Instructions / Assembly
Check local ordinances and regulations before building your 
fence. Before construction, contact your local utility companies 
to mark any underground cables and pipelines. In addition, it is 
a good idea to discuss plans with any neighbors along your 
proposed fence line. 
•  Determine the number of posts, panels and gates needed to 
complete the job based on the total linear footage. Take into 
consideration post, panel and gate widths when determining 
the total number of each. 
•  Adjust layout to accommodate as many full panels as possible. 
If you must use a partial panel, place it in the farthest rear 
corner of the property. 
•  Locate property boundaries and drive stakes into the ground 
at corners and ends of fence line, based on local municipality 
regulations.
•  Stretch twine or heavy string between stakes and pull tight 
to mark layout of fence line.
•  Be sure to measure your fence panels and gates prior to 
determining the location of the postholes. Place posts in the  
following order along string line:
  • End/corner posts • Gate posts • Line posts
Most yards are relatively level and will allow for a fairly simple 
installation. If your yard is steeply pitched or very uneven, be 
sure to allow for the required mounting height of the adjacent 
panel when setting your posts. You may need to "stair step"  
the panels in extreme cases (fig. 1).
A general rule of thumb is to place 1/3 of the post into the ground. 
Check local regulations for any special requirements. The fence 
will be stronger if the end, corner and gate posts are set at least 
6" deeper than the line posts. Using a posthole digger or power 
auger, dig the holes 10-12" wide and 6" deeper than needed. 
Backfill the holes with 6" of gravel to drain water away from the 
bottom of the posts (fig. 2). Keep the height of your fence panels 
in mind when digging your postholes.
Step 3Preparation
Installing fences on sloped landscapes
Digging postholes
Items you may need
• Fence posts*
• Bracket kits
• Posthole digger
• Measuring tape
• Clear PVC cement
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Chop saw
• String line
• Concrete 
• Gravel
• Shims
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
Design and layout
StepSpacedPic.ai
fig. 1
Step method
Step method
36" to 42"
10" to 12"
Diameter
Level
Fig.4.pdf
fig. 2
fig. 1
68-1/2" from
Post to Post
Corner or End Post
Level
Fig.5.pdf
fig. 3
* One per panel and  
one to complete 
fence run.
 ©2015 Universal Forest Products, Inc. All rights reserved.
68956 U.S. Hwy 131, White Pigeon, MI 49099 616.365.4201 7949_3/15
www.ufpi.com
4x8 SPACED 3" PICKET PANEL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS






