Outdoor Wooden Structures: Materials for Fences and Decks (page 2 of 4)
Learn about the different types of materials that can be used to build a wood fence or deck, plus get tips on basic fence construction.
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Fence Posts
The type of fence post you use will partly be determined by the type of fence you are constructing. In domestic gardens, wood is the most common material used, although metal and plastic posts are also an option.
Square Wooden (Image 1)
A simple design that can be made from a variety of different woods.
Square or rectangular in cross-section
Round Wooden (Image 2)
Can be used to provide a more rustic appearance than a sawn, square post. Often used with half-round horizontal members in a split-rail fence.
Metal Posts
These are good choices for chain-link and plastic fences. Make sure you use standard sizing in order to avoid the laborious process of having to cut the metal posts.
Putting in Posts
Excavate a hole for each post, approximately 24 inches square and below the frost line to allow for infill around it (Image 1).
Pack crushed stone into the base of the post hole (Image 2).
Fast-setting concrete should be poured in the base of the hole and allowed to cure for 24 hours before refilling the hole with dirt (Image 3).
Excerpted from Do It Yourself Home Improvement
© Dorling Kindersley Limited 2009
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