Constructing a Horizontal Fence: The Fundamentals
Fences improve a landscape’s visual appeal in addition to fulfilling a functional purpose. Side-to-side horizontal fences provide fences with a contemporary, modern appearance, as opposed to the traditional up-and-down vertical layout. It’s straightforward and quick for do-it-yourselfers to construct these contemporary-looking fences. Ipe wood, a popular hardwood, is a great option if you want to construct a horizontal fence; cedar, a softwood, is a less expensive substitute. A horizontal fence keeps a lot of the features of a vertical fence while changing the scale of others and eliminating others. A horizontal fence on a hill needs to be built with extra measurements. A horizontal fence can be “stepped” or “racked” if the land is sloping by trimming the boards to the contours of the ground. From a fence contractor, here are the essentials of building a horizontal fence.
Fence Posts and Rails
Two fence posts are set in concrete with a vertical fence, spaced about eight feet apart. To lessen the possibility of sagging, the posts are moved two feet closer, or roughly six feet apart, on a horizontal fence. The boards between the fence posts are made more durable by horizontal fencing rails. On horizontal fencing, the rails are concealed because they are incorporated into the fence’s overall design. You can also construct separate frames inside each post segment to provide the horizontal fence boards with more support. Over time, frames assist prevent sagging or drooping.
Fence Boards
With vertical fences, 16 fence planks per 8-foot section are attached vertically to stringers. Simply twist these fence boards 90 degrees to the side to create a horizontal fence. Due to the narrower span, you’ll utilize 12 instead of 16. The fence posts don’t need to be cut as long as they are precisely positioned. To the fence posts, the fence boards are face-nailed.
Trim (Optional)
You don’t need to cover up your nail head. Trim boards can be added over the nails if you want to cover them for a more polished appearance. Boards from a fence can be used as trim.
If you are looking for a fence contractor, you can always trust Imperial Fence LLC to help you. You can call me at (475) 238-1884 to book an appointment or for inquiries. I am based in New Haven, CT. You can also check out my work for more fence installation and repair services.