We’ve been talking about building a small fence to enclose our front lawn “one day” for years now. We imagined our kids playing on the grass without the danger of running out on the street. Nothing like a baby on the way for some extra motivation to get things done!
Here’s how we did it!
1. Plan Build
Most of our building projects start with a very basic sketch like this. I planned to have a border around the perimeter for landscaping, so there is about 3 feet between the street and the fence.
2. Set Posts
Then, I marked our two end points then used a post hole digger. I went 24″ below the grass. After inserting the pressure treated 4x4s, I filled the holes with Quikrete and water. This sets in about 20 minutes and I didn’t even have to mix anything! The MVP of this step is this post level– I highly recommend grabbing a few of these if you plan to build a fence.
3. Finish Frame
I attached the pressure treated 2x4s to the 4x4s using these fence brackets.
4. Install & Cut Slats
We used 1×2 pine slats that I sealed before painting for extra weather resistance. I used another slat and turned it to the side as a spacer (1/2″ gap), and then applied construction adhesive and 2″ brad nails with this nail gun. I drew a line across the top with a long level, and then used this circular saw to trim the tops of the slats.
Here’s what it looked like pre-paint.
5. Paint Fence
I then sealed the slats with an exterior wood sealer and painted with HGSW Weathershield in HGSW Black Fox in Flat.
This is the paint sprayer we use. It makes the job so quick and easy!
We were on the fence (😏) about building this with a horizontal or vertical design – but I am really happy with our choice to go vertical. I think it blends in nicely with the landscaping we already have.
You can use this link to see an Amazon list of all the tools I used!
Check out my Instagram highlight called “Fence” for all the building videos!
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