Wooden Fence Guide

How to Stain Your Wooden Privacy Fence

A wooden privacy fence can do a lot to improve the look of your home but it is a two edged sword. On the one hand, a nicely stained privacy fence can lend your backyard or hot tub a touch of style while keeping out any prying eyes. On the other hand, a privacy fence uses a lot of wood. If you do not take care of it, the wood will start to crack, splinter and rot. Once your fence starts to deteriorate, you will be stuck with a massive eyesore that could take a lot of money to repair.

A quality stain will go a long way toward protecting your fence from the elements and keep it looking good at the same time. Before you start on the project you will need to purchase stain applicators, exterior wood stain and wood cleaner. After that, just follow these simple steps:

Make any repairs that are needed. Find and plug holes, pull or replace nails and check the fences overall structural integrity.
If the fence is dirty or you see signs of mildew then you will need to wash the fence thoroughly with the wood cleaner. Then allow it plenty of time to dry out. If you are using a stain without a sealer, you probably want to seal your wooden fence first.
Stains can look different on different types of wood so you will want to test your stain first. Find a little out of the way area of your fence and apply some of the stain. Then decide if you want your whole fence to look like that.
If you are happy with the color test then you are ready to apply the stain. You can use various types of stain applicators depending on your preference. A sprayer, paint brush, and foam applicator all work equally well as long as you apply the stain with the grain of the wood. You may need to use a few different applicators to get the stain into all of the cracks and crevices of the fence.
You will need to keep what is called a “wet edge”. That means that you should work in small areas and move quickly so that the edge of one section does not have time to dry before you start on the next. Make sure to spend a little time blending the edges of these sections so that you can’t tell where the borders used to be.

Filed Under: Privacy Fence, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: exterior wood stains, fence, fence atlanta, privacy fence, stain applicator, stain privacy fence, wood stain, wood staining, wooden fences, wooden privacy fence

Cedar Fences are great in Atlanta GA

Cedar fences are great in Atlanta GA and popular all over the country. There are many reasons that cedar is becoming an even more popular wood to use on fences such as:

Cedar is the Best by Far.

- naturally termite resistant

- doesn’t quickly decay due to the changing seasons

- easily fits almost any residential theme

- great for privacy fences

- great for security fences

- looks fantastic left without paint

- overall very long lasting

- durable

- awesome grain patterns for an attractive addition to the fence.

Western Red Cedar is one of the best types of this wood, but simply buying “cedar” is a great choice in general. It’s going to look great and needs very little upkeep. Northern White Cedar is also a good choice. The Northern variety is known to be firm but supple enough to weave into interesting designs. It truly allows a fence to be one of a kind.

All cedar materials will be more expensive than pine, but it’s worth it over the long haul. At any time cedar can be stained or painted to change the whole appearance of a home or business. It’s a fantastic, versatile option. One tip is to not ground the posts in concrete as it increases rot and thus need for replacements.

All cedar can be left in a rough appearance or smoothed depending on the imagination of the homeowner. It just can’t be understated that the durability of this product pays for itself. Of this particular wood, the Western Red Cedar is the strongest. It will stand up to the roughest conditions and look great for years to come.

These are just a few reasons why cedar fences are great in Atlanta GA. Contact or go see a fence contractor to learn more about other benefits and how much it would be to have them do all the hard work. There’s nothing better than the job done right the first time. When a contractor is used there are also benefits such as maintenance covered in the future when there’s a problem. A cedar fence in Atlanta GA is not just a trendy choice, it’s an investment. Property values will only go up with a breathtaking addition like this.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Backyard Fence, Choosing Fence Materials, Fence Company, Fence Design, Fence Materials, Fence Materials and Tools, Fence Photo Gallery, How To Build A Fence, Neighbor Fence, Ornamental Fence, Pet Fences, Privacy Fence, Specialty Fences, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: atlanta best fence company, Atlanta Fence Builder, atlanta fence company, atlanta ga, cedar, cedar fences, cedar fencing, due, durable, fences, flora of north america, flora of the united states, ga, privacy fence, security fence, thuja plicata, western red cedar

The Best Fence Materials in Atlanta GA Truly Last

The best fence materials in Atlanta GA are very affordable and save money on repairs later. It just takes a little knowledge on the subject to build a fence that lasts. A quality, great looking fence is not only a good idea to keep pets in the yard, it can also increase the value of a home. Specially treated wood can last upwards of a decade with proper maintenance and a coat of paint. Of course, a natural look without paint is just as durable if the materials used are treated. The kind of wood also has a great deal to do with how long the fence will last. Pine is a great, affordable choice, but it will begin to buckle after ten years or so. Something more durable like cedar will last longer.

