The Harders' old fence is down, and construction is beginning on the new, shorter fence. Picket fences can be made from a number of materials, including 1x4s, 1x6s and 1x8s. The pickets for this new fence are cedar 2x2s; cedar is easy to cut as well as weather-, rot- and insect-resistant. Ninety pickets are cut with a compound miter saw at three different angles (30, 45 and 60 degrees) to give the fence a unique, customized look (figure A). As noted earlier, safety glasses and attention to hand placement should always be observed when operating any machinery.
As the pickets are cut, the new postholes are dug 24" deep to ensure a stable fence. After seating the posts, quick-drying cement is mixed in the holes according to instructions and allowed to set up, and then dirt is tightly tamped around the base of the posts (figure B). With the posts in place, 2x4 top and bottom rails are attached and checked for level (figure C) (figure D).
The pickets are then spaced accordingly, using a spacing block to ensure a correct fit, and attached to both the top and bottom rails with galvanized screws, after first predrilling the holes (figure E). And since some of the posts were already in place, every rail is measured to be sure the pickets are evenly spaced (figure F). To ensure the correct spacing at the time of installation, a spacing block is used (this also helps speed up installation time).Note: Check local building codes for necessary permits and to determine spacing requirements between pickets. For a custom look, shorter pickets alternate with longer pickets; this helps keep children and small animals inside the fence while giving the structure an open, airy look.
RESOURCES :
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com
American Society of Landscape Architects
Delta Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Plants provided by Skinner Nurseries Inc.
Skinner Nurseries Inc.
Website: www.skinnernurseries.com
Fountain provided by Al's Garden Art
Al's Garden Art
Website: www.alsgardenart.com
Lumber
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
Website: www.realcedar.org
Weyerhaeuser's CedarOne
Website: www.cedarone.com
| 
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2005/06/28/dgfi213_2fa_e.jpg",350,450))
)
)
)
)
)
