Installation Instructions

At Good Fence Co of Maine, we want to empower our customers with the knowledge to install their own eastern white cedar privacy panels. Based on our experience installing fencing, we’ve outlined the tools you’ll need and the step-by-step process to achieve a sturdy, long-lasting fence. Follow these instructions to install your fence, and don’t hesitate to contact us at sales@goodfenceofmaine.com for support or professional installation services.

Tool List

Here’s everything you’ll need to install your eastern white cedar privacy panel fence like a pro:

Level: Ensures posts are plumb in two directions (side-to-side and front-to-back).
Battery-Powered Impact Driver (x2): Efficiently drives screws; bring two to avoid downtime if a battery dies.
Wood Screws (Torque Bit Compatible): Secures privacy panels to posts through the tenon for a strong mortise and tenon joint.
Post Hole Digger: (Or auger) Digs precise holes for 4x4 posts, typically 2-3' deep in Maine to account for frost.
Pointed Shovel: Assists with digging, clearing soil, and removing rocks.
Hammer: Useful for tapping posts, stakes, or adjusting components during setup.
Plastic Dead Blow Hammer: Taps rails into mortise slots without damaging the wood.
Prybar: Adjusts posts or removes rocks and roots during digging.
Sawzall (Reciprocating Saw): Trims posts or rails if adjustments are needed on-site.
Chainsaw (or Skill Saw): Cuts posts to length or clears obstacles like roots or branches.
Carpenter’s Pencil: Marks posts for burial depth and rail positions.
Board to Tamp Dirt: A 2x4 or similar board to compact soil around posts for stability.
Can of Paint or Spray Paint: Marks post locations on the ground before digging.
Measuring Tape: Ensures consistent spacing between posts (e.g., 8' apart for standard rail lengths).
String Line and Stakes: Marks a straight fence line to keep posts aligned.
Safety Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots to protect against sharp tools and heavy materials.
Wheelbarrow or Bucket (Optional): Moves excavated soil easily, keeping your work area clean.
Gravel (Optional): Adds 4-6” at the base of post holes for drainage, especially in wet or clay-heavy Maine soil.

Note: Always check your tools before starting, and charge impact driver batteries fully to avoid delays. For a smoother installation, review our full Installation Instructions below.

Installation Instructions for Your New Privacy Paneled Fence

Step-by-step installation guide follow these steps to install your white cedar privacy fence:

Plan and mark your fence line:
- Use a string line and stakes to outline a straight fence line.
- Measure and mark post locations with spray paint, typically 8' apart. Adjust for gates, corners, or uneven terrain.
- Clear obstacles like rocks or roots using a chainsaw or shovel.
Preparation for post burial:
- Decide on the burial depth for your posts (2-3' is recommended in Maine to resist frost heave).
- Mark the depth on each post with a carpenter’s pencil.
- Dig the first post hole
- Start at one corner or end of your fence line.
- Use a post hole digger or auger to dig a hole to your marked depth (2-3'). A pointed shovel can help remove loose soil or rocks.
- Avoid digging too deep, as this can reduce stability. If the soil is wet or clay-heavy, add 4-6” of gravel at the base for drainage.
Set and level the first post:
- Place the post in the hole.
- Use a level to check it’s plumb in two directions (side-to-side and front-to-back). Adjust by adding or removing soil as needed.
- Backfill the hole with soil, tamping firmly with a 2x4 board every 6” to ensure the post is secure.
- Gently tap the free ends of the rails with a plastic dead blow hammer to secure them in place. Use a prybar to adjust if needed. Check the post with a level in both directions, adjusting as needed.
- Backfill and tamp the hole firmly with the 2x4 board.
Secure the panels with screws:
- Repeat for the entire fence line. Starting on one side, drive screws through the panel frame (not the pickets) into the post.
- Use at least 3 screws per side. Keep screws 1–2 inches in from the panel edge - Do not overtighten — cedar needs room to breathe
- Continue marking, digging, setting posts, attaching rails, leveling, backfilling, and securing with screws until all posts and rails are installed.
- Final Inspection and touch-Up: Walk the fence line to ensure all posts are level and rails are secure.
- Tighten any loose screws and tap rails with the dead blow hammer if needed.
- Apply additional linseed oil to any cut ends or exposed areas for extra protection against Maine’s weather.
Safety Tips:
Wear gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots to protect against sharp tools, heavy posts, and debris.
Follow manufacturer safety guidelines when using a chainsaw or Sawzall and keep the work area clear of people and pets.
Work with a partner when setting posts to ensure accuracy and safety, especially on uneven terrain.
Maine-Specific Considerations:
Frost heave: Maine’s freeze-thaw cycles can shift posts. Dig 2-3' deep (below the frost line) or use gravel for drainage to minimize movement.
Wet soil: If your site is prone to waterlogging, add more gravel at the base of each hole and ensure good drainage around the fence line.
Rocky terrain: Use a prybar to remove rocks while digging. If the ground is too rocky, consider a shallower burial depth with wider holes for stability.
Eastern white cedar is naturally rot- and insect-resistant — no pressure treatment required.
Panels may arrive slightly different in color; they will weather evenly to a soft silver-gray over time.
Sealing or staining is optional but can help maintain original color longer

Need Assistance? If you’d prefer professional installation or have questions about your project, we’re here to help. Contact us at sales@goodfenceofmaine.com or visit our Contact page to request a quote for your custom hemlock fence.