re: Anyone build a fence lately?

Fences are expensive. In college (about 6 years ago) I built fences in baton rouge to pay my way. I did 95% of the work by myself. Made a killing, just based on my ability to get to customers faster than the bigger companies (backlog at the time). I just built a fence for myslef last spring and was amazed that wood has basically doubled over the last 7 years. My advise it make sure you have 4 ft. levels, string levels, and nail guns. With a nail gun and auger, I could put up a 300LF fence in 2.5 days by myself. A framing nail gun will save you two days. Take your time with the post and get them right. Home depot usaully has a sale on pine fence boards in the spring sometime, I got all my fence boards at $1 off.

Let the wood dry for a week or two if you can - it not only will be lighter to hull around, but also will already have shrinked a good bit to help revent gaps.Use your levels alot on the runners, post, and boards.

Buy extra - it takes 17ish boards to cover an 8ft section. buy at least 30 extra per 100 if getting from HD(you can return when done, but allows you to cull out bad boards). Always buy a few extra 10 ft 2x4 just in case you have to put a post past 8 ft due to roots, water line, etc.

If under 25 holes, dig holes by hand with post hole digger. It takes longer but the holes are tigher, take less concrete, and are easier to set. If you set dry, you normally can nail that day if your pack it right as you poor