But before you write off the latter choice take a look at how easy it is to turn a fence panel into a charming custom garden gate.
How do you build a picket fence gate.
The instructions below show you how to build a diy privacy fence.
Before you start digging make sure to call 888 258 0808 to have all buried utility lines located and marked.
Don t forget about a gate.
If you ve always dreamed of a white picket fence tis the season to make it a reality starting with this white picket fence gate from fry sauce and grits roll up your sleeves and dig two 2.
As this fence was to be built across a narrow side yard rather than along a property line i actually had several choices of where exactly to build it.
Create one or find an old antique door or even a metal twin bed headboard.
A solid fence has all pickets attached tightly together on the outside only blocking views and offering complete privacy.
Buy a prefabricated gate or build one yourself.
You can make a quick stop using a g cramp and a scrap of timber in seconds.
If you re using a mitre saw for this it s simply a case of setting the saw to 45 degrees and then setting a stop on the saw to the required length.
You can paint or stain your fence.
After installing a picket fence you re faced with one final decision.
But in reality it s unlikely your gate will be the same dimensions.
For a short fence use a manual posthole digger.
Make sure you measure how long each fence portion is to know where to place the posts.
Smaller to allow for opening clearances.
Next we ll get the pickets cut with two 45 degree angles on the top to give them the traditional picket gate type look.
Narrower both gates together than the opening or a single gate about 3 4 in.
Step 1 picket fence overview illustration by gregory nemec.
However if you ve got more than a dozen or so holes to dig consider renting a gas powered posthole digger.
This shadowbox fence has pickets alternating on each side offering some privacy but allowing you to look through the fence at an angle.
Once you ve determined how far to space your holes and marked the spots with spray paint it s time to dig.
Hole placement will be determined by a couple of different things.
The length of the fence panels you purchase and whether or not you will hang a gate.
You have two options.
Tips for building a fence.
When you build your wooden gate s be sure you make your double gates about 1 in.
You could use single pickets like we did or you could use pre made fencing.