If you are an owner of a country house or a house in suburban area, especially if it is a newly acquired mansion, you are probably facing with the question of building a fence. There are many solutions to this problem such as fences made of profiled sheet, brick, metal, etc. Today we will focus on how to build a horizontal fence made of wood with your own hands.
Why a wood fence? Firstly, that kind of fence becomes “the face” of the host, secondly, it carries not only the protective function, but also may be the decoration of your site. In case of creative approach to the manufacturing process it is possible to achieve some quite interesting results. A person who wants to build a horizontal wood fence with his own hands must not have any special skills in the field of construction or carpentry. The main thing is to know some very simple methods of attaching wood boards to supportive elements.
Let’s look closer at this simple and elegant solution – building a wood fence with horizontal boards with your own hands. It is easy to build, rather cheap, easy to use, requires minimal costs for regular repairing and updates, also it looks very attractive.
So, we proceed.
Building a fence step by step
We recommend choosing wood boards of about 1 inch thick and 6 feet long. However, the you can choose the thick of boards you like.
Preparing pegs
Prepare some wooden pegs of about 2 feet, each of them pointed. Then, according to the plan of your site, drive them around the perimeter at a distance of about 7 feet from each other. Connect stakes with a twine. Pull it to the stakes carefully.
Height decision
Make a decision about the height. It should neither very high nor too low, but remember that the main rule for you is not to represent your private life on public display. Typically the height of the wood fences varies from 5 to 7 feet. Cut boards of required length, treat them with a grinding-machine (you can use an ordinary electric drill with a grinding-nozzle). If you want to make a semi-circular or triangular profile, plane boards in a required way fixing them on the bench.
Placing holes
Now remove the pegs one by one and place the remaining holes (of about 1,5 feet deep) for supports of your fence. You can use an electric drill or a hand drill.
Digging and cementing.
Now you need to dig prefab foothold in the ground. These may be sections of about 1,5 feet*2 feet. Beam a set vertically using a plumb line, pour the ground well and tamp it firmly. The perfect way for them is to be cemented or concreted. Please, pay close attention to the strength of posts.
Stretching a rope for aligning
On top of each post hammer a nail and pull all the boards of your fence with a tightly stretched rope around its perimeter. This must be done in order to align a fence’s height.
Connecting boards
Now connect your boards and posts using screws or nails. The size of nails or screws should conform to the thickness of boards in order them not to go through it and appear on the other side of your fence.
Finishing your fence
Apply an antiseptic agent on your fence and paint it whatever you like.
So, now your horizontal wood fence is ready! Congratulations! It will serve you well!
Questions & Answers on building a horizontal fence
Q: Is it cheaper to build a fence horizontal or vertical?
A: It is generally cheaper to build a fence with horizontal boards, because they require fewer posts and less labor. However, the cost will also depend on the type of material used for the fence, as well as the size and complexity of the design. For example, a horizontal cedar fence may be more expensive than a vertical chain link fence. It’s best to get quotes from different contractors to compare costs.
Q: How far apart should fence posts be for horizontal fence?
A: The spacing between posts for a horizontal fence will depend on the type of boards, and the desired overall stability of the fence. A standard guideline for wood fencing is to space posts 8-10 feet apart, this will provide enough support for most wood fencing materials. However, if the horizontal fencing boards are made of a heavier material, such as composite or metal, the posts may need to be spaced closer together, typically no more than 6 feet apart.
Q: What kind of wood should I use for a horizontal fence?
A: There are several popular types of wood that can be used for a horizontal fence:
- Western Red Cedar: This wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects, making it a durable choice for a fence. It is also lightweight and easy to work with.
- Redwood: Like western red cedar, redwood is also naturally resistant to rot and decay. It is also a stable wood, which means it will not shrink or swell as much as other types of wood.
- Pressure-treated Pine: This type of wood is treated with chemicals to make it resistant to rot, decay, and insects. It is a more affordable option than cedar or redwood but requires more maintenance to keep it looking good.
- Tropical Hardwoods: like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood and others, are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects and are very hard and durable. However, they are also more expensive than other options.
Ultimately, the choice of wood will depend on your budget, preferences, and the level of maintenance you are willing to undertake.
