How to DIY A Cedar Wood Fence in Twin Falls, ID

Perhaps the most common type of fencing that clients choose to DIY is cedar fencing; cedar fencing is versatile, affordable, and can provide the privacy many homeowners hope for around their properties. Steps for a do-it-yourself cedar fence include: 

  1. Confirm your property lines. Hire a surveyor if needed; ensuring that you are building your fence on your own property is extremely important. If you overshoot your property lines, you may have to pay a fine or take down the fence. Some homeowners choose to build their fence slightly on their own property to avoid potential problems. 

  2. Consider what functions you need your fence to fulfill. Privacy fences are typically around six feet tall, and HOAs or local ordinances may play a role in how tall your fence can be. 

  3. Prepare the area where you plan to install the fence. You will be doing some digging, so remove all debris, obstacles, and vegetation like grass and shrubs from the area. Level the ground. 

  4. Request the locations of utility service companies. Call 811 in the USA, which is a line that helps citizens get information on where utility lines are located. Make the call at least 48 hours prior to digging; digging more than 6 inches into the ground requires confirming the location of utility lines for safety reasons, and failing to do so can result in fines and fees. 

  5. Drive stakes to mark where posts will go. For the best results, set up corner posts, then tie a string between posts to act as a guideline and drive stakes for your posts. Keep your posts less than eight feet apart to prevent issues with sagging in the future; measure the length you wish to cover with your fence and divide by 8 feet; divide the total length by shorter intervals such as 7.5 feet or seven feet to find a distance that will allow for even spacing. Mark your fence line with a string, looping it around each stake, to visualize where the fence will lie. 

  6. Set the posts. Dig a hole for each stake. For a six-foot fence, each post hole should be about three feet deep. Pour gravel into the bottom of each post hole, which will provide a stable base for the post and reduce the chance of damage from moisture. Insert the posts and double check to make sure each post is exactly horizontal, in line with other posts, and within your property line, then fill the hole with concrete. 

  7. Mark horizontal rail positions. For a standard six foot fence, the top of top rails are typically eight inches beneath the top of the support posts, and the bottom of bottom rails are about nine inches above the ground. Use a marker or some dark ink to help you achieve the most level rails possible. 

  8. Screw the rails in, using a level to make sure they’re straight. You may want to pre-drill holes to prevent rail boards from splitting. If you’re building your fence by yourself, you can clamp or tie the rails in place as you screw them in. 

  9. Trim the edges of the rails. We recommend using a circular saw to cut the rails to be even with the support posts. If you’ve measured everything in precise detail, you may be able to get your lumber pre-cut, saving you this step. 

  10. Attach pickets. The bottom of the pickets should be at least 1.5 inches above the ground to prevent moisture and rotting; a common trick is to use a 2x4 to rest the pickets on while attaching, ensuring a two inch margin off the ground. Be sure to space the pickets evenly, perhaps by using a quarter inch spacer or scrap wood that will allow you to create an even gap. 

  11. Finish the fence. Spray the completed fence with a protective finish, usually a wood stain or varnish that will help seal pores in the cedar, which helps improve longevity. 


Cedar fences are perhaps the easiest fences to DIY, and if you have handy friends, it can be a project done fairly quickly with the right amount of prep work. At Certified Fencing, we’re excited to serve you with all of your fencing needs, and wish you the best on your DIY cedar fence endeavors! We serve Twin Falls, Middleton, Kuna, Nampa, Star, Caldwell, Boise, Fruitland, Meridian, Eagle, ID, and all surrounding areas. Give us a call at (208) 449-2040 or fill out our online contact form for more information or to schedule a consultation today!

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