Leave it to the Pro's for Great Fence Materials.

There are also zoning laws and planned neighborhood charters to check before building. It’s also a good idea to talk to the neighbors to make sure the property lines are understood. It’s just not whether or not a neighborhood will allow a fence, but sometimes charters restrict the materials used, colors applied and/or how high the fence can be. Before picking the best fence materials in Atlanta, check with the neighborhood charter.

When choosing chemically treated materials, remember that many are refusing to use CCA lumber due to problems with dangerous chemicals. Choosing the best fence materials is not something to leave to chance. Think about pets and children that will be playing on the fence and which is the safest choice. There are a great many new facts going around about CCA products, so consult a professional fence installer for the latest news. Safety is always first, no matter what the project is. There are studies that state it is “safer” to use CCA lumber after several coats of paints have been applied, but again, it’s a risky choice. Call a great fence contractor in Atlanta GA today and find out more about the best fence materials to use in Atlanta GA.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Backyard Fence, chain link and security fences, Chain Link Styles, Fence Company, Fence Design, Fence Materials, Fence Materials and Tools, Fence Photo Gallery, How To Build A Fence, Installing Privacy Fence, Picket Fence, Pool Fence Guide, Privacy Fence Guide, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: Atlanta, atlanta best fence company, Atlanta Fence Builder, Atlanta Fence Contractor, atlanta ga, civil engineering, earthquake engineering, enclosure, engineering, fence materials, fences, fencing material, good fence, human interest, material, money, spending money, structural engineering, treated wood, wood, wood preservation, woodworking

Repairing a Fence in Atlanta GA

Repairing a fence in Atlanta GA is inevitable for anyone who has already built one on their property. The first rule of thumb is: Fix it now than later. The longer one waits to repair any small problem can cost a lot more money when the issue becomes worse. The weather and time are the two biggest enemies of materials. Wood products swell, shrink, or split while chain link begins to sag. There are do it yourself ways to handle these issues and save money on building a new enclosure.

A Great Fence Contractor is Right Around the Corner.

If the wooden posts or slats begin to lean:

1) Use a shovel or spade and work dirt away from the leaning object.

2) Pull the post or slat straight again and hold in place.

3) Use fresh dirt and pack it in firmly to keep the slat or post upright.

Be sure to replace the rail that runs across the slats between slats. These are very important to the overall integrity of the fence. These keep the slats from tipping over. Check all the rails regularly for rot due to moisture or extreme weather conditions. After heavy storms or snowfall, go over the fence to be sure there’s no long term damage. If there are any issues, address them at that time. It’s much cheaper to repair an existing fence than paying for a new one.

If there are any questions about fence repairs, contacting a leader in installation is a great place to start. No one knows better than the experts. If planning to make the fence already in place more individualized, someone who installs fences for a living would know new ways to make it really pop. Again, if the job appears too big, or the fence came with a new home and falling apart, ask about cost and warranties on getting them to do the work. Nothing is better than the best job done for the best price. Whether doing the work alone or by hiring a company, repairing a fence in Atlanta GA is very important for safety and beauty.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Backyard Fence, chain link and security fences, Chain Link Fence Guide, Choosing Fence Materials, Common Fence Mistakes, Fence Company, Fence Design, Fence Materials, Fence Photo Gallery, Iron and Decorative Fences, Iron and Ornamental Fences, Ornamental Fence, Privacy Fence Guide, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: atlanta ga, business, Chain-link fencing, crucial, fence, fence construction, fence hints, fence repair, fence tips, fences, ga, in atlanta, inevitable, new fence, repair, repairing, repairing a fence, repairing wooden fences, residences, safety, saving money, slats, wood products

Great Wooden Fences in Atlanta GA

Wooden fences in Atlanta GA can come in any number of styles and functions. There are a million different places to read that give “hints” on installation and cost, but here are a few facts and figures one can count on. Money is tight on all Americans these days, so knowing exactly how much one will spend on a new project is crucial. Everyone wants to avoid “sticker shock” at the end of any project.

Building a Wooden Fence Doesn't Have to Break the Bank.

