Will my fence idea stand the test of time?

A couple days ago, I posted a question about building a fence with deck lumber, and my suspicions about the weight were confirmed. So now I’m just going to go with 1 x 6 cedar planks, either 6 or 8 feet tall. The actual thickness of the planks is around 3/4 inch, and they won’t be pressure treated. I’ll also be leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch between each plank so we can get a breeze and the next hurricane won’t meet total resistance. We’re just creating an alcove in the back of our backyard–6 feet up one side, 20 feet across the back, and 6 feet back down the other side. It seems like the two 6-foot wings would add stability to what would otherwise be a 20-foot straight fence. Here are the issues: Burying the posts is not a viable option because my backyard is paved, so I’ll be anchoring the posts rather than burying them. I’ll follow manufacturer specs for doing this, and I’ll fasten the posts to existing aluminum posts, which are cemented into the ground. This is what a couple of contractors said they would do. Panels are not a viable option because they won’t fit through my home. So that wind can pass through, we need board on board panels, and we’re told those can’t be cut and then rejoined neatly. (This is part of why I’m not going with contractors.) So it seems my most viable option if I want a decent looking fence is to build it myself plank by plank. I’m confident enough in my carpentry skills to make it solid and pretty. But my question remains…will the fence stand up over time?

DouglasAlan

in Fencing 11 years and 10 months ago

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fexleycb | 11 years and 10 months ago

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My cedar fence is attached to galvanized chain link fence posts with brackets made specifically for that purpose.  I got em at Home Depot.  The chain link fence posts are cemented into the ground.  its all incredibly solid and the posts wont ever deteriorate or need replacing.  I see no drawback to doing it this way.  Paint the posts brown or tan and you won’t really notice them.

marie-helene | 11 years and 10 months ago

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Cedar planks will cost about twice the money (they look and smell very nice, so it is worth it on this basis), so you won’t be saving much by switching to cedar to avoid breaking the concrete.  And in my opinion, it’s still a bad idea to rely on chain link fence posts to hold a wooden fence. If you have the time and the skills, it’s a fine DIY project, but you really should put proper posts set in concrete.

Juno106 | 11 years and 10 months ago

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First off I am not a contractor, just a DIY guy. Other poeple may think this is ok, but as everybody told you previously, putting the posts in to the ground will be much more stable. Yes cedar is lighter than pressure treated, but it still has weight. Why are you so against making holes in your paved backyard for the posts? You can rent a jackhammmer for $45/day. Buy or rent a post hole digger, put the posts in add concrete – done. Also the aluminum posts were put in to hold chainlink, so while they will offer stability, it may not be enough. Your call.

eme1million | 11 years and 10 months ago

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Put a wooden cap over the top and it will last longer than you.