Lecture on DIY Picket Fence

Introduction

• Discussing a recently built zoyja lawn (4.5 months old)
• Transition to topic on building a picket fence

Why Hire a Professional

• Kurt, a reliable friend, executed the fence project
• Kurt has access to necessary supplies and an artisan touch
• Lacked resources on the island to gather materials and construct the fence alone
• Kurt and his worker completed the fence within a day and a half

Essential Materials

1. Pressure Treated Posts
   • 4x4 posts
   • Posts are set in holes (~3 feet deep) with cement
2. Pressure Treated 2x4s
   • Used on posts for picket alignment
   • Setup in 8-foot sections
3. 1x4 Pressure Treated Wood
   • Traditional 45-degree cut for pickets
   • Intended for an old-timey design
4. Caps for Posts
   • Purchased from Lowe’s or Home Depot

Staining Process

• Fence to be stained with oil-based solid white stain
• High moisture content in the wood (~80%)
• Allow ~2 weeks of sunny weather for the wood to dry before staining
• Kurt will return to restain the fence

Design and Construction Tips

• Check city codes (allowed 36-inch tall fences)
• Adjusted pickets to 32 inches to comply with local regulations
• Rails follow the contour of the land; pickets remain perpendicular to the ground
• Used screws for easy removal per city easement requirements
• Adjust gap and height along the bottom to maintain a consistent look

Post Placement and Details

• Desired depth in the fence by positioning posts outside
• Example given of varying depth at post bottom for aesthetic effect
• One nail per picket; use non-rusting nails
• Caps fixed with small brads

Gates

1. Small Gate
   • Standard 36 inches wide
2. Large Gate
   • Metal frame built by Kurt
   • Allows passage of equipment/boats

Ongoing and Future Work

• Working on post placement despite rain
• Pickets spaced using 3.5-inch boards
• Adjust the spacing to accommodate fence length discrepancies
• Future video to show staining process
  • Ongoing lawn care with 'Green Shocker' product
  • Overseeding progress (fescues and Kentucky)

Conclusion

• Encouragement to subscribe for future updates
• Teasing next steps in the fence staining process and lawn care