DIY Network

Building Fence Sections Building Fence Sections From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-412

Precise placement of the fenceposts was vital because the fence itself will be constructed in individual panels and then attached to the posts. Here's an easy technique that will take a lot of time and trouble out of building fence panels.

advertisement

Expert advice: (John Harmon, licensed contractor) One easy way of creating your fence surface is to assemble it in panels, flat on the ground. Once you've got your panels done, it's just a matter of lifting them into place and attaching them to the posts -- and you've got yourself a fence!

1. The frame for the fence is made of 2x4s, which are butted (no mitering needed) and nailed with a pneumatic nailer. Once the frame is built, the horizontal boards will be added (one board will be used as a spacer, so there's no time-consuming measuring and marking).

Figure A

2. We're using 1x1 redwood strips as backstops at the top and the bottom of the frame, to provide a solid nailing surface. Nail the strips in place and then add 1x6 slats, spacing them and nailing them to the backstops (figure A).

Note: Our fencing components have already been stained, so all we'll have to do later is come back in and touch up any spots that need it.

Expert advice: (Josh Smith, DeWalt Tool Company) A pneumatic nailer is ideal when you're building a fence. Typically, you spend all day swinging a hammer; however, with a nailer you get the same high quality of work in much less time. And remember: when you're working with power tools, protect your eyes and wear safety glasses.

3. After the slats have been nailed in place (figure B), install 1x1s to hold them in place and provide a decorative touch (figure C). Remove all the spacers and build the remaining panels in the same manner.

4. Attach the panels to the posts (figure D), making sure each panel is level before nailing it in place.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

5. Touch up any areas that need extra stain.

Note: You may have noted that we didn't use the same colors for the fence that were used for the exterior of the house. Instead, we used an exterior opaque stain to extend the color range and also to add a more earthy look.

6. Add hardware to the gate. Because this fence is near a swimming pool, and because there are young children in the family, we're adding a latch (figure E) and spring-action hinges (figure F). The latch will fasten automatically, and this type of hinge allows the gate to close by itself, so there's no danger of a child slipping through a gate that's been left open. Attach the hinges to the post with lag bolts.

Remember: it isn't enough that the gate closes and latches automatically: it must be kept padlocked when the pool isn't being supervised by a responsible adult. Now the family has a fence and gate that will protect the youngest members from that tempting pool (figure G).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Time spent: 14 hours.

RESOURCES :

California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org

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

Equipment rentals
United Rentals
Website: www.ur.com

Wicker furniture
Plow & Hearth
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: 434-977-3707
Website: www.plowhearth.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

Josh Smith
Sales representative
DeWalt Industrial Tool Company
E-mail: Josh.smith@bdk.com