Build a cedar fence with open panels
Build a cedar fence with open panels
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Difficulty:
Close DifficultyBeginner Do-It-Yourselfer - EasyIntermediate Do-It-Yourselfer - ModerateExperienced Do-It-Yourselfer - DifficultProfessional - Expert - Completion Time : Week-end project
This 6' wood fence will ensure your privacy outside while still letting in air and light. Each panel is 72" wide.
The fence is easy to build and requires very few materials, since the boards are simply inserted into grooves made in the posts.
We suggest you use metal stakes to secure the 6' posts, because they make it easier to position the posts accurately and adjust if necessary. Another option would be to use 10' fence posts and set them in concrete form tubes.
Print
Tools and materials required
TOOLS
- Table saw with dado blade
- Driver drill
- Sledgehammer
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- String and wooden stakes
MATERIALS
- (Materials for one panel)
- 1 cedar post, 4" x 4" x 72"
- 12 cedar boards, 1" x 6" x 72"
- 2 ½" treated-wood screws
- Metal fence stakes
- Stain
Before Assembly
CEDAR WOOD
Cedar is a naturally weather-resistant material and so does not need to be specially treated or painted. But there’s nothing to prevent you from staining it to go with the decor – this will not detract from its beauty.
We have chosen to use cedar for this project because of its weather-resistant qualities. You could also make the fence from treated wood, but bear in mind, in that case, that your fence will not have the same rich aspect that natural cedar provides.
A fence is made up of a series of panels connected by posts. Each panel needs to be supported by two posts. The following list of materials is for one panel with one support post. You will need an additional post to complete the end of the fence.
Steps
The boards are inserted into grooves made in the posts with a dado blade on a table saw.
1.1 Decide on the location of your fence and mark out the fence line with string and wooden stakes. Plant one stake for each post and calculate the number of sections you will need to assemble.
1.2. Make grooves in the very centre of the posts using a dado blade. The grooves must be ¾" wide by ¾" deep. Only one groove needs to be made in the start and end posts.
1.3. Stain the posts and the boards.
2.1. Plant a metal stake into the ground at your starting point. To drive it in, insert a 10" scrap piece of post in the base of the stake and hit it with a sledgehammer.
2.2. Plant a second metal stake along the fence line, exactly 74" from the first stake, centre to centre.
2.3. Insert the first (start) post into the base of the first stake and a post for straight lines into the second stake.
2.4. Insert the first board into the grooves, 3" from the bottom end of the posts. Screw into the posts at an angle.
2.5. Slide the other boards into place following the pattern shown in the elevation, i.e. three boards at a time followed by a 1" space. Use a spacer to ensure even 1" gaps between the board sections. If necessary, cut the boards to adjust their length. Screw each board into the posts at an angle.
2.6. Work your way along the fence line, planting one stake at a time and installing the boards as you go. Finish with an end post.
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