I don't know that I would buy everything at one go. Treated 2x4's can curl and bow if left laying around for a while.

When you're ready to attach the pickets, you can probably add a couple of years to your life span by renting a nail gun and a compressor.

Correct, expecially the wet ones. I have a coil nailer I use for nailing the pickets. Six 1 3/4" ring shank nails per picket and I then go back with a Senco screw gun and put a screw in the top and bottom rail. The pickets will not be coming off in our Texas winds.

I have been replacing all my wood posts with metal ones as they go bad. Neighbor of mine used metal them filled them with concrete. Said it was cheaper than buying caps for the metal ones to keep the water out and nothing will ever bend them on him.

Thanks for the comments guys. I will be buying maybe 20 at a time (straight ones) and putting them up the same day. Once everything is in place, I'll let it weather a few months then spray a good water treatment to help preserve it. I'll try and post a pic soon.

Seems like I used 1 3/4" staples. Holds well enough that you can't remove the picket without damaging it too badly to use.

I've never sprayed mine with anything. The fence will eventually deteriorate where the pickets attach to the stringers, and you can't get a sealer in there.

I know you already know this, but just to hear myself talking, I will say don't try to "eyeball" the height of the pickets. Run a cord where you want the top of the fence to run.

Amen, always use a string line. I also use a string line for my rails.

Truth to tell, though, I sometimes wish I had attached the pickets in such a way that it would be easier to remove them. Starting in about 15 years, you will occasionally need to replace one.

Leave a good inch between the bottom of the pickets and the ground.

unless you're in solid bedrock use cement...clay shifts a lot and many kinds will shrink/swell.

Treated Lumber - They use ARSENIC to treat it with. Just so ya know...

Oh, and always make sure your crowns and bows run the same way. Less warping.

Not to hijack the thread but I will be tackling the fence repair/replacement task soon. Going to do a couple metal poles at a time to replace the cheap builder grade stuff. Is Lowes/HD the cheapest place to get the poles?

If you get into the metroplex, Jamieson Fence Supply has the best prices and all your fencing needs in one place. There is one in NRH off Mid-Cities Blvd. 817-498-0347

Git a price quote from Lowes, then fax that to home depot, they will beat lowes by 10% take that quote back to lowes and thar ya got that beat by 10%,,,20% off at lowes aint bad.

Make sure you purchase .095 or Sch 40 metal poles. The .065 will bend in a 40-50 mph wind.
I just received an email from one of my suppliers that had the sch 40 for $18.74 each.

My sons built a fence for me over 12 years ago...they used 16' treated 2x4's (staggered on the 4x4's) for the stringers and we haven't had one problem with the fence at all. Then used horse pen wire and finished it off with 1x4 trimmers ...looks great !!