Woodworking (rec.woodworking) Discussion forum covering all aspects of working with wood. All levels of expertise are encouraged to particiapte.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 58
Default Fencing Materials

My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Thanks

John
  #2   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,199
Default Fencing Materials

I've had a white PVC fence for about 6 years now with no problems. I
do get some algae in shade, but that's after the winter season. In the
spring I usually just clean with a little bleach and soap and a brush,
and its fine for the whole summer and fall. Mine does not fade. Not
sure what you mean by "not mature enough", it's been around for a
while.
You will definately have a lot more maintenace if you put up a wood
fence.
  #3   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 680
Default Fencing Materials

On Apr 29, 10:00*am, John wrote:
My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. * I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. *I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. *As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. *Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. *Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. *I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).

Thanks

John


foil,epee, or rapier? (sorry!)
  #4   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 85
Default Fencing Materials

John wrote:

My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Thanks

John

Here in California they use a galvanized pole post in concrete with a 4x4 PT
post clamped to the pole. Most is Dog Eared ruff cut cedar or spruce on the
panels. Panels are alternated so the neighbor gets the same look on his
side. Seem to last a long time but we have a very dry climate here. I have a
slump stone wall as a fence and the only thing I have to worry about is an
earthquake.
--
You can lead them to LINUX
but you can't make them THINK !
Mandriva 2010 using KDE 4.3
Website: www.rentmyhusband.biz
  #5   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 58
Default Fencing Materials

I likely should have mentioned, I'm in Ottawa, Canada. We get a LOT
of snow, and the fence is in the open in some spots, and not in the
open in others (thick hedges behind the fence in one spot for
example). Painting in behind the thick hedges would be next to
impossible....


John


  #6   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 487
Default Fencing Materials

On Apr 29, 8:00*am, John wrote:
My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. * I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. *I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. *As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. *Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. *Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. *I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).

Thanks

John


I'd use galvanized steel in concrete for the posts (e.g. Master Halco
Postmaster). Then, I'd use pressure treated rails between the posts,
but I don't trust the modern type for ground contact. Then, I'd let
you decide between wood or plastic composite fence boards, as they're
easy to change out if needed.

The one thing I hate about plastic composite fence boards is that they
often don't come full length. Also, they seems to be a little flimsy.
  #7   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,091
Default Fencing Materials

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).

Thanks

John


Kind of dependant on where you live.

1. I have not seen PT fence boards here in California. Posts yes and
2x material but don't recall seeing 1x fence boards in PT.

2. Regarding posts, they will both (Cedar and PT) last about the same.
Both will give good service or bad, depending on how they are planted.
If cemented into a hole, put gravel in the botton few inches of the
hole to allow for drainage. Mound up the concrete above grade by a few
inches and sloped away from the post. Or use (expensive) post brackets
embedded in the concrete that hold the post above grade. Again,
expensive to get ones that have tall strong straps.

3. Here in California we use Redwood posts and fence boards although
PT posts are also quite a common approach.

  #8   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,377
Default Fencing Materials

Evodawg writes:
John wrote:

My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Thanks

John

Here in California they use a galvanized pole post in concrete with a 4x4 PT
post clamped to the pole. Most is Dog Eared ruff cut cedar or spruce on the
panels. Panels are alternated so the neighbor gets the same look on his
side. Seem to last a long time but we have a very dry climate here. I have a
slump stone wall as a fence and the only thing I have to worry about is an
earthquake.


Here in California they use PT 4x4 or 4x6 for posts (_never_ seen a galvy pole),
and redwood for the panels, with a 2x12 PT kick.

Don't know what california you live in.

scott
  #9   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking
rlz rlz is offline
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 178
Default Fencing Materials

On Apr 29, 9:52*am, Evodawg wrote:
John wrote:
My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. * I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).


So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. *I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. *As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. *Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. *Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?


Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. *I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.


Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Thanks


John


Here in California they use a galvanized pole post in concrete with a 4x4 PT
post clamped to the pole. Most is Dog Eared ruff cut cedar or spruce on the
panels. Panels are alternated so the neighbor gets the same look on his
side. Seem to last a long time but we have a very dry climate here. I have a
slump stone wall as a fence and the only thing I have to worry about is an
earthquake.
--
You can lead them to LINUX
but you can't make them THINK !
Mandriva 2010 *using KDE 4.3
Website: *www.rentmyhusband.biz- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


I used PT post and stringers and cedar dog-ear pickets to build my
fence about 10 years ago. My local city code said that any fence along
a road, must have the horizontal stringers on the inside of the yard.
I think this is for security purposes. I guess it makes it harder for
an intruder to climb over the fence. I don't put preservatives on
the fence, as I like the weathered look of cedar as it ages. The
previous same type fence lasted about 30 years. The failure points
were the rotting of the post at ground level. water was able sit and
soak into the post on top of the concrete, which caused the rotting.
So if you use concrete to set your post, pitch the concrete so water
will be allowed to run off.

Rob
  #10   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 4,207
Default Fencing Materials

On 4/29/2010 11:00 AM, John wrote:
My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Might want to look into ipe. Tropical hardwood of the "brown concrete"
variety--needs no treatment, will last for a decade or more sitting on
the ground in the Amazon rain forest, hard to get it to burn, hard,
strong, and dense. Popular as a deck material.





  #11   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 85
Default Fencing Materials

Scott Lurndal wrote:

Evodawg writes:
John wrote:

My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Thanks

John

Here in California they use a galvanized pole post in concrete with a 4x4
PT post clamped to the pole. Most is Dog Eared ruff cut cedar or spruce on
the panels. Panels are alternated so the neighbor gets the same look on
his side. Seem to last a long time but we have a very dry climate here. I
have a slump stone wall as a fence and the only thing I have to worry
about is an earthquake.


Here in California they use PT 4x4 or 4x6 for posts (_never_ seen a galvy
pole), and redwood for the panels, with a 2x12 PT kick.

Don't know what california you live in.

scott

Open your eyes Dickwad
--
You can lead them to LINUX
but you can't make them THINK !
Mandriva 2010 using KDE 4.3
Website: www.rentmyhusband.biz
  #12   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 4,207
Default Fencing Materials

On 4/29/2010 6:13 PM, Evodawg wrote:
Scott Lurndal wrote:

writes:
John wrote:

My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Thanks

John
Here in California they use a galvanized pole post in concrete with a 4x4
PT post clamped to the pole. Most is Dog Eared ruff cut cedar or spruce on
the panels. Panels are alternated so the neighbor gets the same look on
his side. Seem to last a long time but we have a very dry climate here. I
have a slump stone wall as a fence and the only thing I have to worry
about is an earthquake.


Here in California they use PT 4x4 or 4x6 for posts (_never_ seen a galvy
pole), and redwood for the panels, with a 2x12 PT kick.

Don't know what california you live in.

scott

Open your eyes Dickwad


Wash your mouth out with soap, kid.


  #13   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,012
Default Fencing Materials

I don't have enough experience (does anyone?) to comment on the longevity of
the newer pressure treatment chemicals, but I can say that in my part of
the USA (Baltimore Maryland) a good quality CCA treated post outlasts 2 or
3 sets of cedar fence pickets or cedar panels.



--
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation
with the average voter. (Winston Churchill)

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org
  #14   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 163
Default Fencing Materials


"John" wrote in message
...

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar.


When I bought my home the previous owner had put in a cedar fence. The posts
rotted off in ten years, and the pickets were darned near like stryofoam
they were so dry. I replaced it with green treated, ten years now, and it is
as solid as the day I put it in. I have not touched it as far as
maintainance, no sealer, stain, nothing. It gradually faded to a nice grey
color.
As for fence materials, I would put in pretty much anything, EXCEPT cedar!
Greg

  #15   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5,149
Default Fencing Materials

Greg O wrote:

"John" wrote in message
...

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar.


When I bought my home the previous owner had put in a cedar fence. The
posts rotted off in ten years, and the pickets were darned near like
stryofoam they were so dry. I replaced it with green treated, ten years
now, and it is as solid as the day I put it in. I have not touched it as
far as maintainance, no sealer, stain, nothing. It gradually faded to a
nice grey color.
As for fence materials, I would put in pretty much anything, EXCEPT cedar!
Greg


Depends on the cedar and the climate, I guess. The fence on my house
down in Louisiana went about like yours, as that climate will rot
concrete. But where I grew up in Indiana, alternating-picket cedar
fences I helped nail together 40 years ago are still standing. Western
RSC is about the most popular fence board down there, at least for the
pickets, since I was a small child back in the stone age. I presume most
people now use pressure-treated for the posts and rails, due to cost.
After redwood got too expensive, and before recycled pop bottle wood was
available, it was also the default for deck frames, decking, and railings.

