Below are a few key tips for everyone interested in DIY
Removing the old fence in three easy steps:
Step 1:
Remove all hardware brackets that secure each post to the supports
Step 2:
Separate supports from the post
Use a large weight hammer to knock the supports away from the post (left most picture), and if the
supports do not stop at the center of the post, use a reciprocating saw or chainsaw to cut both
sides of the support (second picture) and the final result should be cut like the third picture.
Step 3:
Remove the post
Since you won’t have a post puller,
as seen above, there’s no easy way
to remove a post, so carefully dig
until you reach hit concrete, then
dig around the concrete until you
create enough room to remove the
post vertically. Be careful with any
remaining nails or screws left in the
post from removing the supports.
Setting new fence posts
After you remove the old post, use a shovel and make sure you don’t have any remaining concrete before using a gas powered auger to make a clean 20″+ hole.
Use a measuring tape to check the depth and continue to dig/auger if less than 20″, regardless of the frostline. The depth and weight will add stability to your fence which will last longer.
Add at least 2″ of drainage rock to help drain any rain water, and this will help with positioning your new post in a level/plum position for setting your concrete.
Mix your concrete to this consistency you see in this picture.
After you cut your new post cut to length, typically removing 10″ – 12″, evenly distribute your concrete around the post as shown above.
Add at least 2″ of drainage rock to help drain any rain water, and this will help with positioning your new post in a level/plum position for setting your concrete.
Installing supports to the post
After your concrete has started to become firm, you can start installing your supports as seen above for additional structural support. We use 2.5″ screws on all supports and add steel brackets on our builds, and would recommend them to all DIY’s to prevent nails from forcing your post out of the level/plum position.
Installing your pickets
When installing your pickets you will need to check vertical level on the first picket, then check periodically as you put them up, as well as horizontally. We recommend a 15 degree nail gun and 1 – 3/4″ hot dipped ring nails to prevent them from backing out over time, and you should use a minimum of 2 per support.
Any nails that double shoot or don’t fully seat, either hammer them in the rest of the way or remove them as shown above. Never leave a partial nail as it creates a safety hazard for people and pets.
Depending on how your elevation drops, your should have a fence line that looks like the image above, with level pickets at the top and bottom.
DIY Disclosure
The DIY section of www.viking-built.com is for informational purposes only. The DIY guides, including all advice, instructions, and recommendations, are not intended to be comprehensive or to include all the necessary precautions or steps. Viking Built, LLC is not responsible for any personal injury or damage that may occur from your DIY attempts. You acknowledge that the use of electric hand tools and other equipment commonly used in fence installation can be dangerous and should only be undertaken by individuals with the requisite experience and skills. Viking Built, LLC recommends that all individuals consult with a professional and adhere to all safety precautions when attempting any DIY projects. By using the DIY section, you agree to do so at your own risk, and you expressly agree to release Viking Built, LLC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that you may hereafter have for injuries or damages arising out of or related to the use of the information provided.
