If you want to add a wonderful country touch to your garden, building a country style fence is not as difficult or as expensive as it looks. Here at The Garden Glove, we wanted to add a gothic picket style to the front yard. However, the purchase and installation of 150 feet of picket fence was not in the budget. So we chose to add just two sections of fence to the corners of the front drive as accents. We have also used cheap materials in the fence. Using cheap materials and keeping the amount of fencing small but in a focal point area kept costs down. Here’s how we did it.
Materials Needed
Pressure treated or cedar 2×4 lumber for posts and cross pieces
2 ½ inch screws
Quick setting concrete (I used 1 60 pound bag for every two posts)
Stokke
So Drill Use 2×4’s instead of heavier posts saved me 50% of the cost. Pressure treated 2×4’s won’t rot quickly, and will give you the best value for money. Do not use pressure treated lumber near edible plants.
Step 1:
Measure the height you want the posts and then add 18 inches to 2 feet, depending on how heavy your freeze is in winter. The harsher your winters, the deeper you must set the posts. Mark where you want the post holes with flour. Post hole should be as far apart as you decide to cut your cross pieces. We used 8 foot 2×4’s that we halved so that each record hole was 4 feet apart on the outside. (On the outside, whereas the outer edges of the posts are 4 feet apart.) Dig post holes 2 feet deep. Not too bad for fence building eh?
Step 2:
Place posts in holes and check that all posts are at the same depth. You can check this with a level along the top of all posts. Use the same level and a second person to help, pour quick setting cement into each post hole. Have the helper hold the post straight (check with a level) and slowly add water as directed on package. Have helper continue to hold the posts until the cement begins to set, it should only take a few minutes. Let the posts set overnight.
Step 3:
Using a drill and screws, attach the cross pieces to the posts on the inside of the fence.
Step 4:
Mount with nails or screws, of whatever material you choose to use as pickets to the cross piece. Use a measuring tape to mark distances that are pleasing to the eye, remember, this is a country fence. You can use traditional pickets, branches or even scrap wood all cut to the same size”sticks “.
Done! Plant a climber at the base to add old fashioned country charm as morning glories or a climbing rose. With just a couple sections of fence instead of a whole series of expensive fencing, added you’ve a wonderful architectural element to your garden!