--
aem sends...



  #16   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 4,207
Default Fencing Materials

On 4/30/2010 12:57 AM, aemeijers wrote:
Greg O wrote:

"John" wrote in message
...

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar.


When I bought my home the previous owner had put in a cedar fence. The
posts rotted off in ten years, and the pickets were darned near like
stryofoam they were so dry. I replaced it with green treated, ten
years now, and it is as solid as the day I put it in. I have not
touched it as far as maintainance, no sealer, stain, nothing. It
gradually faded to a nice grey color.
As for fence materials, I would put in pretty much anything, EXCEPT
cedar!
Greg


Depends on the cedar and the climate, I guess. The fence on my house
down in Louisiana went about like yours, as that climate will rot
concrete. But where I grew up in Indiana, alternating-picket cedar
fences I helped nail together 40 years ago are still standing. Western
RSC is about the most popular fence board down there, at least for the
pickets, since I was a small child back in the stone age. I presume most
people now use pressure-treated for the posts and rails, due to cost.
After redwood got too expensive, and before recycled pop bottle wood was
available, it was also the default for deck frames, decking, and railings.


Cedar used to be cheaper than pine in the South. Went to buy some a
while back and found out that it had become a luxury item.

By the way, new technology--don't know whether it actually works or not,
and it's not cheap enough for fencing yet, but the local hardwood yard
has quite a lot of "torrefied" lumber of various species. Googling that
I find that it seems to result in chemical changes making the various
wood components that fungi and termites like indigestible to them and so
works as an effective and nontoxic preservation process, with the side
effect that the wood comes out as dark as walnut.

Next project I do I think I'm going to give it a try and while I'm about
it cut some stakes and stick them in the back yard to see how they
really hold up.


  #17   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,861
Default Fencing Materials


"John" wrote in message
...
My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).



I have built a lot of fences and taken down a lot of fences. The fences
that last and look the best the longest in Houston use PT posts and rails
and use cedar pickets WITH A BOTTOM PT ROT BOARD.

1. Typically cedar posts rot long long before the rest of the fence. 2.
Typically PT pickets will out last cedar by a few years but PT pickets tend
to warp pretty badly so you need a minimum of 3 rails to hold every thing
straight. I always use 3 rails any way but try my best to sell my customer
on cedar. I make my money on the labor so price of materials does not
factor in on my recommendations.

Typically all pickets will last longer if you use a PT horizontal rot board
along the bottom of the fence along the ground. Place your pickets "on top"
of that board. This keeps the morning due from grass and the ground from
wicking as badly into the bottoms of the pickets.


  #18   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 58
Default Fencing Materials

On Apr 30, 9:16*am, "Leon" wrote:
"John" wrote in message

...



My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. * I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).


So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. *I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. *As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. *Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. *Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?


Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. *I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.


Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


I have built a lot of fences and taken down a lot of fences. *The fences
that last and look the best the longest in Houston use PT posts and rails
and use cedar pickets WITH A BOTTOM PT ROT BOARD.

1. *Typically cedar posts rot long long before the rest of the fence. *2.
Typically PT pickets will out last cedar by a few years but PT pickets tend
to warp pretty badly so you need a minimum of 3 rails to hold every thing
straight. *I always use 3 rails any way but try my best to sell my customer
on cedar. *I make my money on the labor so price of materials does not
factor in on my recommendations.

Typically all pickets will last longer if you use a PT horizontal rot board
along the bottom of the fence along the ground. *Place your pickets "on top"
of that board. *This keeps the morning due from grass and the ground from
wicking as badly into the bottoms of the pickets.



Thank you for all the information and points of view. I was under the
impression that Cedar outlasted PT, but I guess I'll have to look into
that some more. The fence we're replacing is cedar, and is 28 years
old. One thing that has occurred to me is that there are two types
of cedar -- western red and white. Perhaps the type makes a
difference, and perhaps PT would outlast one of them, but not the
other? Also, perhaps the treatment makes a difference.

