Once your fence layout is planned and your materials have arrived, it’s time to put your Cameo™ Horse Fence in the ground. Episode 3 of the Cameo Installation Skill Builder series focuses on one of the most important steps in the entire process: properly setting fence posts.
In this episode, Cameo Fencing walks through how to mark your corners, dig consistent holes, set posts at the correct depth, and prepare your fence line for a clean, professional installation.
Whether you’re a first-time DIY installer or a seasoned fence builder, this step determines how straight, strong, and long-lasting your fence will be.
Why Fence Post Installation Matters
Fence posts are the backbone of your horse fence system. If posts aren’t:
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Set deep enough
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Properly aligned
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Consistently spaced
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Securely tamped or concreted
you’ll see problems later—sagging lines, uneven tension, and unnecessary maintenance.
Episode 3 is all about doing it right the first time, so the rest of your Cameo fence installation goes smoothly.
Tools You’ll Need Before You Start
Before heading into the field, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
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Marking flags or spray paint
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Tape measure
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Black marker (to mark post depth)
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Level
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Post driver or post hole diggers
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Tamping rod
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Shovel
Having everything staged ahead of time keeps the job moving efficiently and avoids half-finished holes.
Step 1: Marking Corner and End Posts First
The installation always starts with corners and end posts.
These posts:
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Define your fence footprint
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Carry the most tension
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Serve as reference points for all line posts
***In the video, corners are carefully positioned with practical considerations in mind—such as leaving room for mowing or equipment access—before digging begins.
Once corners and ends are marked:
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Dig and set these posts first
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Then use them to establish straight fence lines
Step 2: Choosing the Right Fence Posts
For this demonstration, the following posts are used:
Corner & End Posts
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Designed for long-term durability
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Suitable for concrete setting if posts are not driven
***CCA-treated posts are critical here—they’re built to withstand moisture and can last 25+ years, even when set in concrete.
Line Posts
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No concrete required
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Set by tamping native soil
Using different post sizes where appropriate saves money without sacrificing strength.
Step 3: Marking Post Depth for Consistent Height
Consistency is key to a professional-looking fence.
For this installation:
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Desired post height above ground: 52 inches
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Corner post hole depth: ~44 inches
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Line post hole depth: ~32–33 inches
*Each post is marked with a black line at 52 inches so:
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You know instantly when the post is set correctly
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Every post ends at the same finished height
This simple step prevents uneven fence lines later.
Step 4: Digging Proper Post Holes
Corner and End Post Holes
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Width: 12–14 inches
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Depth: ~44 inches
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Consistent diameter from top to bottom
These larger holes allow room for concrete and ensure long-term stability.
Line Post Holes
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Width: 8–9 inches
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Depth: ~32 inches
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No concrete required
Smaller holes make line posts faster to install while still providing excellent hold once tamped.
Step 5: Setting Corner Posts with Concrete
Corner and end/gate posts are set using concrete when not driven.
Key tips from the video:
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Concrete does not need to be pre-mixed with water in wet ground
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Pour 6–8 inches at a time
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Tamp between pours
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Check each post with a level as you go
The post is leveled in both directions before the final tamp, then topped with native soil to finish cleanly at ground level.
Each corner post takes roughly 15 minutes from digging to finish.
Step 6: Running a String Line for Perfect Alignment
Once corners and ends are set, it’s time to establish your fence line for line post placement.
You’ll need:
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String line
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Tape measure
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Spray paint
The string line should:
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Run on the inside of the posts (animal side)
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Stay off the ground to avoid snags
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Be pulled tight between end and corner posts
This string becomes your visual guide for straight, professional fence alignment.
Step 7: Marking Line Posts at 12-Foot Centers
For Cameo fencing, we recommend 12-foot spacing for Line Posts.
Why not 16 feet?
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Minimal material savings
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Noticeably reduced fence quality
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Less consistent tension
Using a tape measure and spray paint:
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Mark every 12 feet
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Adjust the final span so end-spacing is even
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Avoid awkward short sections near corners
This small adjustment makes a big difference in the finished look.
Step 8: Setting and Tamping Line Posts
Line posts are:
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Placed directly against the string line
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Set to the 52-inch depth mark
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Backfilled and tamped in thirds
Each layer of soil is tamped tightly before adding more. When done correctly:
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Posts are solid
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No concrete is needed
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Alignment stays true
Once tamped, the post should be level, straight, and immovable.
Step 9: Clean Up Before Moving On
One final tip from the video that experienced installers swear by:
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Clean up dirt immediately
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Don’t leave holes open overnight
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Avoid working in mud after rain
Cleaning now is faster, easier, and prevents issues once fencing material is installed.
What’s Next in the Installation Process?
With all posts:
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Set
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Aligned
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Spaced correctly
your site is now fully prepped for installing Cameo fence lines and hardware.
This step sets the foundation for everything that follows.