- 1). Run a string along the course of the proposed rail fence. This is the most accurate way to keep the fence line straight. Place a stake or flag at the point of each post hole. The spacing of the fence posts is determined by the length of the rails you have purchased for the project.
- 2). Dig the fence post holes using an auger or post-hole digger. Commonly 3 feet deep, the holes can be dug with manual or power equipment. Either is likely available at an equipment rental shop. Maintaining a uniform depth of the holes will help maintain a fence line where the rails form a relatively level horizontal line.
- 3). Set the first fence post in the line. The corner posts are usually heavier than line posts. Orient the notches for the rails down the fence line. Tamp the soil around the fence post or optionally set the post in concrete.
- 4). Set rails into the notches of the corner post and fit the other ends of the rails into a line post loosely set in the next post hole. When the rails fit snugly into post posts and the post is vertically straight tamp dirt around the post. Continue the same process from post to post down the fence line to complete the rail fence.
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