The plan was to have the fence to not touch the ground, and not to
have a horizontal bottom board, so water wouldn't collect at the
bottom. I was also considering having a stone tile underlay
underneath to make mowing easier (no trimming needed near the fence).
It would also eliminate the grass dew issue. The post material is
still up in the air.


John
  #19   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,624
Default Fencing Materials

On Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:16:44 -0500, the infamous "Leon"
scrawled the following:


"John" wrote in message
...
My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).

So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).



I have built a lot of fences and taken down a lot of fences. The fences
that last and look the best the longest in Houston use PT posts and rails
and use cedar pickets WITH A BOTTOM PT ROT BOARD.

1. Typically cedar posts rot long long before the rest of the fence. 2.
Typically PT pickets will out last cedar by a few years but PT pickets tend
to warp pretty badly so you need a minimum of 3 rails to hold every thing
straight. I always use 3 rails any way but try my best to sell my customer
on cedar. I make my money on the labor so price of materials does not
factor in on my recommendations.

Typically all pickets will last longer if you use a PT horizontal rot board
along the bottom of the fence along the ground. Place your pickets "on top"
of that board. This keeps the morning due from grass and the ground from
wicking as badly into the bottoms of the pickets.


What about the morning dew, though? grass at the fence, don't
you guys sprinkle some Casoron around, or spray with Roundup to keep
the fence line clean?!? I usually try to keep the boards half an inch
off the dirt. The easiest way is to take the worst fence board and lay
it down,then build the fence on top of it, moving it downline as I go.
But I do like that PT buffer idea. I'd use a pencil to space the
pickets up off it, though. Otherwise it's a moisture trap.

I just wish there were an easy and inexpensive way to retain the cedar
look. I hate the orange clone paints and I hate the silvered look of
cedar aged with sunlight. Woe is me.

--
Losing faith in humanity, one person at a time.
  #20   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,482
Default Fencing Materials

John wrote the following:
My neighbors and I are looking to rebuild our fence, and we need to
discuss materials. I know plastic will come up, but I'm against
that, as in my opinion it's not mature enough of a product, and I've
heard lots of bad things about it (molds when in shade, color fades
differently in shade an sun, etc).


If vinyl gets moldy, so will any other material that's in the shade.
I've had to pressure wash mold off a cedar fence that was under shade trees.
White fencing doesn't fade. Plastic fencing won't rot.
So, I'm looking between Pressure Treated and Cedar. I'm wondering
what the advantages of either are. As far as life expectancy, the new
pressure treated no longer has arsnic, so I'm not sure how long it
lasts. Also, I've heard that they are now harvesting Cedar from
younger trees, and again, that is supposed to lower how long that
lasts. Does anybody have any ideas of how long modern cedar and
modern ptw last for fences?

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences. I'm wondering how necessary this
is, and how long the cedar posts will last.

Any advice is greatly appreciated (or a pointer to a good, unbiased
web site would also be nice -- can't seem to find one).


Thanks

John



--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @


  #21   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 395
Default Fencing Materials


The plan was to have the fence to not touch the ground, and not to
have a horizontal bottom board, so water wouldn't collect at the
bottom. I was also considering having a stone tile underlay
underneath to make mowing easier (no trimming needed near the fence).
It would also eliminate the grass dew issue. The post material is
still up in the air.


John


Here we see more and more privacy fences built with the galvanized
posts. For what it's worth, price wise it's an upgrade here.
Here's a link to the connectors for the stringers.
http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/PGT2E.asp

Mike O.
  #22   Report Post  
Posted to rec.woodworking,alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 19
Default Fencing Materials

Also I've heard ptw is stronger than Cedar, and that some people use
ptw posts on cedar paneled fences.


BTDT. Go with that. Cedar posts ROT easily when in contact with damp/wet
soil.

I'm wondering how necessary this is, and how long the cedar posts will
last.


About 1/10th the life of the fence


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules

Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fencing hibb Home Repair 17 August 4th 09 12:08 AM
Fencing Bill[_18_] UK diy 0 April 2nd 09 09:55 PM
fencing [email protected] UK diy 5 December 11th 06 10:37 AM
FAQ on fencing anywhere? Mike Barnard UK diy 5 September 20th 06 05:57 PM
Fencing Bob Smith UK diy 4 January 9th 04 10:10 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:06 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 DIYbanter.
The comments are property of their posters.
 

About Us

"It's about DIY & home improvement"