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You can DIY a stockade fence installation, but prepare to put in some good sweat equity. For the best results, carefully plan the exact location of your fence before you break ground. In particular, carefully map out your post locations before setting them in concrete. Be sure to call your local utility company before digging to avoid damaging underground wiring and causing severe injury.

On the other hand, installing stockade fencing on your own might sound too overwhelming. It’s certainly time-consuming and labor-intensive. Besides the hard work, you must install it properly to avoid gaps. Unless you’re confident you can get the job done right, hiring a privacy fence installer near you is the way to go.

Maintain your wattle fence by inspecting it at least twice per year for loose weaving and degrading branches. Replace any seriously degraded sections, ensure water drains properly around the posts, and trim any sprouting branches if you used green wood. If you notice the weave loosening, you can often tighten it by gently pushing down on the top branches. You can also apply a natural wood preservative every two to three years to extend the fence's lifespan.

While cedar and pine are two of the most common wooden fence materials, everything from redwood to bamboo is also available. You can also purchase pressure-treated wood, which better withstands water damage and the threat of pests. The best wood for your fence will come down to your budget, local climate, and preferred look.

While power washing isn't a requirement before you stain a fence, it can make the job much easier and faster while reducing manual labor requirements. The stain will not work if the wood is full of dirt and dust, so power washing, sometimes called pressure washing, is a fast and effective way to prepare the wood for staining. Remember that you need to stain or repaint relatively soon after the wood has dried so that there isn’t time for dust and dirt to build up again.