OT: TREX Fencing

[TractorLarry]

Oh, one more quick question....

A large are of this fence sits where the drainage area is. It's usually quite wet back there. This is also where most of my post twists have occured.

I am considering, and have the option of, 6X6 posts at all locations, not just the gates. The cost is around $11 more per post.

Do you guys think this would be a good idea? Would a 6X6 resist twisting better than a 4X4?

Also, the back side of the fence, by design, has to be a closed picket type (not staggered privacy) due to the inability of the contractors to get to the back-side of that section. During this weeks wind storm, I lost 3 full sections of fence here and it's lying flat on the ground. It's not only that the posts were rotted, but the closed picket design couldn't allow the wind to pass through.

Even if I don't go with 6X6's everywhere, I'm considering doing at least this entire back-fence with 6X6's for these reasons.

Thoughts?

-Larry

 

[rox]

I guess I don't understand why you can't get the fence built with screws? Several people with experience here have said screws are best. before giving the order to the contractor, tell him he has the deal if he uses those outdoor screws that have been mentioned. If the fence comes already delivered in panels it should not be that much int he arehouse to go ahead and jsut add extra screws in addition to the nails that are already there there. I would dangle the job on the condition fo it being screwed.

 

[EddieWalker]

Larry,

Interesting bids. I honestly can't comment on the price as there's quite a bit of work that you're having done and material prices jump allot all over the country. Labor is gonna be more just about anywhere elst then here too.

It's odd that they refuse to use screws, but I understand it too. They make a profit on speed. One hour longer on the site eats into there profits. Screwing them in is how I do it because I want to build the best fence possible, AND I want my client to tell there friends about me. Almost all my work of from word of mouth.

Since they refuse to screw in your pickets, be sure they put a total of six nails in every picket. You wouldn't believe how fast they will curl with only three nails in them!!!!!

Using lager posts wont stop them from rotting, but from what I understand, the 6x6 PT posts are still treated with the previous method that included arsnic. The advantage is that it's a better preasure treating and metal wont rust off from being in contact with it. Just dont eat the ground after you burn the scraps. hahaha

If the ground is really wet in those areas, then wood is gonna be a problem. It's just a matter of how long it lasts, versus how long you will be living there.

In wet, marshy areas, galvanized pipe in concrete is the only way to make it last. It's the same labor either way, but the pipe and concrete will run a bit more material wise. You will aslo have to buy the brackets to attach your rails to the pipe.

Here, pipe posts are about as common as wood ones. I honestly don't know which I see more of, both are all over. I know I've never pulled a galvanized pipe post, but I've pulled allot of wood posts.

Eddie

 

[BTDT]

Is your fence going to be "pretty side in" or out? Around here, some places are beginning to put the posts to the outside so the finished side faces the homeowner/fence builder. Neighbors complain because now all they see is the ugly side. I think some neighborhood associations are even ruling as to which way it has to go. Your area may be different.

 

[TractorLarry]

The fence is built on-site, stick by stick. No pre-made panels.

None of them will use screws even if I pay extra. I guess everyone is in love with their pneumatic nailers these days.

-Larry

I guess I don't understand why you can't get the fence built with screws? Several people with experience here have said screws are best. before giving the order to the contractor, tell him he has the deal if he uses those outdoor screws that have been mentioned. If the fence comes already delivered in panels it should not be that much int he arehouse to go ahead and jsut add extra screws in addition to the nails that are already there there. I would dangle the job on the condition fo it being screwed.

 

[TractorLarry]

The majority of the fence is the same on both sides. Privacy fence.

The only perimeter fence part that will be "Pretty Side In" will be the one across the back, the 80 foot section, because access to the back of the fence isn't possible.

We have no association here, and in fact that was a requirement in my search by the real estate agent when I was house shopping. My mom has an association at her town-house, and their rules are ridiculous.

The current fence has been there 20 years without complaint, and the replacement fence is identical so I see no issues there.

-Larry

Is your fence going to be "pretty side in" or out? Around here, some places are beginning to put the posts to the outside so the finished side faces the homeowner/fence builder. Neighbors complain because now all they see is the ugly side. I think some neighborhood associations are even ruling as to which way it has to go. Your area may be different.