   Tip

   • Do not place boards tightly together; leaving gaps helps reduce wind pressure, ensures ventilation, and adds visual rhythm
   • Use chopsticks or 5mm spacers to keep gaps uniform
   • Keep board bottoms 50mm above ground to avoid water contact

   Watch out

   • Boarding without gaps increases collapse risk from wind pressure
   • Boards touching ground absorb water and rot; always keep elevated
7. 7

   Sanding and Preparing for Paint

   ≈ 60 min

   Sand the entire assembled fence starting with #120 grit then #240 grit sandpaper. Focus on board surfaces, end grains, and corners. Remove all dust before painting to improve adhesive strength of outdoor paint.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 7 / 9

   Tip

   • End grains allow water ingress; sand carefully to prepare for paint penetration
   • An orbital sander is convenient for large surfaces; consider rentals
   • Wear mask and safety glasses to protect from dust

   Watch out

   • Insufficient sanding leads to poor paint adhesion and premature peeling outdoors
   • Painting over dust creates rough surfaces
8. 8

   Apply First Coat of Outdoor Wood Preservative

   ≈ 90 min

   Using a brush apply outdoor wood preservative (e.g. Xyladecor) evenly over all boards front and back, horizontal rails, and posts. Apply extra to end grains to ensure full penetration. Allow to dry naturally for 24 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 8 / 9

   Tip

   • Penetration into end grains is key for preservation; apply thoroughly
   • For large surfaces a roller is acceptable; finish edges with brush
   • Avoid painting under direct sunlight to prevent surface drying with wet interior; choose shade or overcast conditions

   Watch out

   • Rain before drying will cause paint to run; check weather forecast before application
   • Thick, gloppy paint causes uneven coverage; apply thin evenly
9. 9

   Apply Second Coat and Final Inspection

   ≈ 90 min

   After first coat is fully dry, apply a second, slightly thinner coat of preservative. After drying at least 24 hours, inspect entire fence for any protruding screw heads, paint defects, or post wobbling.

   Done!

   Done — nice work!

   DoneSTEP 9 / 9

   Tip

   • Two coats greatly improve outdoor durability; do not skip
   • Annual maintenance by lightly sanding with #240 grit and repainting extends life beyond 10 years
   • Check post bases twice yearly as water tends to accumulate there

   Watch out

   • Skipping second coat causes peeling in 2-3 years and wood decay
   • Neglecting annual repainting reduces product life to about 10 years

Warnings

• ⚠️When used outdoors, application of wood preservative is essential (annual reapplication recommended)
• ⚠️Use stainless steel screws (iron screws will rust)
• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before screwing to prevent wood splitting

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