If you're dreaming about adding a backyard fence in Bergen County, NJ, or Rockland County, NY, you're in the right place. Whether it's for privacy, style, or giving the kids and pets some room to roam, this guide is your complete how-to from start to finish. You don't need to be a contractor—just bring some tools, a little patience, and this step-by-step guide to help make your DIY fence project a success.

Let’s break it down.

backyard fence bergen county nj and rockland county ny

1. Planning Your Fence: Start With the Basics

Before you break out the shovel, start with strategy.

Good planning is what separates a Pinterest-worthy fence from one you want to tear down in six months. It helps you stay within budget, avoid rookie mistakes, and pick the right materials the first time.

Here’s what to do before anything else:

Decide on fence purpose: Are you blocking views from neighbors? Containing pets? Creating a backdrop for your outdoor hangouts?
Measure your property lines and sketch out your layout. Double-check them with official plot maps if you can.
Mark any obstructions (trees, roots, rocks, slopes) that could affect installation.
Check local codes and HOA rules. Every town’s different—some limit fence height, material, or style.
Call 811 to locate underground utilities at least 72 hours before digging. It’s free and saves you from expensive (or dangerous) mistakes.

Pro Tip: Use wooden stakes and string to map out your future fence. It gives you a full walk-through of the layout before you lift a tool.

2. Choosing the Right Fence Style & Material

The style of your fence should match your home’s architecture, your lifestyle, and the vibe you want in your yard.

Popular Fence Styles

Privacy (Board-on-Board, Solid Panels): Blocks sightlines. Great for close neighbors or creating an enclosed outdoor room.
Picket (Classic or Decorative): Invites charm, good for front yards or defining space without blocking it off.
Split Rail or Post & Rail: Open and rustic, perfect for larger properties or decorative boundaries.
Horizontal Slats (Modern Look): Clean, sleek, and contemporary.

DIY-Friendly Fence Materials

Wood: Customizable and classic. Pressure-treated pine and cedar are top picks. Just be ready for staining or painting every couple years.
Vinyl: Comes in pre-made panels, needs zero painting, and lasts decades with a quick rinse.
Aluminum/Metal: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and perfect for decorative fencing with modern or traditional styles.

Pro Tip: Always buy 10% more material than you need to cover miscuts, measuring errors, and future repairs.

3. Tools and Materials Checklist

This is your pre-flight checklist—gathering everything now saves mid-job trips to the store.

Tools You'll Need:

Post hole digger or auger
Shovel
Level
Hammer or power drill
Tape measure
String line and stakes
Quick-set concrete (or gravel for removable posts)
Circular saw or handsaw (for wood panels)

Materials You'll Use:

Fence posts (corner, end, and line posts)
Fence panels or individual pickets
Nails or exterior-grade screws
Concrete mix
Post caps or decorative toppers
Hinges, latches, and gate hardware

Optional but helpful:

Work gloves
Safety goggles
Wheelbarrow for mixing and moving concrete
Chalk line

4. Prepping the Site

Before you can build anything, you need a clean, clear foundation.

Here’s what that looks like:

Remove vegetation: Clear grass, weeds, and debris along the fence path.
Check slope: Minor unevenness can be graded with a shovel or rake.
Run your string line: Use this as a guide to keep the fence perfectly straight and aligned.
Mark your post locations: Use spray paint or flags to identify each hole. Start with corners and work inwards.

If you have slopes or hills, decide now whether to “step” the fence (creating level sections) or “follow grade” (tilting panels to match terrain).

5. Setting Fence Posts

This is the backbone of your fence—and where most DIY projects go wrong.

Here’s how to do it right:

Spacing: Dig holes 6–8 feet apart, based on your panel size.
Depth: Go about ⅓ of the total post height deep (a 6-foot post needs a 2-foot hole).
Drainage layer: Add 4–6 inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole to prevent rot.
Set the post: Place it in the hole, then pour in dry concrete mix. Add water slowly and stir with a stick or shovel.
Level and brace: Use a level to make sure it’s perfectly straight. Brace posts with scrap wood or stakes until the concrete sets.
Cure time: Let posts set at least 24–48 hours before attaching panels.

Pro Tip: Start with corner and gate posts—they anchor the whole project. Once those are solid, fill in the rest.

6. Attaching Panels or Building the Fence

Once your posts are in, the real transformation begins.

If You’re Using Pre-Assembled Panels:

Set the panel between two posts
Make sure it’s level across the top
Screw through the rail ends into the post using galvanized or stainless steel screws

Work your way down the fence line, checking level every few panels.

If You’re Building Board-by-Board:

Attach horizontal rails first: Usually one near the top, one at the bottom, and one mid-height for taller fences
Space your pickets evenly: Use a spacer block (like a 2x4) to maintain consistent gaps
Secure pickets: Nail or screw into each rail

You can customize this style endlessly—add decorative trim, go diagonal, or use varying board widths for a modern vibe.

7. Installing Gates

No fence is complete without a gate—or two. This part takes some precision.

Reinforce the posts: Use extra-deep holes or metal post anchors for gate posts, which bear more weight
Measure twice: Leave a ½" gap on each side for gate movement and swelling (especially with wood)
Attach hinges: Follow hardware instructions—some mount on the face, others wrap around
Install the latch: Position it for easy reach and smooth closure
Test swing and fit: Adjust as needed before final tightening

Pro Tip: For double gates or wider access, consider a wheel support or center drop rod to keep them stable.

8. Finishing Touches

You’ve got a fence, now make it shine.

