Guide to Installing a Staggered Rail Fence
Building a fence around your property can serve multiple purposes, from containing pets and kids to deterring intruders or simply enhancing your yard's look. The staggering technique comes into play when you attach the rails, and it minimizes the number of joints on each post, resulting in a more durable fence over time.
By Jamie Hayes5 steps
A staggered fence is typically made from treated lumber.
A fence around your property can serve many functions, like containing pets or children, blocking intruders, or simply making your yard look better. The staggering step occurs while you're putting in the rails. By staggering the rails, you ensure that each post has as few joints as possible, which leads to a stronger fence that lasts longer.
Step 1
Set your fence posts roughly 6 to 8 feet apart. Use a post hole digger to make holes deep enough that one-third of each post's length sits below ground. Choose pressure-treated lumber for the posts.
Step 2
Put 1 to 2 inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole to help with drainage. Place the posts in the holes. Add dirt around each post to hold it in place. Use a hand tamper to pack the dirt down firmly.
Step 3
Use a table saw to cut your fence rails from pressure-treated lumber. Take careful measurements between posts to ensure the rails are the right size. Keep in mind that staggering means each post will have the fewest joints possible. So each rail should extend across three posts, beginning at the middle of each end post.
Step 4
With a tape measure and pencil, mark on the posts where the rails will go. Make sure the measurements are consistent from the ground up on every post.
Step 5
Use a power screwdriver and 2.5-inch deck screws to attach the rails. Fasten the top rail to the first post. Run it across the second post and secure it to the third post. For the next rail, begin at the second post, go over the third post, and attach to the fourth post. Keep staggering the rails this way until all posts have rails around them.
