Learn About Fencing

    You are thinking about spending a huge chunk of change for a new fence. Before you do, take a few moments and learn about what it is you're buying. 

TYPES OF PICKETS 

    Cedar: Cedar is by far the best wood for pickets on a fence. Cedar is an outdoor wood making it less prone to warping and splitting. After installation, you should consider getting the fence stained to maintain it's beauty. An untreated cedar fence will turn gray without stain. Then, about every two years, apply Thompson's water seal. If maintained properly, a cedar fence will last 15-20 years.

    Pressure Treated (PT): PT is pine that has been chemically treated for outdoor use. A well built PT fence has a life of 10-15 years. PT has some disadvantages. Because of the process used PT is usually wet when it is installed. As it dries out, these pickets can warp. This is why it is important to have PT pickets installed correctly. Also, PT pickets have a green tint that many of my clients don't care for, but once the fence has dried out (2-3 weeks) it can be stained and looks very nice.

STAINING

    We now offer staining. We use a water based stain that is tintable so you have many color options.  To ensure you get the color you like, test the stain on the same type of wood as your fence. The same color on cedar will look different than pressure treated. Also, it is necessary to wait at least a month to let the fence dry out for best results.

    If you decide to have us stain, please note it would be on a separate agreement. This means when we finish the fence, you will pay at that time for the fence and when we return you would pay for the staining.

 GRADES OF CEDAR

    Cedar has various grades that you should consider when building a fence. When hiring a fence contractor you need at ask what grade of cedar they will use.

    Before you spend a small fortune on a cedar fence, take a few minutes and read through Alta Forest Products grade guide so you'll understand when you meet with a contractor. Here's the link. 

http://www.altafp.com/uploads/documents/AltaGradeBook-Final-LowRes.pdf

    Clear cedar is the best. It has no holes, knots, or cracks and is very uniform in appearance. It is also very difficult to obtain therefore very, very expensive.

    #1 cedar is the really nice wood that you'll find at Lowe's or Home Depot standing up. It has knots, but no holes. Also very expensive. I've seen high end fences built with #1 cedar. They look great but be prepared for sticker shock.

    #2 cedar is what I use. It is a very beautiful wood. While it does have some defects, do not be concerned. As I build a fence if I find any picket that has holes or other damage, I toss it to the side. You might own the fence, but it's my work and my name on it. I am way more critical of my fences than you will ever be.

    Rustic grade cedar is low end. It has lots of knots (that can fall out over time), holes, and cracks. I would not recommend you hire someone who says they will use rustic cedar. In the long run you will not be happy with the fence.

FENCE STYLES

    There are many different styles of fences, but these are the two most popular in DFW. If you would like to consider a different style, call me and lets talk. 

    Side by Side: The pickets are placed side by side which provide privacy, but over time, gaps will appear due to shrinking of the wood.

    Board on Board: This style offers complete privacy. Two pickets are attached with a 3" gap between them. Then a third picket is nailed over the gap.

    Shadow box: Similar to board on board, except the pickets are alternated on each side of the rail. When you look at a shadow box straight on, it is a solid wall. When viewed from the side, you can see through it. The advantage of this style is that wind is able to pass through.

    Horizontal Pickets: a very cool, modern design. The pickets can be placed side by side or board on board.

POSTS 

EXTRAS

    Kickboard: A kickboard is a 2x6 pressure treated board that goes on the bottom of the fence. A kickboard offers protection to the pickets because it raises them off the ground. This aids in preventing damage from grass trimmers and digging dogs. On an all-cedar fence, I still use pressure treated for the kickboard. Cedar is an outdoor wood, but not a ground contact wood.

    Topcap: A topcap is a decorative piece that rests on top of the fence. It is always added in conjunction with trim.

    Trim: Trim is butted up to the topcap to complete the decorative look. I offer many trim options: Single trim (4"), double trim(4"& 2" stacked) and triple trim; (4", 3", 2" stacked). I also can add arch trim with corbels, or any combination of the above. If you see something different you like, let me know. 

    Walk-thru Gate: A standard gate is called a walk-thru. Generally these gates are 40" to 48" wide, depending on where your existing gate is. I build a NO SAG gate, which is very strong and will last for years and still close properly.

    Double Gate: Two separate walk-thru gates put together in one section to create an extra wide opening. Usually up to 8'

    Driveway Gates: I do not offer sliding gates or swing gates. I can finish them out in the style you desire, but you'll have to find someone else to do the frame and electrical. Sorry.