Some steps to an affordable wooden fence are:

1) Write a detailed list of all the materials and tools needed for the job

2) Remember smart money saving tips like buying wooden posts either the same length, or twice as long to be cut into two posts from one. Buying posts a few feet taller than needed is a waste of materials and money.

3) Remember measurements when it comes to the wooden panels that make up the fence itself. Those too can be easier on the wallet by buying them in lengths of 6 – 8 feet in pine, cedar or other desired wood. Again these can be cut to the right length instead of buying more wood the same length.

The tools needed for the job vary depending on how much experience someone has and the tools they already have. Some of the tools that are necessary are:

1) Hammer

2) Nails

3) Ruler

4) String

5) Drafting pencils

6) Electric saws for larger jobs

7) Wooden pegs

8) Good friends or neighbors with experience to help

A great way on saving money on tools is to borrow them where possible. Tools are a great investment for any homeowner who may have “to-do” lists around the house. Yet, if new projects aren’t soon to pop up, borrowing them will save cash on tools that will otherwise just occupy space in a closet or garage. (Just be sure to keep the peace and return all tools on time and in good condition.)

Building a wooden fence in Atlanta GA doesn’t have to break the bank. If the materials and tools here seem out of the scope of one’s skills, it’s a great idea to look into hiring a professional fence installation company. Money can definitely be saved by having the job done right the first time instead of trying it alone, then calling in the professionals. The scope of the job is only limited to one’s budgets.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Backyard Fence, Choosing Fence Materials, Common Fence Mistakes, Fence Company, Fence Design, Fence Materials, Fence Photo Gallery, How To Build A Fence, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: atlanta ga, bank, banking, breaks, budget, buy wooden, fences, ga, hammer, in atlanta, smart money, split rail fence, stays, technology, wooden fences, wooden fencing, wooden panels

Ornamental Fence Ideas

Ornamental fence ideas are many, but here are a few homeowners can really put stock in. an Ornamental fence adds privacy and beauty to a residence. If the right fence is chosen, and it’s installed correctly, the decorative garden fence can add value to the home as well. Below are a few suggestions and tips for homeowners who are looking to enclose their property, or garden, with a new fence.

An Ornamental Fence Can Make a Good Impression on Visitors:

- The white picket fence is a traditional ornamental fence that projects a look that has been around for decades. It can fit the look of almost any home and if made of vinyl there is no worry of upkeep.

- If a homeowner is looking for an aesthetically pleasing effect, but not one that blocks view of the home, build the decorative garden fence lower.

- Vinyl fences, and some picket fences, come pre-made in kits that make the installation even easier. These can be obtained from some lumber yards and home improvement outlets.

- If the ornamental fence is too bare against the look of a home which wants to showcase their garden, roses can be wove between the slats in the fence to add an appealing look.

When Installing a Fence Make sure it is Secure:

- Use brick pillars and the bottom of the posts to make sure the fence stays straight and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

- To tie the look together between the ornamental fence and exterior of the home, make sure the colors and brick match that of the residence. This ensures the “flow” of the home is not broken.

- Use a flat sheet of wood over brick pillars to keep out moisture which will weaken the base.

Use a Ornamental Fence to Increase Solitude:

- High wooden or vinyl slats placed close together obstruct the view of those passing by.

- Bamboo can be utilized here to add an exotic façade to a home’s exterior.

- Creeping flowers can be planted and woven into the bamboo to increase flair.

Add to the Ornamental Fence with Flowers:

- Plant roses or wisteria to slowly crawl between slats.

- Use different flowers as the seasons change.

- Use various colors and decorations for holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Construct the Ornamental Fence to Gel with the Garden:

- If it’s an ornamental fence the colors used to paint it can be loud to add fun to a homeowner’s property

- Pick equally fun artwork or other accouterments that may or may not be “garden oriented”.

- Choose universal colors that will stand out during holidays.

Build an Ornamental Fence that Presents a Traditional Look:

- Using stones or wrought-iron to erect an old world appeal.

- Here too there can be flowers hung on the wrought-iron rails to increase the aesthetic beauty.

Painting the Ornamental Fence is not always the Best:

- Leave wooden slats bare and increase the “county look” of the residence.

- Stain the wood to darken the ornamental fence if it better matches the exterior of a residence.

Give Enough Space to Showcase a Garden:

- Use wrought-iron place close together to keep out pests while allowing those passing by to still see all the hard work that went into planting a garden.

