With fences, imitation is the
sincerest form of slattery
by Roger Faris
A fence can define a boundary, provide a refuge from the world, or keep Fido out of trouble. It can start a feud, or bring peace. The word is an abbreviation of defense. The concept is a challenge to utopian ideals.
A fence is also an outdoor object which can make a small statement to the world. The builder may create a design which harmonizes with the setting. It may even be admired as a form of public sculpture. Or the fence builder may demonstrate spite and anger, fear, rudeness, or an absence of imagination and energy. I don't want to straddle this issue. I favor more art.
Most of us find inspiration for fence design during long walks through the neighborhood. With a critical eye we notice examples of bad design, and vow not to repeat such mistakes. One of the common problems is a long, uniform surface with nothing to relieve monotony. Good examples are also on display. Strong horizontal or vertical elements often establish a theme. The shapes and textures of the materials complement the landscaping and architecture of nearby buildings. Fence boards of varying width create interesting patterns.
An appealing transition from the fence to the sky above is a challenge for the designer. A common approach is to install diagonal wood lattice at the top of a solid board fence. This has become so popular that it is nearly a cliche. Examples of more original design detail are found on almost every block. Many of these show a feeling for balanced proportions which suggest Japanese influence. Curves or arcs are also used to provide interest. These are sometimes created after vertical fence boards have been secured in place.
Cutting corners sounds like a bad thing, but in fence building this can be a beautiful offering to the neighborhood. A square or diagonal taken from a corner of the property can be a perfect spot for a small garden or flowering shrub facing the street. This provides an interesting interruption to a long line of fencing, and it sends a positive message to neighbors. The effect on the interior yard can also be pleasing, even though it requires some sacrifice of space.
Another way to add beauty is to build an interesting entryway or gate. This may include ornamental details which cause people to return to the scene with loaded cameras. Even choices in hardware can create a triumph of design. Artistic hinges and latches are difficult, but not impossible to find.
A design professional will always try out various possibilities on paper. This is the proven path to discovery of the best solutions to your special problems and requirements. The site may be complicated by an irregular slope, or a tree that must fit into the plan. You may want a fence that is equally attractive from either side. These and other issues demand that you plan ahead.
Once the project is ready for ground breaking, it's well to be armed with a few tools and techniques. You'll also need plenty of time. And good weather would be helpful.
Most fence-building starts with the installation of pressure-treated posts in the ground. A post hole tool can make a deep but narrow hole in the earth. Using one can also make you aware of muscles that you didn't know about. I like to place the post in the hole, align it with a bubble level, and attach it to a stepladder with a C-clamp . This keeps it perfectly vertical while I mix a bag or two of concrete and water in my old wheelbarrow and then shovel the mixture into the hole.
I begin by setting the corner posts. On the following day that concrete is hard, so nylon strings can be stretched tightly between these posts. This makes the alignment of intermediate posts easy and exact. I recommend the technique of securing a string near the ground, and another near the top of the posts. Also, I use small spacer blocks to keep these strings a half inch away from the corner post surfaces. This will prevent the intermediate posts from touching the strings and altering the perfect line that has been established. Leave the posts standing extra tall. They can be cut later to the exact height.
Fastening rails between posts can be accomplished with special hardware, notching, toe-nailing, or in other ways. This detail should be part of the plan. Be aware that some methods are stronger than others, and that some collect water and cause decay.
In many cases a requirement for the job is a helping hand. Nailing pieces together is much less frustrating if someone holds a heavy hammer against the opposite side of the nailing surface. This is "bucking", and brings to mind the days of riveted bridges and battleships.
Here are a few thoughts about materials: It's well to purchase more than you need so that warped or damaged pieces can be rejected. This will be of less concern if you buy better grades of wood; the larger investment may be worthwhile. Paying a little more for fasteners can also make a difference. Most fences are marred by stains which bleed from the nails. Stainless nails cost more, but they avoid that problem.
A strong and attractive fence is a worthy goal. Many books and articles provide basic craft information for a successful project. If someone brings passion to the work, it can become more. Look closely. Beautiful fences are out there.
|