Q: How many boards do I need for a horizontal fence?
A: The number of boards you will need for a horizontal fence will depend on the length of the fence and the width of the boards.
Here’s an example of how to calculate it:
Let’s assume you want to build a 6-foot high fence without a gaps that is 100 feet long and you plan to use 6-inch wide boards.
You will need to divide the height of the fence (6 feet) per board width (6 inches):
6 feet / 6 inches = 12
Then you need to divide the full length of the fence (100 feet) by the length of the board (6 feet):
100 feet / 6 feet = 16.67 (≈17)
Then you need to multiply the results obtained above:
12 × 17 = 204
So, you will need 204 boards to complete the fence.
However, this is an estimate, and it’s always a good idea to buy a few extra boards to account for any cuts, mistakes, or replacements that may be needed.
Also, it’s important to note that some areas may require additional boards for corners and gate posts, so be sure to factor that into your calculations as well.
Q: Do horizontal fences need gaps?
A: It is not necessary to have gaps between the boards on a horizontal fence. However, it is advisable to allow for some space between the boards to allow for proper drainage and ventilation. This can help to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to rot and other types of damage.
Additionally, if the fence is made of wood, gaps can also help prevent warping and bowing. It can also allow for some visual appeal.
The size of the gap will depend on the type of material used, the width of the boards, and the climate of the area where the fence is located. Typically, a gap of 1/8 to 1/4 inch is recommended.
Q: How do you keep a horizontal fence from sagging?
A: There are several ways to prevent a horizontal fence from sagging:
- Use sturdy posts: The posts that support the fence should be strong enough to hold the weight of the boards. It’s important to use posts that are made of a durable material, such as treated lumber or steel. The posts should also be set deep enough into the ground, so they are stable and not likely to shift over time.
- Use the correct fasteners: Make sure you use the correct fasteners to attach the boards to the posts. Screws or nails are better than staples, as they will hold the boards in place more securely.
- Use a level: When attaching the boards to the posts, use a level to ensure that each board is straight. This will help to distribute the weight of the fence evenly, which will help to prevent sagging.
- Space the boards correctly: Spacing the boards correctly will also help to prevent sagging. The spacing should be such that it allows for proper drainage and ventilation, and also allows the wood to move without warping.
- Use cross-bracing: Cross-bracing is the installation of a diagonal board or wire between the posts to help stabilize and strengthen the fence. This can help to prevent sagging and keep the fence from leaning over time.
- Use stronger wood: Some types of wood are stronger than others. If you are using a wood that is known for warping and twisting, you may have to install the fence with more frequent posts, to help keep the boards stable.
- Consider using a different material: If you live in an area where sagging is a common problem, you may want to consider using a different material, such as vinyl or metal, which may be less likely to sag over time.
It’s important to note that even with the best installation and materials, wood fences will naturally shift, warp, and settle over time. To minimize this it’s important to maintain the fence regularly, such as tightening loose screws and nails, staining or painting to protect it from the elements, etc.
Q: Do horizontal fences last?
A: Horizontal fences can last for many years with proper installation and maintenance. The lifespan of a horizontal fence depends on a variety of factors, including the type of wood or material used, the quality of the installation, and the level of maintenance performed.
Here are a few things to consider:
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- Western Red Cedar and Redwood are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects, and if properly maintained, can last for decades.
- Pressure-treated Pine is also rot-resistant, but it requires more maintenance and may not last as long as cedar or redwood.
- Tropical Hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, etc., are extremely durable and can last for decades or even up to a century.
- Composite materials and vinyl fences can last longer than wood, up to 25-30 years and more, but they are also more expensive.
Proper maintenance is key to prolonging the life of a horizontal fence, such as staining or painting to protect it from the elements, and cleaning and repairing any damage as soon as it occurs.
It’s also important to consider the climate and weather patterns in your area. Fences in areas with extreme weather conditions or heavy precipitation may not last as long as those in milder climates.
Related Information:
Comfort and safety. How to build a privacy fence with your hands?
How to build a horizontal fence without a lot of effort?
This was really helpful! I have to agree the a horizontal board fence is not only functional, but also very stylish! It made my property look longer and bigger!