- The iron is a classic look that fits almost any home.

- Weave flowers around the posts to be even more gorgeous.

Increase the Amount of Sunlight by Using Lattice Work:

- Using lattice panels is a light weight alternative that allows a more “airy” look to a garden while still adding protection from invading animals that may eat the delicate flower beds.

- Lattice work can be left bare, painted, or stained on a decorative garden fence depending on the color scheme of the residence.

All of these possibilities in ornamental fences are fantastic ideas to increase the privacy of a family’s home. In case of any trouble make sure that you have one installed with an excellent warranty. You will be glad you did after bad weather or other unexpected events.

Filed Under: Ornamental Fence, Wooden Fence Guide Tagged With: decorative garden fencing, ornamental fence, picket fence, picket fencing, vinyl fence, white picket fences, wrought iron

Safety Checklist for a Pool Fence

Pool fences are not the same as any other type of fencing because of the special nature of their use. If you are looking into building a fence to surround your pool then here are a few things to remember:

Check your local building codes and regulations to see what is allowed and what is restricted. These regulations will tell you the types of materials that are allowed and what the minimum height requirement is for a pool fence in your area.
Use the right materials for the job. You would never want to use a wooden fence around a pool because the constant exposure to moisture would cause deterioration and splintering. This could be dangerous for people dressed only in swim suites. You also do not want to use chain link fencing because it is so easy for a child to climb it and they could fall onto the concrete apron.
Choose a style of fencing that was design to be used near a pool. A pool fence should be open enough to see what is happening on the other side but it should not allow easy foot holds for children to climb. They are normally at least 4 feet high but the taller the fence is then the more protection it provides. Using a design with vinyl or metal slates is best for visibility and safety.
Invest in a self latching gate lock. The handle should be placed high enough on the door to make it difficult for children to gain access. These locks can be used on any style of pool fence.

Filed Under: Backyard Fence, Chain Link Fence Guide, Fence Photo Gallery, Iron and Decorative Fences, Iron and Ornamental Fences, Neighbor Fence, Picket Fence, Pool Fence Guide, Wooden Fence Guide Tagged With: building, Chain-link fencing, fences, Fencing, metal, pool fence, pool fences, pools, privacy fence, projects, safety checklist

Building Wood Fence Using Metal Poles

Building a wood fence using metal poles can be a smart way to go. A fence built this way does not need as much maintenance as a fully wood fence. As a wooden fence ages and begins to rot you will have to replace everything from the anchor posts to the rails and slats. If you use metal poles then you cut the work in half because you will only need to replace the wooden panels as they deteriorate.

First thing that you need to do when building a wood fence using metal poles, is mark the lines of the wood fence using stakes and string. Once you have it fully staked out then you will need to measure every eight feet and mark it as a place for you to put a fence post. When you are digging out the fence post you will want to ensure that the hole is 12 inches across and about 2 feet deep. Once you have finished digging you will set a fence post into the hole and fill it with concrete mix. It should take about 40 pounds of mix to fill the hole.

After you have placed all of the posts and the concrete has dried then you are ready to attach the wooden panels. Use a 1 inch sheet metal screw you will attach a U-shaped pole bracket to the pole at the height of the fence panel rail. Then you attach the bracket to the fence rail using two 1 ¼ inch treated deck screws. Do the same on the other side of the panel and then repeat until the wood fence is finished. Whenever you need to replace a panel, it is as simple as unscrewing it from the fence and fitting in the new panel. Building a wood fence using metal poles couldn’t be easier.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Choosing Fence Materials, Fence Design, Fence Materials, Fence Photo Gallery, How To Build A Fence, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: building a wood fence, fence building, fences, fences posts, metal poles, poles, postfix, wood fence using metal poles, wood fences, wooden fencing

Wood Fence Applications and Uses

The type of wooden fence that you need is really dependent on what you need it for. In other words, the specific application of your wooden fence dictates the appropriate fence style. Some of the most common wood fencing applications are:

