Instructions / Assembly
Concrete
coller
(sloped to
shed water)
Fence boards
or siding
Post
Top rail
Cap all
Bottom rail
Ground clearance
(minimun 2”)
Optional finial
on corner post
Gravel base
Base pad
(concrete or
stone)
BASIC ELEMENTS OF FENCE CONSTRUCTION
Most fences are constructed with three basic elements:
post, rails and infill material. Posts are vertical uprights.
Rails run horizontally between, and are supported by the
posts. Infill material, most commonly boards, are attached
to the rails. For each of these elements there is a size and
grade of Western Red Cedar to build just about any style of
fence on any budget. Remember, it doesn’t necessarily cost
more to have a stylish fence.
Here’s a checklist of points you should consider when
planning a fence:
• Choose a style that suits both the purpose of the fence
and the landscape, then maintain consistency of style
throughout.
• Decide whether you’ll build the fence from scratch or
from ready-made fencing sections.
• Select from rough or surfaced material for posts, rails
and boards.
• Selectsolidboardswithflattopsorchoosefromavariety
of patterned-top boards such as pointed, dogeared, gothic,
spearhead, roundtop and others.
• Locate the gate at the top of steps rather than at the
bottom and make it swing away from the steps for safety’s
sake.
• Build the gate solidly and attach it with good quality
hardware.
GATE HARDWARE
Gate hardware usually consists of hinges, latches, barrel
bolts, and tension supports or sag rods. Whatever hardware
you select from among the wide range available, make sure
that it is sturdy enough to withstand constant use and that
it is rust and corrosion-resistant.
• Decide whether short length pattern siding such as
channel or tongue and groove V-joint will achieve the look
you want.
• Consider using lattice panels alone or in combination
with solid boards where a lighter, more open fence is
desired.
• Decide on the type of finish. Transparent or
semitransparent stains are suggested if a natural look is
desired. Solid color stains are recommended if an opaque
finish is desired.
FENCE HARDWARE
Many different types of hardware are now available to help
you build your fence. Popular among these are metal post
supports in the form of a 4x4 in. box atop long fins two
feet or more in length which are driven into the ground.
Posts are set directly into the box and fastened with bolts or
lag screws. By using these post supports you can eliminate
post-hole digging and concreting. Another popular form
of post base is a 4x4 in. metal saddle which can be set
on a concrete pad and to which the post can be nailed or
lag screwed. You can also use metal saddles to connect
railing posts to a wood deck. One easy way to secure fence
rails to posts and to simplify corner attachments, is to use
aluminium or galvanized metal brackets similar to joist
hangers.
PRE-BUILT FENCE PANELS
Western Red Cedar fences of many styles are available in
pre-built panels from 3 ft. to 6 ft. high. The boards may be
plain, V-jointed tongue and groove, or channel patterns.
Construction is usually 2x4 in. rails and 1x6 in. boards.
Boards are usually butted tightly together but panels with
spaced boards are also available. These time-saving fence
sections are sold by the panel. You are advised to carefully
examine fence panels to ensure that they are built from
suitable quality Western Red Cedar boards and are sturdily
assembled with corrosion-resistant fasteners. When using
pre-built fence panels it is important that you check the
dimensions before installation. Good practice is to set posts
and panels one at a time rather than pre-setting all posts.
PRE-BUILT LATTICE PANELS
Western Red Cedar lattice panels are an alternative or an
addition to a solid Western Red Cedar board fence. Rough
or smooth-sawn lattice is available pre-built in a choice of
square or diagonal patterns in modular sizes to match the
most common pre-built fence panels and post spacing.
A lattice fence offers less wind resistance than a solid
fence and allows sunlight into shady garden areas. The
degree of privacy is governed by the obscurity ratio of the
latticework.
Clear Western Red Cedar lattice is one popular option but
lattice manufactured from Western Red Cedar with sound
tight knots is both economical and good quality. When
purchasing lattice, you should make sure that it is well-
manufactured from good quality Western Red Cedar of
adequate thickness and that it has been correctly assembled.
Heavier lattice panels are usually assembled with staples
only and require no perimeter framing. Thinner lath lattice
may be assembled with exterior-type glue and/or with
staples. Lath lattice should be framed around its perimeter.
The better quality lath lattice is stapled such that the crown
of the staple is flush or countersunk in the wood and the
points of the staple do not penetrate the face of the panel.
WESTERN RED CEDAR GATES
Western Red Cedar gates make great first impressions.
They convey a sense of welcome to visitors yet add an
extra measure of privacy and security to the property
without being oppressive in appearance. The type of fence
you have decided to build will have a bearing on your
choice of gates. Like fences, gates can take many shapes
and sizes but they should meet two main requirements:
they should be in harmony with the fence and they must
function effectively. By using materials of the same quality
and texture, you can maintain design continuity and bring
fence and gate into harmonious balance.
Here’s a short checklist of points to consider when planning
a gate:
• Chooseastylethatcomplementsthefenceandmaintains
design and material continuity.
• Locatethegateforconveniententryasitrelatestopaths,
driveways and the general landscaping plan.
• Decide upon the width of the gate. It should be wide
enough for two people to pass through side by side
and allow clear passage for garden equipment such as
lawnmowers and wheelbarrows. Note that gates wider
than 4 feet are hard to support and tend to sag. Consider a
two section gate for wide openings.
• Determine whether the gate should slide or swing. Ifa
swing gate, establish an unhindered direction of swing.
A gate usually swings in towards the property except on
sloping ground where it should swing downhill to avoid
having to cut the bottom of the gate at an angle.
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WESTERN RED CEDAR
Fences & Gates
Concrete
collar
Post
Gravel base
Base stone
Ground
clearance
(minimun 2”)
1/2 to 3/4
clearance
for latch
Diagonal brace
Cross member
Fence boards
1”x6”