Post caps: These little additions protect the tops from rain and add instant polish
Stain, seal, or paint: Let wood dry for 2–4 weeks, then finish it with a stain or paint that suits your style
Backfill base gaps: Use soil, gravel, or mulch to fill any gaps under the fence
Decorate: Hang planters, string lights, or install solar caps to bring the fence into your backyard’s design theme

These small details are what separate DIY from done-right.

9. Maintenance Tips to Keep It Looking Great

A well-built fence can last 15–30 years—if you treat it right.

For Wood Fences:

Reapply stain/sealer every 2–3 years
Keep sprinklers from hitting the wood daily
Check for rot or warping annually

For Vinyl or Aluminum:

Hose it down every few months
Use mild soap and water for any grime or algae
Inspect joints and panels after winter freeze cycles

Pro Tip: Tighten loose screws or bolts at the start of each season—it’s quicker than fixing a bigger issue later.

10. Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let your hard work go to waste. Avoid these pitfalls:

Skipping property lines: Always confirm with a survey or municipal records
Shallow posts: Causes leaning, sagging, or collapse
Not bracing while curing: Concrete shift = crooked fence forever
Mismatched hardware: Use rust-resistant fasteners designed for outdoor use
Rushing the job: Give yourself a few weekends—not just one day

Pro Tip: Take breaks. Rushing leads to mistakes. A weekend project is better than a redo project.

Wrapping Up: You Did It

You’ve measured, dug, leveled, braced, and built—and now your backyard has a whole new vibe.

Installing a backyard fence yourself might feel intimidating—but if you followed this guide, you’ve just pulled off something most people pay thousands to outsource.

Now that the hard part’s done, enjoy the new space. Host that BBQ. Let the dog run wild. Kick back with a coffee and admire the fence that didn’t exist a few weekends ago.

And if you're still in the planning phase and need quality materials, expert advice, or ready-to-go kits that make the job even smoother, check out MyFence2Go. They’ve got everything from classic cedar to sleek vinyl—and they know Bergen and Rockland backyards inside and out.

Why So Many Homeowners Trust Us With Their DIY Fence Projects

At MyFence2Go, we don’t just sell fencing materials—we help people take control of their backyard space. Whether you're planning a privacy fence, a decorative gate, or a full enclosure for the family dog, we’re here to make the DIY process smoother, smarter, and more successful from start to finish.

We’ve spent years working with homeowners across Bergen County, Rockland County, and all over Northern New Jersey. And the one thing we hear over and over again? “I wish I came here first.”

We Know Local Fencing Inside and Out

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out fence codes, materials, or layout plans—we get it. That’s exactly why we built MyFence2Go the way we did.

We know what works (and what doesn’t) in this region. From strict HOA guidelines in Bergen County to tricky slopes in Rockland backyards, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners navigate local fencing projects with confidence. We’re tapped into the local landscape—literally—and we bring that experience into every conversation, every quote, every tip we give.

Everything You Need—In One Place

We’ve stocked our indoor showrooms in Pequannock and North Plainfield with materials you can actually see, touch, and compare in person. You’ll find:

Vinyl fencing in multiple styles and colors
High-grade aluminum fencing that’s sleek and rust-resistant
Classic cedar and pressure-treated wood options
Chain link and post-and-rail systems
A full line of railings and gates

You won’t have to hunt through aisles or guess based on a picture. We walk you through the options right there in real life.

And if you're not quite sure what you want? We'll help you figure that out, too.

DIY Support—From Real People Who’ve Done It

We know how it feels to start a DIY project with questions. That’s why we’ve built a customer experience that supports you, not just sells to you.

Need to know how deep to dig post holes? How many panels to order? Whether to follow grade or step your fence on a slope?

We’ve got you.

Between our in-store team and our online support center, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials, pro tips, and real answers to the things most people don’t think about until they’re mid-project. And we don’t just hand you a pamphlet—we walk you through the details like we would a friend or neighbor.

Delivery, Estimates, and Expert Guidance—No Guesswork

Getting your materials home shouldn’t be harder than building the fence itself. That’s why we offer delivery straight to your driveway or job site. We’ll even help you calculate exactly how many panels, posts, and bags of concrete you’ll need.

We don’t believe in overselling or leaving you short. Our team will go over your sketch, measurements, and layout so you feel confident from day one. And if you have questions along the way? We’re just a phone call away.

A Name Contractors and Homeowners Alike Count On

We’re proud to serve not just homeowners, but professional contractors, landscapers, and property managers across the region. With stocked inventory, fast turnaround times, and pickup-friendly locations, we’re known for being the supplier that keeps jobs running smoothly.

And because fences and railings are our whole business—not just a side department—we’re deeply invested in making sure every order is right, every time.

Built on Trust, Not Just Transactions

What makes us different? We’ve been doing this long enough to know that what people really want—beyond the panels and posts—is someone they can trust.

We’re a family-run business. We live in the same neighborhoods you do. And we care about the end result of your project just as much as you do. We’ve helped families build privacy for their backyard pools, containment for their new puppies, and the perfect backdrop for summer barbecues.

We’re not here to upsell you. We’re here to help you get it done right the first time.

Let’s Build Something That Lasts

Whether this is your first time picking up a post-hole digger or you’re already knee-deep in the planning stage, we’re ready when you are.

Come visit one of our showrooms. Walk the aisles. Ask questions. Bring your layout sketch, and we’ll help you turn it into something real.

Because when it comes to building a backyard fence that lasts, you deserve more than just parts. You deserve a partner.

We’re MyFence2Go—and we’re here to help.

DIY Backyard Fence Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bergen County & Rockland County Homeowners

1. Planning Your Fence: Start With the Basics