Privacy Fences – A wood fence built for privacy can run the gamut of designs and types depending on how much privacy you need. Many budget privacy fences will be made of pressure treated pine, spruce or fir. They will wrap around the entire yard and be from six to eight feet tall. If you want to build a premium privacy wood fence the dimensions would be the same but you would probably be using cedar, it is more expensive but much more resistant to the elements.
Pool Fences – Wooden fences can be used for pools both public and private as long as they are not climbable. With the right chemical treatment wooden fences are viable for pools and can stand up to the humid conditions, many people prefer to go with steel or mesh fencing though
Ornamental Fences– Wooden fences are the most common type for adding aesthetic value to your property. It is the cheapest material although some of the hard woods can be expensive. It is also the easiest to work with. It can be cut and molded to resemble most any shape and lends a certain rustic feel to a home. After all, the perfect house is most commonly said to have a white Pickett fence around it.
Security Fences – That depends on the level of security that you need. If you just want to make sure that you have a place to lock up your riding lawn mower then a wooden fence with a stout lock should work fine. Most commercial customers would not want to use it since a fence that can be circumvented with a hand saw is not optimum for commercial applications.
Livestock Fences – Keeping livestock in their pasture is historically what a wooden fence was made for and it is still an economical choice. When you have acres and acres of land to cover you often cannot afford a metal fence and wood is strong enough to hold most domestic livestock without a problem.
Boundary Fences– A wooden split rail fence is the best choice for marking a property boundary. It does not use as much lumber as the other fences plus the wood is not as finished as in the other fences. That lets you save money on a fence that will most likely be running through tree where people cannot see it anyway.
Temporary Fences – Temporary fencing is used for public safety and crowd control, to prevent access to areas during an emergency or some type of outdoor event. Wooden fencing can be used and is an economical option but due to the weight of the wood and the mobile nature of the fencing, steel or some lighter material is often preferable.

With all of the different variables that go into wooden fence design and construction it is no wonder that many people seek out a professional when it comes time to build. If you are going to put up a fence on your own, be sure to do your research and keep some of the above fundamentals in mind.

Filed Under: Backyard Fence, Picket Fence, Pool Fence Guide, Privacy Fence, Security Fences, Split Rail Fence, Wooden Fence Guide Tagged With: agricultural fencing, applications, electric fence, fences, fences styles, Fencing, ornamental fence, pool, pool fence, pool fences, prevention, privacy, privacy fence, privacy wood fence, safety, security, security fence, separation barrier, sports, steel, temporary fencing, wood fence, wood fence building, wood fences, wooden fencing

Wood Fence Material Options

Next we will talk about the different materials that can be used to construct a wooden fence. Although you can use any type of lumber that you find pleasing there is some fencing that works better using a certain type of wood. For instance, privacy fencing typically uses pressure treated pine closely followed by pressure treated cedar.

Pine keeps more of its natural look than other pressure treated wood types. When properly treated, Pine lumber is very resistant to decay and damage by insects. It is recommended to water seal the fence about 3 months after insulation to further extend its life span.

Cedar is considered a step up from pine since it is more durable and many people find it prettier. It comes in a variety of colors from red, dark chocolate and golden brown all the way to light blonde. Water sealing cedar is not usually necessary as it is in pine but many people will treat it as added security against decay.

Once you have picked the proper wood for your fence you have to decide what shapes you want the different pieces of your fence to have. Many people will build a solid privacy fence but use other decorative fence material to put on top to give it those needed cosmetic touches. You can mix and match many different trim pieces to achieve a look all your own. For instance:

Scalloped Trim – Used in conjunction with scalloped privacy fences that form a downward or concave arch that resembles a saddle. They can be adjusted to give the arch more or less depth.
Arched Trim – Commonly used with the arch fencing and is essentially the reverse of the scalloped trim. It can also be adjusted to make the depth heavier or lighter depending on your needs.
Fascia Boards – These are boards that are placed flat on the surface of the fence and run horizontally. They are purely for aesthetic appeal and come in 1×4, 2×4, 1×6 and 2×6 sizes.
Lattice top – These are used above solid fences to give a little bit of an airy feel. They can be done in a crosshatch or vertical pattern just like a lattice fence and they allow more light and wind through to open up the yard a bit.
Cut post tops – These can give some elegance to the post tops that rise above your fence. The most common styles are pointed, French gothic, dual dado and light dado.
Post caps – There is an endless selection of materials to use as post caps. Whether you want steel, copper, glass or solar lighting, you can find a supplier for your needs.

The materials used can make a large difference in the final look of your wooden fence and you should make the selection carefully to ensure the end result matches what you envisioned as well as the design of your home.

Filed Under: Choosing Fence Materials, Fence Materials, Fence Materials and Tools, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: privacy fence materials, wood fence materials, wooden fence design