How To Build Fence Panels
A fence panel is simply the area between posts. It consists of at least
two stringers, usually either 2x4 or 2x6, that run between the posts,
and fence boards, usually 1x4 or 1x6, nailed or screwed to the stringers.
In the case of preassembled panels, there may be nailers placed at either
end of the panel to attach the stringers together and allow the panel
to be attached to the posts, although this varies with design.
Traditionally, fence panels are built in place. The stringers are attached
to the posts either with fence clips, which are metal brackets that allow
the easy installation of stringers, or by cutting a notch in the post
to receive the stringer. Depending on the design of the fence, the stringers
may span two or more sections. If you wish to use longer stringers you
should notch the posts 1-1/2 inches deep and wide enough to allow the
stringer to fit tightly. Some fence designs call for the upper stringer
to run over the top of the posts, which makes spanning two sections preferable.
Spanning sections makes a fence slightly more rigid, especially if the
top and bottom stringers are staggered over the sections, although spanning
is not necessary if the posts are properly set.
To notch a post, mark the outside edges of the area to be removed then
use a router to remove the material within the marked area. If you do
not have a router, make several passes with a circular saw within the
marked the area. Use a chisel to remove the remaining material. When
notching a post, it is important to set the depth of the router or saw
to the same depth as the stringer that will go into the notch.
No matter whether you notch the posts or use fence clips, the stringers
should be kept an equal distance apart and an equal distance from the
top of the posts. When placing stringers, you should always start at
the top and measure down. Use a spirit level to ensure that the stringers
are level. Measuring from the ground up will lead to an uneven fence,
since even the most carefully landscaped yard usually has some uneven
areas.
Stringers should never simply be face-nailed to posts. If they are
face-nailed without notching or fence clips being used, the fence will
lose strength and the finished appearance will be amateurish.
Once the stringers are in place, fence boards are nailed or screwed
to them. Nails are generally faster, especially if a nail gun is used,
and are less expensive. Screws take slightly longer to install and cost
slightly more, but they are less likely to come loose or “pop” over
time. Each fence board should be attached to the stringers with four
nails or screws, two in each stringer.
To keep the boards evenly spaced it is best to construct a jig. A typical
jig is a board or piece of plywood of the width that you plan to space
the boards. Cut a notch in the board to correspond with each stringer,
leaving enough space above the upper notch to represent the final height
of the fence board. After nailing the first board on, place the jig over
the stringers so that it is tight to the first board. Press the next
board against the jig and nail the board in place.
Even with the use of a jig, it is necessary to check your fence boards
at regular intervals to ensure that they are not skewing. This is most
easily done with a spirit level placed of the narrow edge of the board.
If your boards are skewing, you can correct the problem over several
boards in small increments. By using small increments, you keep the adjustment
from being noticeable.
Building your own modular panels can make the construction of some
fence designs easier. If you are building a fence where each panel forms
an arch, for instance, you may prefer to build your panels, then cut
the arch with a saber-saw or jigsaw, then install the panels.
If you are building your own modular panels many of the same methods
are used as when building a fence in place, but you must ensure that
you measure the exact space between posts and that each panel is square.
It is also important that your posts be straight, or that you make any
necessary adjustments while building the panel. There is little room
for adjustment once the panel is built making it imperative that you
take all measurements very carefully.
Create a clean, flat area to work in. Place your stringers parallel
to each other at the distance apart you want them to be in the finished
panel. If you are using nailers at the ends of the panels, cut them to
the appropriate length and nail or screw them to the stringers. If you
are building open-ended panels without nailers, attach the end fence
boards. Once your end pieces are in place make sure the panel is square
by taking two measurements diagonally across the panel. The measurement
of each diagonal measurement should be equal. If they are not, then your
panel is not square and should be adjusted before more boards are attached.
Once you are sure your panel is square, boards are attached in the
same manner as when you are building a fence in place. If you going to
be attaching the panel with fence clips or into notches in the posts
be sure leave sufficient room at the ends of the stringers. This can
be covered by a fence board installed after the panels are in place.
A panel with nailers on the ends is installed between the posts by
nailing or screwing it to the posts. Posts can then be left exposed or
covered with a fence board after the panels are installed.
Preassembled panels bought in home stores are installed the same way
as modular panels built on site.
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