Outdoor Living & Lifestyles - Privacy Fence DIY???
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rjsone
04-21-03, 05:37 PM
I have decided that I want a privacy fence. For $ savings and a hobby, I would like to install it myself. I need advice and/or experiences shared.
I know that I must...
1) Discuss w/ neighbors to be a nice guy.
2) Submit plan to my neighborhood association.
3) Have underground utilities marked.
4) Plan fence layout carefully.
My thought is that I can do it myself, it will just require more time than hiring a pro.
I need about 180 feet of fence with 2 gates. I was thinking 6' stockade style fencing in a pressure treated cedar. I want to set each post in cement for added stability. The only complication I can think of is that I have a relatively steep incline at the back of the property. So, that will complicate matters slightly. I plan to buy pre-assembled panels in 6' or 8' widths. I may have to use individual pickets for the incline though.
Does anyone know of any sources for good plans? I have printed the brief description from Lowe's and purchased a decent book.
Can anyone share experiences and/or the value of 20/20 hindsight?
I am far from Bob Vila, but it seems do-able if I take my time to ensure that everything is level, etc.
The result of this project could include a huge "I told you so" with my wife. I would rather give than receive. ;)
Thanks.
I know that I must...
1) Discuss w/ neighbors to be a nice guy.
2) Submit plan to my neighborhood association.
3) Have underground utilities marked.
4) Plan fence layout carefully.
My thought is that I can do it myself, it will just require more time than hiring a pro.
I need about 180 feet of fence with 2 gates. I was thinking 6' stockade style fencing in a pressure treated cedar. I want to set each post in cement for added stability. The only complication I can think of is that I have a relatively steep incline at the back of the property. So, that will complicate matters slightly. I plan to buy pre-assembled panels in 6' or 8' widths. I may have to use individual pickets for the incline though.
Does anyone know of any sources for good plans? I have printed the brief description from Lowe's and purchased a decent book.
Can anyone share experiences and/or the value of 20/20 hindsight?
I am far from Bob Vila, but it seems do-able if I take my time to ensure that everything is level, etc.
The result of this project could include a huge "I told you so" with my wife. I would rather give than receive. ;)
Thanks.
chfite
04-21-03, 06:03 PM
Take your time. Protect your back. This will be a lot of wood to move.
Measure carefully. Make sure your survey is right.
The gate will be the hardest part to build.
Mark the holes and get some help and rent an auger to drill the holes. It may take all day just to drill the holes.
This will be an ocean of concrete to mix and move.
Get one or two of these post levels:
http://doityourself.com/store/6937825.htm
You can get them at the box stores, too.
This is a good DIY project.
Hope this helps.
Measure carefully. Make sure your survey is right.
The gate will be the hardest part to build.
Mark the holes and get some help and rent an auger to drill the holes. It may take all day just to drill the holes.
This will be an ocean of concrete to mix and move.
Get one or two of these post levels:
http://doityourself.com/store/6937825.htm
You can get them at the box stores, too.
This is a good DIY project.
Hope this helps.
PJ57
05-08-03, 01:26 PM
rjsone, couple added thoughts. When I put one in, I set the posts (making sure they were set below the frost line), without worrying if they were all exactly at the right height. Once the concrete set, I ran a level string line across the top, marked and cut with a circular saw.