Learn more about modern horizontal fence construction options:
There are a few things to keep in mind when building a horizontal fence or hiring someone to add one to your property. Several additional steps must be taken during the building process to ensure the stability and endurance of the fence. A pressure-treated baseboard is necessary to prevent a gap at the bottom of the fence and, if the owners have a dog, to keep the pet from digging out of the yard. It’s important to make sure the pressure treated board you pick is actually rated for below ground use. Most “big box” stores do not even offer below ground rated boards and the pressure treated boards that are available in these stores will still be susceptible to moisture. Choose your materials wisely or let us do the heavy lifting for you.
In addition, it is important to avoid a common mistake that leads to cupping and warping of the boards: When building a horizontal fence, a longer distance between rails (7 to 8 feet as opposed to the 5 feet on traditional fences) can cause major issues down the line. Larger gaps in between support railing does not provide enough stability to prevent warping in the fence. Therefore, it is helpful to view the construction of a horizontal fence as building a vertical fence flipped on its side.
To add to the stability of a horizontal fence, metal posts set in concrete can be used in addition to the wood panel rails. This adds major cost to the project, but ensures the durability and integrity of the fence. Another approach to preventing warping and cupping is to stagger the boards so that the joints do not fall one on top of the other. This has the added benefit of preserving the seamless “wall” look of the fence. In addition, keeping a ½ inch space between boards, will allow for any natural movement and expansion of individual boards without effecting the fence as a whole. Some site content courtesy of BKR Pros. We also service commercial accounts and recently built a new horizontal fence for our friends at Cedar Creek Jet Ski Rentals.
In addition, it is important to avoid a common mistake that leads to cupping and warping of the boards: When building a horizontal fence, a longer distance between rails (7 to 8 feet as opposed to the 5 feet on traditional fences) can cause major issues down the line. Larger gaps in between support railing does not provide enough stability to prevent warping in the fence. Therefore, it is helpful to view the construction of a horizontal fence as building a vertical fence flipped on its side.
To add to the stability of a horizontal fence, metal posts set in concrete can be used in addition to the wood panel rails. This adds major cost to the project, but ensures the durability and integrity of the fence. Another approach to preventing warping and cupping is to stagger the boards so that the joints do not fall one on top of the other. This has the added benefit of preserving the seamless “wall” look of the fence. In addition, keeping a ½ inch space between boards, will allow for any natural movement and expansion of individual boards without effecting the fence as a whole. Some site content courtesy of BKR Pros. We also service commercial accounts and recently built a new horizontal fence for our friends at Cedar Creek Jet Ski Rentals.