George wrote:
wrote:
Hi,
I would like to fence my yard for two smallish dogs. After getting
some heart-stopping estimates, I decided I would tackle it myself.
However, in talking to people about how to do it, I've become too
intimidated to try.
I would like to do a picket fence, probably using panels, 3 feet high.
I've been told it's absolutely critical that the posts be exactly the
same height, set in concrete at least 2 feet deep, perfectly squared,
must use several inches of gravel in the bottom, set up props and don't
touch them for days after pouring concrete, don't use the quickie
cement, etc. etc.
I've also been told not to go near HD or Lowe's vinyl panels, "they're
junk." But I'm only fencing in two small dogs, not pigs or a bull. It
doesn't need to be that sturdy and I don't even want it to be
permanent, although it needs to last for several years. I live in
town, so it has to look presentable, but I can't believe I have to hire
pros and spend $8K+ to get it to look nice.
I would say that is an accurate statement. It has to do with the quality
of plastic and the UV inhibitors. But that doesn't mean you need to
spend a fortune. It costs a lot of money to do all of that advertising
telling people they are better. In my area there are two suppliers that
sell a much better quality plastic fencing than say HD at a similar price.
Do I really have to set the posts in concrete? What's the risk (other
than having it look a little sloppy) if the posts aren't perfectly set?
That would be like saying "do the studs on my house really need to be
nailed at the bottom?
Are panels a good choice? Is there a compelling argument against
using just any old panels? Is installing a fence really so tricky that
an inexperienced DIYer shouldn't even try?
Jo Ann
If the posts are in square and exacly the right distance apart putting
the panels in place is an easy job. If you get the spacing wrong it
better be on the short side so you can cut the panel to length.
I have installed a run of fence and cementing the posts was the last
thing done.
My method was.
place two rods in the ground at each end of the fence run and streatch
a line between them , level as a guide for the fence top rail.
Dig post holes at proper spacing using a length of 2 x 4 as the
measuring rod.
Place posts in holes on a stone bed approx 4-6 " deep.
prop two posts in place with scrap timber braces and nail panel in
place.
with panel levelled and squared fill posthole with quickset concrete to
8" of surface.
next day repeat for each fence section .
this allows adjustment of each post as you go.
Not the best method but workable for a home user .