81+ Fence Panel

www.fencesvirginiabeach.com

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Introduction: Building Your Own 81+ Inch Fence Panel Creating your own fence panels offers customization and cost savings compared to purchasing pre-made options. This step-by-step guide will walk you through constructing a durable and aesthetically pleasing fence panel that's over 81 inches tall. Remember to consult local building codes and HOA regulations before starting any construction project. This project assumes basic carpentry skills and familiarity with power tools.

Materials and Tools Needed Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials and tools. This will streamline the building process and ensure a smoother experience.

• Pressure-treated lumber (for longevity and weather resistance):
  • Fence boards (pickets): Sufficient quantity to reach the desired panel width, typically 6" wide. Example: 14 pickets for an 84" panel width. Determine length (e.g., 8 feet for an 81+ inch panel)
  • Horizontal rails (2x4s or 2x6s): Typically three per panel, the same length as your desired panel width.
  • Vertical posts (4x4s): These are NOT part of the panel construction but are needed for installation. Consider purchasing these when you purchase lumber for the panels to ensure the panel width matches the spacing between your posts
• Fasteners:
  • Exterior-grade screws (deck screws recommended) – various lengths for attaching pickets to rails and rails to posts (if pre-assembling panels onto posts).
  • Galvanized nails (optional, for initial tacking of pickets before screwing).
• Tools:
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Circular saw or miter saw (for cutting lumber)
  • Drill with drill bits and screwdriver bits
  • Level
  • Square
  • Clamps (helpful for securing pieces during assembly)
  • Safety glasses
  • Work gloves

Step 1: Cutting the Lumber The first step is to cut all your lumber to the required dimensions. This will ensure consistent panel size and a professional finish.

• Fence Boards (Pickets): Cut the fence boards to the desired height (e.g., 8 feet for an 81+ inch panel). Ensure all boards are uniform in length.
• Horizontal Rails: Cut the horizontal rails to the desired panel width. Standard panel widths are typically 6 or 8 feet, but you can customize the width to fit your specific needs.

Double-check all measurements before cutting to minimize waste and ensure accuracy.

Step 2: Assembling the Frame The frame consists of the horizontal rails, which will provide support for the fence pickets.

• Lay out the three horizontal rails parallel to each other on a flat surface. The rails should be spaced evenly, with one at the top, one at the bottom, and one in the middle. The distance between rails will affect the fence's strength and appearance. A common spacing is approximately 24-30 inches between rails.
• Use a square to ensure the rails are perfectly perpendicular.
• Clamp the rails together to prevent movement during assembly.

Step 3: Attaching the Fence Boards (Pickets) This step involves attaching the fence boards to the horizontal rails.

• Position the first fence board (picket) flush with the edge of the frame. Use a level to ensure it is perfectly vertical.
• Attach the picket to the rails using exterior-grade screws. Use at least two screws per picket per rail.
• Repeat this process for the remaining pickets, maintaining a consistent gap between each picket. The gap width is a matter of personal preference, but a common gap is about 1/2 to 1 inch. You can use a spacer block to ensure consistent spacing.
• Ensure each picket is plumb using a level before securing it.

Step 4: Finishing Touches Once all the pickets are attached, inspect the panel for any imperfections and make any necessary adjustments.

• Check all screws to ensure they are securely fastened.
• Sand down any rough edges or splinters.
• Consider applying a stain or sealant to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.

Conclusion: Your DIY Fence Panel Congratulations! You have successfully built your own 81+ inch fence panel. By following these steps, you've created a durable and aesthetically pleasing fence panel that you can be proud of. Remember to install the panels securely between your posts for a long-lasting and functional fence. You can repeat these steps to create as many panels as needed for your fencing project.

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