Technical > Home Improvement > Wood fence pickets: 1x4 versus 1x6

reply to Talis

Re: Wood fence pickets: 1x4 versus 1x6

Damn Yankees!

All fences in my subdivision are 6' cedar privacy fence. Subdivision edges go to 9'. I'm not sure what the HOA agreement says about it, but there is no chain-link at all, so I'd be willing to bet its in there somewhere.
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"We've created a synthetic world where punditry makes the reality, and the actual reality no longer matters." - Wolfie00

reply to Camelot One

Re: Wood fence pickets: 1x4 versus 1x6

I am pretty limited on the style due to the neighbors. Most of the older fencing in the neighborhood is 1x4 dog eared, with the newer replacement fences mostly 1x6 dog eared. I am already breaking form a bit by using 3 rails instead of 2.

I much prefer the look of the top cap, but I don't think it would look right given what the neighbors have.

To answer someone's question, they'll be using 1x pickets, which are actually 3/4" thick. I looked at the 1 1/4, but the price almost doubled. And I'm not sure we will be here long enough for the extra expense to pay off.

reply to Camelot One
Be sure to install a 2 x 6 or 2x4 kick plate on the bottom. Raise the pickets 2" off the dirt.

That doesn't create a drainage problem?

reply to Camelot One
Be aware that even "privacy" fences don't provide much privacy if they run parallel to a close road. I was shocked to see once (personally witness) how these fences can essentially become transparent to passing traffic, if the combination of traffic speed, distance to the fence, fence spacing, and lighting are just right. The only thing that would have provided any real privacy here would have been the shadowbox style.

reply to Hall

reply to scross
1x4 boards tend to cup less than 1x6. But for a long run they look "busier" Cedar or treated will last a good long time. Cedar looks nicer to me though with a nice clearcoat to preserve the color.
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I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I am not sure you realize what you heard is not what I meant. Nixon

reply to Lurch77

reply to Camelot One

reply to Lurch77

Those boards are going to shrink.

Place them together.

reply to jkj860

reply to Camelot One
Why not both?!

That fence on the right in the picture is quite a monstrosity. Is it your neighbors? If it's not the neighbor behind him put it up backwards.

Here in my hickville, it is an ordinance that the face of the fence must be outward and the structure in toward your own property. Those that want the pretty side toward them just build a face on both sides.

There was once an interesting situation with brother in law's neighborhood. He lives next door to his city ward alderman. Who is actually a sensible and nice guy. On the other side of him used to be the neighborhood asshole. You know the guy, every neighborhood has one. Anyway, that guy and the alderman got into quite a few squabbles. The asshole decided to put up a fence. He installed it backward, and built it right on the property line (another no-no, it must be set back to facilitate maintenance and repair without having to trespass on your neighbor's property). But the alderman waited until he was completely done with it, then had the city send a letter telling him it needed to be corrected. A dick move if it was anyone but that particular neighbor.