HOW TO BUILD A RANCH STYLE FENCE

Sometime a fence needs to be functional, keeping pets and children safe, however when you don't need a more restrictive fencing, consider the rustic charm of a ranch-style fence. It can serve as a boundary without creating the sense of confinement that a conventional fence might create.

Before beginning any building project it is important to check with the local council's planning requirements and neighbourhood homeowner's association, if necessary. They may have restrictions on materials or on the maximum height for fences.

Determine where the first post will be installed. Using the post hole diggers, dig a whole about 45 cm (18 inches) deep. Place the post in the hole. Secure the post. Although ranch-style fences are easy to erect, the posts must be well-secured in the ground. Make sure the posts go at least 45 cm (18 inches) into the ground. Concrete the posts into position.

Measure a 1.8 m (6 foot) distance. Using the same method, install a second post. Screw or nail the slats in position, making sure fixings are rustproof. Repeat the process for every 1.8 m (6 feet) of length the fence needs to run. If the fence runs on a slope, then you must make the ascetic choice, keeping the slats in a level plane, or allowing them to slant. Regardless of the planks' angle, always try to keep the tops of the post on the same eye level plane.

For a less rustic, more formal look, you will want to fit a post cap. This improves the appearance and also protects the posts. Finish with a good-quality fence paint.