Can I build a fence with deck lumber?

I’m looking to build a wood fence in my backyard, but panels won’t fit through my house (I’ve measured). So I want to build a fence slat by slat. I just want to make sort of a U around the back end, so I’d go six feet down the side, twenty feet across the back and six feet back up the other side. My backyard is paved, so I’ll be drilling anchors/bases into concrete for the 4″x4″x8′ posts. I’ll screw in three 1″x4″ boards horizontally between each post and nail 1″x6″x8′ boards vertically all the way around. For added support, I’ll be latching to the chainlink fence posts that are already there. Does this sound like it won’t blow over with a light breeze? My main concern is the weight of pressure treated lumber.

DouglasAlan

in Fencing 11 years and 10 months ago

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curated | 11 years and 10 months ago

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We’ve built many fences out of 5/4 deck lumber. Definitely sinks the posts at least 3’…deck lumber is heavy

marie-helene | 11 years and 10 months ago

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You should seriouly consider breaking the concrete so you can sink your posts in at least 2 feet.  Deck lumber is heavy, much heavier than chain link, and is much more affected by heavy gusts of wind.  You don’t want the whole thing to blow over with the first hurricane to come through in the fall.

DouglasAlan | 11 years and 10 months ago

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Unfortunately, sinking the posts isn’t an option unless I jackhammer up the concrete.

Juno106 | 11 years and 10 months ago

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You probably would get a stronger fence if you bought longer posts (4″x4″x10′) and actually sunk the posts 3-4′ below ground.

shahnandersen

in Fencing 11 years and 10 months ago

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How about cutting the panels in half, so that they are 4′ x 6′ instead of 8′ X 6′?  You should be able to get those through your house.  Then use an extra post per panel or sister the half panels together with a piece of 2 X 3 across the horizontal bars.