At first glance, a fence might look like a simple structure—some boards, posts, and nails. But if you’re thinking about installing or repairing a fence, especially here in Springfield, MO, it’s important to understand what actually goes into building a fence that lasts.
At Ozark Fence, we believe in educating our customers so you can make informed decisions. Today, we’re breaking down the complete anatomy of a wood fence—piece by piece.
1️⃣ Fence Posts: The Foundation of Every Fence
Your fence posts do the heavy lifting. Typically made from 4×4 pressure-treated lumber, or in our case, metal posts for longevity. These posts are installed deep into the ground to provide stability and long-term durability.
- Posts are typically buried one-third of their height in the ground.
- They’re set in concrete footings to resist shifting from wind, frost heave, and soil movement.
- Proper post depth is crucial—at least 30 inches deep, but deeper if required by Springfield’s frost depth (we usually recommend 6 inches below the frost line).
💡 Pro tip: Concrete should be slightly sloped away from the post at ground level to prevent water pooling.
2️⃣ Rails: The Backbone Between Posts
Rails are the horizontal supports that connect the posts and hold up the pickets.
- For a 4-foot fence, you’ll usually see 2 rails.
- A 6-foot fence typically requires 3 rails.
- For taller fences (like 8-foot privacy fences), 4 rails may be used.
These rails help the fence withstand wind pressure and keep everything aligned.
3️⃣ Pickets: The Face of the Fence
Pickets are what most people notice first about a fence—they’re the vertical boards that give your fence its style and privacy.
- Pickets can be spaced tight for full privacy or gapped for an open-air design.
- Popular top designs include dog-ear, Gothic, or scalloped styles.
At Ozark Fence, we help homeowners choose the right picket style to match both function and curb appeal.
4️⃣ Kickboard (Rock Board): Extra Protection at the Base
A kickboard runs horizontally along the bottom of the fence. While not always used in Springfield, MO, kickboards are common in regions with heavy rainfall or frequent weed trimming.
- Kickboards help protect your pickets from moisture damage, trimmers, and debris.
- Especially helpful for uneven ground and yards prone to drainage issues.
5️⃣ Footers: Setting Posts the Right Way
Proper footing is essential for long-term fence durability.
- Width: Footings should be 3 times the diameter of the post.
- Depth: A minimum of 30 inches deep, but adjust according to local frost depth.
- Some installers add a few inches of gravel at the bottom for drainage before pouring concrete.
6️⃣ Post Caps: Small But Important
Post caps aren’t just decorative—they serve a vital role in protecting your fence posts.
- Post caps shield the exposed wood from rain and moisture.
- They help prevent splitting and rotting over time.
7️⃣ Gates: The Special Case
Fence gates need extra attention since they’re the only moving part of your fence.
- Diagonal braces transfer weight to the hinge post, preventing sagging.
- Proper hinges and latches ensure smooth operation and security.
- At Ozark Fence, we always reinforce gates to handle Springfield’s variable weather conditions.
💡 Remember: The brace should run from the lower hinge-side corner up to the upper corner opposite the hinge to properly distribute the weight.
A Fence Is More Than Just Wood and Nails
When you see a beautifully installed fence, you’re really seeing the result of careful planning, correct materials, and expert installation. The combination of posts, rails, pickets, footings, and hardware all work together to create a fence that not only looks great but lasts for years.
At Ozark Fence in Springfield, MO, we’ve been building fences the right way since 1955. Whether you’re looking for a new privacy fence, replacing an old one, or just want expert advice, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free estimate and let us build a fence that’s built to last.
Good fences make good neighbors—and even better ones are built with Ozark Fence.