Horizontal Wood Fence
Horizontal wood privacy fence is becoming very popular in the Orlando area. It provides a modern look to match the newer houses being built today. But it can also fit in well with older homes just by varying the board layout a bit. We build our horizontal wood fences just like our standard privacy fences, to last.
The Lumber We Use
Most of our wood fences are built of #2 ground contact rated pressure treated pine. It is a great option that when done right will last for many years. While we do also offer cedar as an option, the only part of the fence that is cedar is the boards. The posts are still treated pine because cedar does not last in the Florida soil. We get a lot of customers that start out wanting cedar but after seeing the lumber cost difference and the actual upkeep costs of using cedar they decide to stick with pine.
Treated Pine Options - We can build your new fence using 1" thick by 4" wide or 6" wide boards. If you really want a show piece we can even use 5/4" thick by 6" wide boards. The 5/4" boards have rounded edges that look fabulous when you are doing a spaced board (boards have a small space between them) horizontal fence.
Cedar Options - If you want to use cedar boards we are basically locked in to 5/8" thick by 6" boards. That is all that is readily available other than dimensional lumber like 2"x4"s which don't look good when done in a horizontal board style.
The Correct Fastener Matters
We use two main fastener components on our horizontal board fencing, ring shank nails and coated exterior screws. For our all treated pine fences we will use hot dipped galvanized ring shank nails to secure the boards. These nails do not rust when used with pine and they have blades (ring shank) on the nail shaft that hold better than standard smooth shank nails. If you are using cedar boards we will use stainless steel ring shank nails to fasten the boards. You have to use a stainless steel nail when using pine and cedar together to prevent rusting, discoloration and streaking (black runs from the nail). If you use galvanized nails with cedar & pine you will get discoloration around the nail site that will eventually lead to black runs down the wood.
For the cover boards at the posts we use exterior coated screws. The screws work well with cedar and pine and allow easy removal of the cover board should a horizontal board need to be replaced.
Installation Is The Key
We build some of the strongest fences in the area because we don't skimp on the main support, the posts. I see horizontal board fences all over town that are built with a standard 8' or even 6' post spacing and the boards are bowed in, out, up and down. Some companies try to add extra support by installing a 2"x2" or 2"x4" in the middle of the section. That does not work as those skimpy boards are just as likely to bow as the main horizontal boards. We space the posts for our horizontal board fence at 4 feet apart. Each post is set 30" in the ground and anchored with concrete. This provides a support system that will prevent the boards from bowing in any direction.
Gates & Hardware
All of our horizontal board gates are supported by a 6"x6" hinge post and four (4) modern style hinges, not the standard contemporary butterfly hinges or the dinky tee hinges you get at Lowe's. We use longer lag bolts to provide plenty of support and our modern looking Maxima Deluxe double sided latch to secure the gate. We even use a more modern looking handle.
Sealing & Staining A Horizontal Fence
We can seal and stain your new wood board fence with a myriad of colors from Wood Defender or Ready Seal. This will add to the beauty and lifespan of the fence exponentially. And if you are going with cedar this is a must to make sure any wood touching the ground is sealed to prevent moisture from prematurely rotting the wood. When we seal or stain the horizontal board fence we use a sprayer to assure that the stain gets between the spaces in the boards. We also back brush as we go to force the stain into those spaces better. If you are building a horizontal board wood fence right now you are spending a lot of money. It is a good idea to spend a little bit more to make sure it lasts as long as possible so that you can get your moneys worth out of it.