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Addition to fence around backyard

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H

Howard

Lifer
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First pic is existing, second pic is the proposed addition (in red). The purpose is to brace the existing fence because it isn't very rigid. What's the simplest and easiest method of construction? Two new posts set in concrete, horizontal beams connecting the new and old posts? Any tips?
 
Why are you using pressure treated lumber?

Around here, fences are made from either cedar or redwood...including the 4x4 posts.

No idea what the code or circumstances are in Ontario Canuckistan...better check with the guy driving the tank to get the local building code. (if there is one for fencing.

There's certainly nothing wrong with using a wood preservative, especially in an area that will get LOTS of rain or snow, even with lumber that is relatively resistant to insects and ground rot. (redwood)
 
Originally posted by: BoomerD
Why are you using pressure treated lumber?

Around here, fences are made from either cedar or redwood...including the 4x4 posts.

No idea what the code or circumstances are in Ontario Canuckistan...better check with the guy driving the tank to get the local building code. (if there is one for fencing.

There's certainly nothing wrong with using a wood preservative, especially in an area that will get LOTS of rain or snow, even with lumber that is relatively resistant to insects and ground rot. (redwood)
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I've got some on hand. I think it's pressure-treated because it's gray-green. Or is that not a good method for judging the type?
 
Nah, I don't need to enclose any areas. The beams would be to reinforce the existing fence.

EDIT: Rotten underneath the soil?
 
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Originally posted by: Howard
Nah, I don't need to enclose any areas. The beams would be to reinforce the existing fence.

EDIT: Rotten underneath the soil?
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yes
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Ugh. The fence is shared with a neighbour. How can I be certain that the wood is damaged?
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Originally posted by: Howard
Nah, I don't need to enclose any areas. The beams would be to reinforce the existing fence.

EDIT: Rotten underneath the soil?
Click to expand...

yes
Click to expand...
Ugh. The fence is shared with a neighbour. How can I be certain that the wood is damaged?
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dif down a little, look at it. jab it with a screwdriver, see if it falls apart
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Originally posted by: Howard
Nah, I don't need to enclose any areas. The beams would be to reinforce the existing fence.

EDIT: Rotten underneath the soil?
Click to expand...

yes
Click to expand...
Ugh. The fence is shared with a neighbour. How can I be certain that the wood is damaged?
Click to expand...

Shake it around. Most likely, the posts are rotted at soil level. When you replace them, concrete them above the soil level.
 
Your second pic looks like you're trying to build two enclosures.
If you and the neighbor get along and he's willing to help, just take enough of the fence apart to allow you to dig up the rotten post and concrete, then replace with a new post. THAT is the best way to do this...

HOWEVER, if you have rotten fenceposts and you have neighbor problems as many of us do, you COULD dig in new fenceposts in the center of your existing panels and live with the look of the extra 4x4. Not the BEST idea, but it fixes the stability of the fence without having to battle with a bad neighbor...and you can easily do it yourself.

Just dig a hole 12 inches in diameter and about 2 feet deep in the center of the panel you want to strenghten. Cut the 4x4 to length , stick it into the hole, plumb it in both directions (see the link I posted earlier) brace it plumb, then mix and pour one 60 lb. bag of concrete post mix into the hole. Be sure to use a piece of 2x4 or something similar to "rod" the concrete around the fence post to help remove any airpockets. Then nail the top of the fence to the 4x4.
Normally, I'd cut the bottom board (horizontal board) and insert post there, but yours looks like 1x4...difficult to toenail into. You MAY have to live with the 4x4 sticking out on your side. To me, that's an unusual fence...built with what looks like 1x4 stringers instead of 2x4 stringers...but hey...you ARE in Canuckistan...😛

 
Oh, and take a pump sprayer and put some Thompson's water seal on all of the wood. Your fence looks like it has a lot of weathering, and unless you want to replace the whole thing in a year or two, I would suggest the treatment. It's probably $50 for enough to do both sides of the fence.
 
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