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Posted by HeyBub on September 2, 2006, 9:21 pm
Ook wrote:
> Tired of my fence questions yet? Be patient with me - I'm almost
> there. I'll be fence expert by the time I'm done with this fence :)
>
> So, today's n00b fence building question has to do with post spacing.
> I have a run that is 443" long. I'm thinking of spacing the posts
> like this:
> The left end is a corner post. The right end is a terminating post at
> the wall of the house. Measuring from post center to post center:
>
> X--- 4.9' ---X--- 8' ---X--- 8' ---X--- 8' ---X--- 8' ---X
>
> OR
>
> X--- 7.4' ---X--- 7.4' ---X--- 7.4' ---X--- 7.4' ---X--- 7.4' ---X
>
> The 8' spacing has narrow spacing at the corner post, decreasing the
> load on the corner post.
>
> I have another run that is 260, both ends are corner posts":
>
> X--- 7.2' ---X--- 7.2' ---X--- 7.2' ---X
>
> OR
>
> X--- 6.8' ---X--- 8' ---X--- 6.8 ---X
>
> Again - we either make them evenly spaced, or we shorten the runs at
> the corner posts.
>
> And lastly - on a long run, about 100 feet, is there any reason not
> to use 8' spacing? Is a long run susceptible to wind shear and
> therefore should have shorter spacing? This run runs north-south, and
> the prevailing wind is from the west, rarely over 10mph, gusts up to
> 30mph rare.
> I know, I know, it's up to me, do what I want, blah blah. What would
> you do in the above scenarios?
Assuming esthetics are not an issue: minimize the cutting.
Wind shear will not be an issue.
Helpful hints:
1. Consider placing a few pickets parallel to the ground, say 8-10-12 inches
worth. When they rot out, it's easier to replace a board or two than
re-construct that section of the fence.
2. Use 2.5" deck screws (stainless or anodized) instead of nails. You'll
need a house-current drill with a Phillips bit and a long extension cord.
Cordless drills just don't have the oomph or staying power. Get an
attachement/sleeve gizmo that guides the screw in straight. Screwing is
faster than nailing.
3. Buy an excess of pickets, say 10%. Stack them in your garage for an
extended period* in a fashion such that they get ample air-flow. You're
trying to get them as dry as possible before erecting them. If not "dry as a
board" when installed, they will SHRINK and you'll end up with 1/8 - 3/8"
gaps between the pickets, which not only looks tacky but allows your
neighbors to peek in and watch your female family members sunbathing in the
buff. Alternatively, you can watch your neighbor...
As you use your dried pickets, set aside the ones that warped or curled
during storage. Return these for credit. Yes, the box stores will take them
back.
(*Extended period = the longer the better. Two months should be ample, but
anything is better than "from Home Depot to the post.")
4. Take pictures as you go. Keep a little diary. Report back.
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