Sell the perfect redwood fence

f\REATING beautiful wood fences

\-zare common projects for both contractor and seasoned d-i-yer. In addition to materials, their suppliers should also be able to furnish ready answers to help design and build the redwood fence that is perfect for their house and lifestyle, according to the Cal iforn ia Redwood Association:

Materiats

Knotty redwood garden grades are ideal for fencing because of redwood's outstanding dimensional stability and durability and its natural decay and insect resistance. Redwood is also easy to saw and work with because of its grain, texture and lack of pitch.

Because redwood takes and holds finishes better than other woods. it is the best choice for fencing when you want to color-match it with your house.

Btyle

When choosing a fence style, it's important to consider aesthetics as well as function because fences make highly visible statements about one's property and will add to its value if they're carefully planned and well crafted. A distinctive design will add character to an ordinary yard and make outdoor areas more inviting. If the garden has already been landscaped, the fence should blend with the overall feeling that's been created and with the home's architecture.

Redwood lumber dealers commonly offer standard pre-fabricated gates and post-and-rail, basketweave, stockade, picket, board-on-board fence patterns in 6- and S-ft. sections and gates. Many buyers, however, prefer to design their own redwood fencehigh or low, solid or see-through, with board dimensions and spacing varied in distinctive horizontal, vertical or diagonal applications. To help get them going, also offer idea-starting and how-to books and booklets on fence design and building.

4 Planning

Both homeowners and contractors should be aware of zoning ordinances before making final plans. In some areas, fence height, location, style and materials are regulated. To avoid problems that might arise from a faulty survey, homeowners should build their fence a few inches inside their property line. It's also advisable to check with electric and water companies to make sure they won't hit underground electric, water or sewer lines when holes are dug for the posts.

Selecting the correct redwood grade for different elements will also ensure a longer-lasting fence. Posts and bottom rails, which are in or within 6 inches of the ground, should be decay-resistant Construction Heart redwood.

Construction Common redwood can be used for the top rail and fence boards. For special designs with intricate detailing, Clear All Heart, Clear or B Grade might be best because of their fine grain and even texture.

G o Construction

A basic fence usually consists of 4x4 redwood posts spaced every 6 or 8 ft. with 2x4 ralls or stringers and linch fenceboards,4 to l2 inches wide. Most fences are 3 to 4 or 6 to 8 ft. high to accommodate standard 6- to 8ft. redwood board lengths. Heavier fences over 6 ft. high may require 2x6 stringers and 4x6 or 6x6 posts.

7

Anchoring Fosts

Your fence will look better and last longer if care is taken to make sure it's properly anchored. Setting the posts is the most critical aspect of fence construction because they keep the structure upright and stable. Postholes should be dug with smooth, straight sides or with the hole wider at the bottom than at the top. To keep groundwater away from the base of the posts, 6 inches of gravel should be placed in the bottom of the holes and more gravel filled in 3 or 4 inches up the posts. Once the posts have been positioned and braced, the holes are packed with concrete.

8

F{ardware

To avoid unsightly stains. suggest non-corrosive hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel or aluminum nails and fastenings. CRA recommends that a finish be applied to retard weathering. A clear water repellent containing mildewcide will reduce harmful effects of moisture. For a weathered look, a bleaching treatment will provide a silver-gray appearance. A semitransparent stain can be used to give the wood color while allowing the grain pattern to show. Opaque colored stains can also be used to achieve a sood effect.