{"id":264,"date":"2006-12-08T21:20:48","date_gmt":"2006-12-09T04:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/oclandscape.com.previewdns.com\/ocblog\/?p=264"},"modified":"2010-08-19T21:36:51","modified_gmt":"2010-08-20T04:36:51","slug":"common-landscape-mistakes-fences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/common-landscape-mistakes-fences\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Landscape Mistakes: Fences"},"content":{"rendered":"

A continuing entry in our Common Landscape Mistakes series:<\/em><\/p>\n

Fences are a fairly basic element in landscape construction, but one where we see common mistakes in design and construction. Here is a guide to fence types and ways to avoid common mistakes.<\/p>\n

Proper construction of fencing really depends on the type of fence being installed.<\/p>\n

The basic fence types are as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1 -Perimeter Fence- metal, wood or wood and wire. Typically constructed for privacy on back or side yards. Heights typically 4-6\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n8′ Fence with Lattice<\/em><\/p>\n

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\nExamples of Standard 6′ Fence and Alternating Board “Good Neighbor Fence”<\/em><\/p>\n

2 -Front Fence- Typically a picket style, or semi-transparent design, heights typically to 3-4\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"fe6.jpg\"
\nMock-up of vertical picket fence on top of wall<\/em><\/p>\n

3-Deer Fence- to restrict deer access, typically wood and wire, or wire and Metal T-post construction, heights typically 4-6\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\nWood and Wire Deer Fence on Sloped Terrain<\/em><\/p>\n

4-Railing: Typically wood, tensioned cable, or prefabricated metal. Heights typically to 3\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\nWood Railing on Top of Retaining Wall<\/em><\/p>\n

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\nCable Railing with Wood Frame<\/em><\/p>\n

Construction:<\/strong> Fences are composed of a few key elements-
\n-Posts: typically set in concrete
\n-Stringers: Horizontal boards connecting posts
\n-Fill: Fence Boards, wire mesh, tensioned wire, etc.
\n-Decorative elements: Wood lattice, extended trellises, kicker boards, decorative detailing<\/p>\n

Biggest Mistakes:<\/strong>
\nHere a few of the most common fence construction mistakes we see:<\/em>
\n1-Horizontal Stringers:<\/strong> 2×4 boards are the most common stringers used in fencing. These boards typically span posts, spaced 8\u2019 on center. Because wood at this span will have a tendency to sag, it is important that the strongest orientation of the board is used- in this case the 4\u201d side, not the 2\u201d side. Horizontally oriented 2×4 stringers spaced at 8\u2019 spacing will show a noticeable bow over time.
\n-Insufficient stringers- we prefer 3 stringers for some styles of fence, especially over 6\u2019. There are some fence designs where 2 stringers are insufficient.<\/p>\n

2- Poor Posts:<\/strong>If the style will allow, pressure treated posts can be used to help resist weathering. In cases of finished fencing, a decay resistant wood such as redwood or cedar should be used. Untreated wood used outside will weather and decay rapidly. Post should be set in concrete, typically 9-12\u201d in diameter and at a typical minimum of 18\u201d in depth, with gravel installed at the base of the base pier to allow water to escape. Posts poorly set, will result in a structurally unstable fence, that will likely lean, or blow over in a storm.<\/p>\n

3- Ugly Styling:<\/strong> Some fences are just downright ugly. Take a look in your neighborhood to find fences that have a good style of construction and a good aesthetic.<\/p>\n

4- Poor fastening:<\/strong> screws or nails can be used for fastening the fence depending on application. Nails and screws should be galvanized at a minimum to prevent excessive rust and weathering; on high quality fencing stainless steel screws or nails should be used.<\/p>\n

5-Too tall:<\/strong> Fences over 6\u2019 need special construction considerations- 4×4 posts are typically not strong enough, 4×6 or 6×6 posts should be used. Sufficient stringers should be used on tall fences, 1\u201d thick fence boards should not exceed a 5-6\u2019 span vertically between stringers, if they do, they are likely to warp. Check also with your local building department, frequently fences over 6\u2019 require permitting (sometimes 2\u2019 of wood trellis is allowed, totaling 8\u2019)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A continuing entry in our Common Landscape Mistakes series: Fences are a fairly basic element in landscape construction, but one where we see common mistakes in design and construction. Here is a guide to fence types and ways to avoid common mistakes. Proper construction of fencing really depends on the type of fence being installed. … Continue reading Common Landscape Mistakes: Fences<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[35,3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":909,"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264\/revisions\/909"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oclandscape.com\/ocblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}