Building a Fence
A fence is a good option if you want to maintain privacy or just mark the boundary for your home.
More than that, though, an attractive, well-done fence can add tremendous aesthetic value to the house.
Here's an idea of how to build your fence inexpensively and efficiently.
1) Before you begin, get all the permissions you need.
This means you should check to make sure you're not violating any codes in your town or neighborhood.
It also means you might want to consider consulting with your neighbors about their views.
2) Next, determine the location for your fence.
Figure out how it will blend in with the landscape and house, and if the area is susceptible to erosion.
Also, make sure the fence is not on a path that animals run up and down frequently.
Rest assured, they'll continue to run up and down and eventually form a gully.
3) Get your materials.
You'll need to acquire pressure-treated eight-foot 4x4 posts, 2x4 boards and 1x6x6 planks.
The number of actual planks you need will depend on the length of the fence.
You'll also have to obtain a post-hole digger.
And finally, if you want a gate, you'll need to get gate hinges and a latch.
4) Construction starts as you mark out the fence line.
You'll want to reserve 36 inches for the gate.
Now dig 2-foot holes at eight-foot intervals, using the post-hole digger.
Place one of the 4x4 posts in each hole.
Use concrete ready mix to secure the posts in place.
Now frame the fence by nailing 2x4 planks across the eight-foot gap between the posts.
The 2x4's should run from the top center of the first post to the center of the next.
Similarly, you'll frame the fence bottom by nailing 2x4's to the top of each six-inch piece so the eight-foot gap at the bottom of the posts is closed.
After you've framed the fence, start filling in-between the posts.
Nail the 1x6x6 planks between the posts.
If you're including a gate, then attach the hinges to the post at the beginning of the 36-inch space.
Place a latch midway between the top and bottom to secure the gate.
And that's it.
You're fence is done, ready to be painted to match your house.
More than that, though, an attractive, well-done fence can add tremendous aesthetic value to the house.
Here's an idea of how to build your fence inexpensively and efficiently.
1) Before you begin, get all the permissions you need.
This means you should check to make sure you're not violating any codes in your town or neighborhood.
It also means you might want to consider consulting with your neighbors about their views.
2) Next, determine the location for your fence.
Figure out how it will blend in with the landscape and house, and if the area is susceptible to erosion.
Also, make sure the fence is not on a path that animals run up and down frequently.
Rest assured, they'll continue to run up and down and eventually form a gully.
3) Get your materials.
You'll need to acquire pressure-treated eight-foot 4x4 posts, 2x4 boards and 1x6x6 planks.
The number of actual planks you need will depend on the length of the fence.
You'll also have to obtain a post-hole digger.
And finally, if you want a gate, you'll need to get gate hinges and a latch.
4) Construction starts as you mark out the fence line.
You'll want to reserve 36 inches for the gate.
Now dig 2-foot holes at eight-foot intervals, using the post-hole digger.
Place one of the 4x4 posts in each hole.
Use concrete ready mix to secure the posts in place.
Now frame the fence by nailing 2x4 planks across the eight-foot gap between the posts.
The 2x4's should run from the top center of the first post to the center of the next.
Similarly, you'll frame the fence bottom by nailing 2x4's to the top of each six-inch piece so the eight-foot gap at the bottom of the posts is closed.
After you've framed the fence, start filling in-between the posts.
Nail the 1x6x6 planks between the posts.
If you're including a gate, then attach the hinges to the post at the beginning of the 36-inch space.
Place a latch midway between the top and bottom to secure the gate.
And that's it.
You're fence is done, ready to be painted to match your house.
