Picket Fence

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each lumber piece

• ✓

  Pencil and carpenter's square

  Marking lines and confirming right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Use home center cutting service recommended

• ✓

  Electric screwdriver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper (#120 and #240)

  #120・#240の2種を用意

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking horizontality during assembly

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining

• ✓

  Brush and paint tray

  Used to apply wood preservative

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm installation location and property boundaries

   ≈ 30 min

   Measure the planned installation line for the picket fence (1800×60×900mm). Clearly identify property boundaries and check distances to neighboring houses, existing structures, and underground utilities (pipes and wiring).

   Measure

   W 1800 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 9

   Tip

   • Keep at least 50mm inside the property boundary for safety to avoid encroachment issues.
   • Confirm underground water and gas pipe locations in advance with local authorities to prevent accidents when digging post holes.
   • Notify neighbors ahead of time about construction noise and potential impact on passageways.

   Watch out

   • Misunderstanding boundaries can lead to disputes with neighbors; confirm with survey maps before work.
   • Damaging underground utilities incurs liability; always perform prior confirmation.
2. 2

   Cut lumber and prepare stainless screws

   ≈ 45 min

   Cut three posts from 4×4 lumber at 89×89×1500mm, three rails from 2×4 lumber at 38×89×900mm, and ten boards from SPF lumber 1×4 at 19×89×900mm. Prepare 60 stainless 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

   • The 4×4 post length of 2400mm = 1800mm above ground + 600mm underground embedment; embedment depth is minimum to resist wind pressure.
   • Stainless screws are a must for outdoor use; iron screws rust within a year and lose strength.
   • Select quick-setting mortar so it hardens on the same day allowing progress.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient post embedment depth makes the fence vulnerable to collapse in strong wind.
   • Using iron screws causes rust stains on boards and damages the paint film.
3. 3

   Dig post holes and lay gravel

   ≈ 90 min

   Dig three holes for posts, each 200mm diameter and 600mm deep. Space posts at 900mm apart (center and both ends of 1800mm fence width). Lay 100mm thick gravel at hole bottoms for drainage.

   Drill a hole

   下穴 φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 3 / 9

   Tip

   • Using a post hole digger shortens work to one-third.
   • Ideal hole diameter is twice post thickness (200mm) to allow mortar thickness to secure posts.
   • Gravel layer prevents post bottoms from being submerged in water.

   Watch out

   • Inadequate hole depth causes collapse in strong wind; strictly follow 600mm depth.
   • Poor drainage causes post bottoms to rot; always create drainage layer with gravel.
4. 4

   Set posts upright and fix with mortar

   ≈ 120 min

   Stand posts vertically in holes, check verticality with level and temporarily fix with wooden stakes and wire. Mix quick-setting mortar and pour into holes to secure posts. Create a slight mound above ground level to prevent water ponding. Leave untouched for 24 hours to cure.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 4 / 9

   Tip

   • Use less water when mixing mortar (firm consistency); too soft reduces hardened strength.
   • Check verticality from two directions (front-back and left-right) with level.
   • Finish mortar surface 10mm above ground to prevent water intrusion.

   Watch out

   • Strong winds before mortar cures can tilt posts; choose a calm day.
   • Misaligned posts cause rails to not be level.
5. 5

   Attach rails

   ≈ 60 min

   After mortar cures, attach three rails (38×89×900mm) at upper, middle, and lower positions outside (garden side) of three posts. Heights from ground: approx. 200mm, 900mm, 1700mm. Drill φ5mm pilot holes from post side and drive two stainless 75mm coarse-thread screws per joint.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 5 / 9

   Tip

   • Rails are attached on garden side of posts; boards will hide rails when viewed from street side.
   • Confirm rails are level with level before fixing.
   • Drive screws from post side; rails hidden by boards so this does not affect appearance.

   Watch out

   • Post misalignment affects rails; measure actual post spacing before cutting rails.
   • Without pilot holes, even 4×4 posts may split.
6. 6

   Attach boards (1×4 lumber)

   ≈ 90 min

   Vertically attach 20 SPF 1×4 boards to rails. Leave 5mm gaps between boards (about width of one finger) to allow wind pressure escape and ventilation. Fix each board with screws to upper, middle, and lower rails (3 screws total).

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 9

   Tip

   • Do not push boards tightly; gaps enable wind pressure relief, ventilation, and visual rhythm.
   • Use chopsticks or 5mm spacers to keep gap uniform.
   • Keep board bottom edges 50mm above ground to avoid water contact.

   Watch out

   • Tightly fitted boards increase wind pressure risk of collapse.
   • Boards touching ground absorb water and rot; always elevate.
7. 7

   Sanding and paint preparation

   ≈ 60 min

   Sand entire assembled fence with #120 then #240 sandpaper. Especially sand board surfaces, ends, and corners carefully. Remove all dust before painting to improve wood preservative adhesion.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 7 / 9

   Tip

   • Board ends absorb water; sanding prepares for deep preservative penetration.
   • Orbital sanders are convenient for large surfaces; consider rental.
   • Wear mask and protective glasses as sanding dust is airborne.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient sanding reduces paint adhesion, causing early peeling in outdoor environment.
   • Painting over dust makes surfaces rough.
8. 8

   Apply first coat of outdoor wood preservative

   ≈ 90 min

   Use brush to apply outdoor wood preservative such as Xyladecor over entire fence, including front and back of boards, rails, and posts. Apply generously to board ends (cut surfaces). Let dry naturally for 24 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 8 / 9

   Tip

   • Penetration in board ends is key to preservative effectiveness.
   • For large areas, rollers may be used; finish edges with brush.
   • Apply in shade or cloudy weather; direct sunlight causes surface to dry quickly but inside remains semi-dry.

   Watch out

   • Rain before drying causes paint run and defects; check weather forecast before painting.
   • Thick, viscous paint causes uneven coating; apply thinly and evenly.
9. 9

   Apply second coat and final inspection

   ≈ 90 min

   After the first coat fully dries, apply a second coat, slightly thinned. After drying for at least 24 hours, inspect entire fence for protruding screw heads, uneven paint coverage, and post stability.

   Done!

   Done — nice work!

   DoneSTEP 9 / 9

   Tip

   • Two coats greatly enhance outdoor durability; do not omit second coat.
   • Lightly sand with #240 sandpaper annually and reapply the same paint to extend life beyond 10 years.
   • Posts bases attract water; check these twice yearly.

   Watch out

   • Omitting the second coat causes paint peeling and wood decay within 2-3 years.
   • Neglecting annual repainting leads to replacement within 10 years.

Warnings

• ⚠️For outdoor use, applying wood preservative is essential (recommended to reapply annually).
• ⚠️Use stainless screws (iron screws will rust).
• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before screwing to prevent wood splitting.

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