Learn more
Building A 3' 2-Rail Fence with Pickets Print
Overall Skill Level: Intermediate

Setup for a 3' picket fence.
Steps
  1. 3' 2-Rail Fence with Pickets
    1. Preassembling Dog Ear Picket Fence Panel
    2. Cutting Materials
    3. 2 x 4 Sleeve Assembly
    4. Attaching Bracket
    5. Installing Panels Between the Posts
Tools
  • Drill
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Carpenter's Square
  • Level
Materials
  • 7 (4-72" pickets cut in half) Dog eared pickets
  • (2) 2x4x67-3/4" composite sleeves
  • (2) 4x4x78" composite sleeves
  • (4) Mounting bracket sets
  • (1 per post) Post Cap
  • (28) 1-5/8" screws
  • (2) AC2 treated 2x4x6'
  • (1 per panel + 1 at the fence end) AC2 treated 4x4x6' post
3' 2-Rail Fence with Pickets
Skill Level: Intermediate
  1. Preassembling Dog Ear Picket Fence Panel
    On a flat surface position 2 backer rails parallel to each other spaced 17" apart. On the front face of the backer rail attach the first picket 4" from the left edge of the backer rail. Line up each picket so that it is at a 90 degree angle to each backer rail and the dog eared end 6" above the top surface of the upper backer rail. Using 1 5/8" screws attach pickets to the backer rail, 2 screws into each backer rail(4 screws per picket). From the right edge of the first picket measure over 4" and attach the second picket. Continue with this application to the 7th picket . The 7th picket should end up 4" from the right edge of the backer rails.
  2. Cutting Materials
    Cut 1 78" 4X4 post sleeve in half, each piece will be 3'-3" long Cut 4 72" pickets in half, each piece will be 3' long.
    Making the Dog Eared Pickets Take 7 of the 3' pickets and measure 1" in from each top edge and 1" down on each side. Draw a diagonal line between the top and side measurements and with a miter saw set at 45 deg. Cut off each corner.
  3. 2 x 4 Sleeve Assembly
    Cut 2 - 2 X 4's and 2 X 4 sleeves to 67 ¾" (For 72" O.C. post spacing) Slide the 2 X 4 sleeves over the 2 X 4 boards until the ends are flush, these will be your picket backer rails
  4. Attaching Bracket
    Attach brackets to each end of the top and bottom backer rails.
  5. Installing Panels Between the Posts
    Lift the panel into position and attach to the side of the post sleeves with the top of the pickets even with the top of the post sleeve. Fasten the top brackets to the side of the post sleeve making sure the panel is level. Using a level check for vertical plumb alignment of panel and then fasten the bottom brackets to the posts sleeve.
Products, materials, techniques, tools, building codes and local regulations are subject to change; therefore, Midwest Manufacturing assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional before beginning any project.