Decorative Fence: MOST TYPES of fence need to be constructed piece by piece on site and can easily be tailored exactly to your needs. However, it is possible to buy ready-made solid fence panels in a range of standard sizes and styles. These speed up construction considerably, but will not be as sturdy as a custom-built fence. In addition, the length of your fence will rarely equal a whole number of ready-made panels, in which case you will have to cut one.
Another type of fence you may find in ready-made form—as a kit of prefabricated parts ready for nailing together—is picket fencing. This, too, will be made to a standard size and may require some trimming to match the length of fencing that you require.
Finish the fence by nailing wooden posts to protect the endgrain from rainwater. Alternatively, the post top can be cut off at an angle so that rainwater will run off.
With tailor-made fencing, horizontal supporting rails are usually added at the same time as the posts are erected. Known as arris or split rails, they are triangular in section so that water will run off, and their ends fit into slots cut in the posts. The upright palings or boards are then nailed to the faces of the rails.
For a more decorative fence finish, shape the ends of wooden fence palings. The simplest designs are square, pointed or rounded, but more complex ones include intricately carved Gothic and ornate Queen Anne styles. |
