cedar fences (fence, moving, rail)

[rangergrit]

For a 6 foot tall fence of 1x4s, is one screw (top and bottom) sufficient?

Most use two nails each. I guess if the wood never warps, one screw would work OK.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by rangergrit

For a 6 foot tall fence of 1x4s, is one screw (top and bottom) sufficient?

Most use two nails each. I guess if the wood never warps, one screw would work OK.

Two fasteners would be more than twice as good as one, IMO. Warping, pulling away, twisting even when new...etc. I'd take a serious look at 1X6 lumber, so definitely two fasteners. I'd also seriously consider a third rail instead of just two...unless I wasn't going to be around for long(as in a flip or last minute install before a sale).

[joqua]

Originally Posted by rangergrit

For a 6 foot tall fence of 1x4s, is one screw (top and bottom) sufficient?

Most use two nails each. I guess if the wood never warps, one screw would work OK.

Use the screws, not nails - galvanized if available. And use two both top and bottom, closer to each edge of the board than to the middle. As has been suggested already, 1X6s are better than 1X4s unless you already have the latter on hand.

I use chain link fence poles set in concrete for the uprights, with the 2X4 horizontal rails screwed to the metal poles. Requires drilling a hole in the metal pole top and bottom, but if ever a need arises for removing part of a fence for access or other reasons, it's a simple matter to unbolt and lift out a section.

[unihills]

Originally Posted by joqua

Use the screws, not nails - galvanized if available. And use two both top and bottom, closer to each edge of the board than to the middle. As has been suggested already, 1X6s are better than 1X4s unless you already have the latter on hand.

I use chain link fence poles set in concrete for the uprights, with the 2X4 horizontal rails screwed to the metal poles. Requires drilling a hole in the metal pole top and bottom, but if ever a need arises for removing part of a fence for access or other reasons, it's a simple matter to unbolt and lift out a section.

Why wouldn't you use a saddle clamp instead of drilling the post?

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Two fasteners would be more than twice as good as one, IMO. Warping, pulling away, twisting even when new...etc. I'd take a serious look at 1X6 lumber, so definitely two fasteners. I'd also seriously consider a third rail instead of just two...unless I wasn't going to be around for long(as in a flip or last minute install before a sale).

Fence companies I talked to recommended against the 1x6'd because they are more prone to cupping and twisting across the grain.

Originally Posted by unihills

Why wouldn't you use a saddle clamp instead of drilling the post?

Yes the saddle clamp is a much better solution.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Fence companies I talked to recommended against the 1x6'd because they are more prone to cupping and twisting across the grain.

I think the key is the quality of the lumber. Never replaced a picket in our fence that was 9 years old when we moved. Not a cupped or twisted board in the bunch. One bowed a bit because the young neighbor next door used it as a kicking bag




Yes the saddle clamp is a much better solution.

Response in bold. IMO, the wider boards look much better.