DIY Network

Horizontal Fencing Horizontal Fencing From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-408

East meets West as Jessie Mack Burns concludes her makeover of two neighboring backyards (figure A). The previous yard had lots of concrete -- and thus very little room for plantings. A traditional country theme with plenty of container plants solved the problem, providing a gracious welcome for friends and family (figure B). The property on this side of the fence, however, has plenty of room for plantings -- and this family's taste leans more toward the minimalist. So Jessie has decided that an Asian-inspired setting will add a sense of serenity without sacrificing any of the warmth expected in this close-knit community.

Figure B

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Skill level: 3

Time needed: 15 hours

Region: California

Hard supplies and tools
Wood planks: 1x6 and 1x2 (400 linear feet)
Plywood
3" black Mexican pebbles
Pea gravel
18" square concrete pavers
Paint
Giant ceramic pot
Decorative piece to attach to fence
Bonsai (see plants list)
Circular saw
Pneumatic nail gun
Standard gardening tools

Plant material
Red flowering maple (Abutilon hybridum 'Vesuvias Red')
Catalin elm (bonsai) (Ulmus parvifolia 'Catalin')
Dwarf mugo pine (I>Pinus mugo pumilio)
Veitch magnolia (Magnolia x Veitchii 'Columbus')
Majestic lilyturf (Liriope muscari 'Majestic')
Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicas
Turner's Pitt? mock orange (Pittosporum tobira 'Turner's Variegated Dwarf)
In order to start out with a workable plan, Jessie first downloads a digital image of the area and uses design software to plan the project. There will be seven distinct parts to the makeover:

1. Attaching horizontal planks along both the main fence and the drop fence.

2. Adding pagoda-style details to the top of the drop fence.

3. Staining all fencing.

4. Adding a circular cutout accent.

5, Laying stone pavers from the pathway that was built in the first part of the project.

6. Adding an Asian-style focal point.

7. Bringing in boulders, plants, river rock and pea gravel to finish the area.

Fence

	Figure C
	Figure D

This side of the fence will feature planks of two different widths (1x6 and 1x2), placed horizontally (figure C). First the back of each plank gets an application of stain; the fronts will be stained after the planks have all been attached.

Expert tip: (John Harmon, licensed contractor) Don’t be afraid to be creative when building your fence. Using two different-size boards on the surface of your fence can add visual and aesthetic interest. I think it's going to work very well on this side of the fence.

1. Place the first wide plank flush with the top of the fence and attach with a pneumatic nailer.

2. Using a spacer to be sure the planks are equally spaced (figure D), begin alternating wide and narrow planks, attaching each with a nailer as you work.

Expert tip: (John Harmon, licensed contractor) I like the idea of a two-sided fence. What a great idea! It takes into account the differing styles, needs and tastes of two adjacent homeowners whose yards may be completely different in style. And the truth is, it'll work almost anywhere.

Time spent: 5 hours.

RESOURCES :

Ace Hardware Supplies
To locate the nearest Ace Hardware to your home, click here.
Ace Hardware
2200 Kensington Ct.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2100
Toll-free: 866-290-5334
Website: www.acehardware.com

California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org

Asian Ceramics
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com Asian Ceramics Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com

Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com

DeWalt power tools
DeWalt
Website: www.dewalt.com/us/core/

Soil amendments by Kellogg Garden Products
Kellogg Garden Products
Website: www.kellogggarden.com

Landscaping Services by D&J Landscaping
D & J Landscaping
E-mail: DJLandscaping@sbcglobal.net

Catalin elm bonsai
San Gabriel Nursery & Florist
Website: www.sgnursery.com

Mexican river rock, pea gravel & sand
Sunburst Decorative Rock
Website: www.newsite.com

GUESTS :

John Harmon
Licensed Contractor
Specialized Services
PO Box 1377
Sunset Beach, CA 90742-1377
Phone: 562-592-3831
E-mail: SpecEmail@aol.com