CFP Fence Installation & Materials 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended post hole depth for a 6-foot privacy fence in most soil conditions?
- One-quarter of post length plus 6 inches
- One-third of post length plus 6 inches (Correct answer)
- One-half of post length
- 2 feet regardless of post length
Correct answer: One-third of post length plus 6 inches
Standard practice is to bury one-third of the post length plus 6 inches to ensure adequate stability and resistance to lateral forces.
Question 2: Which fastener type is most appropriate for attaching cedar fence boards to pressure-treated posts?
- Bright common nails
- Galvanized or stainless steel nails (Correct answer)
- Drywall screws
- Aluminum staples
Correct answer: Galvanized or stainless steel nails
Galvanized or stainless steel fasteners resist corrosion caused by the chemicals in pressure-treated lumber and the tannins in cedar.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of setting fence posts in concrete?
- To prevent wood rot at grade level
- To provide lateral stability and resist heaving (Correct answer)
- To elevate the post above moisture
- To satisfy local code requirements only
Correct answer: To provide lateral stability and resist heaving
Concrete footings anchor the post against lateral forces such as wind loads and prevent the post from shifting or heaving.
Question 4: When installing a chain-link fence, what tool is used to pull the fabric tight before securing it?
- Come-along (ratchet puller) (Correct answer)
- Fence stretcher bar only
- Manual hand winch
- Bolt cutter
Correct answer: Come-along (ratchet puller)
A come-along (hand-operated ratchet puller) combined with a stretcher bar is the standard tool for tensioning chain-link fabric evenly.
Question 5: Which wood species offers the highest natural rot resistance for fence posts that will be set in ground contact?
- Southern Yellow Pine (untreated)
- Douglas Fir (untreated)
- Black Locust (Correct answer)
- White Spruce
Correct answer: Black Locust
Black Locust heartwood has exceptional natural decay resistance, often outlasting pressure-treated lumber in ground contact without chemical treatment.
Question 6: A homeowner requests a fence on a sloped yard. Which installation method maintains equal board height above grade on sloped terrain?
- Racked (stepped) installation
- Contour (raked) installation (Correct answer)
- Horizontal board installation
- Panel drop method
Correct answer: Contour (raked) installation
Contour (raked) installation angles the rails to follow the slope so each board maintains consistent height above the changing grade.
Question 7: What is the standard maximum span between line posts for a residential wood privacy fence?
- 6 feet
- 8 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- 12 feet
Correct answer: 8 feet
Eight feet is the standard maximum spacing between wood fence line posts to maintain structural integrity under normal wind loads.
CFP Fence Installation & Materials 2
What is the recommended post hole depth for a 6-foot privacy fence in most soil conditions?