Fence: Part 5b - Rails

I installed nine sets of rails (stringers) this weekend. This leaves me with seven sets left to install for the main fence.

 The first thing I did was to build a measuring stick/guide so that I could more quickly locate the rail support brackets. It's symmetrical so I can flip it and use it on the right and left side of a post.

 This is where the double gate will go for side road access. I have returns on the fence here to strengthen/stiffen the fence and also to frame the garbage can area. The fence and gates will be six feet tall, but the returns will only be four feet tall. I'll be building a gravel pad in this area for the cans to sit on.

We're going to have to get used to accessing the side road from the new gateway. The old path will just lead to the fence! Until the pickets are installed, though, I guess climbing through the fence will work.

You can probably see the rise in the rails along the road (since all the rails are level). The rise from each post to the next one is two and a half inches.

Fence: Part 5a - Rails

I bought lumber and brackets today... and I installed the first set of rails! Wow, it's starting to look official!

Most fences in the area are built using two rails, but the pickets all seem to eventually warp, and two rails isn't enough to keep everything in line. Three should keep the fence looking a bit nicer for a while longer.

Fence: Part 4b - Posts

I finished installing that last of the fence posts.

The two posts at the end of the main run needed to be "tuned" so that they would be in line with the rest. There were too many roots in the way to get the stake in line perfectly.

Here's a photo of what I did. I did a big notch and then filled the remainder of the sleeve with a piece of wood that I screwed onto the main post. I may add a little piece to aesthetically fill the notch at the bottom.

I also installed the posts at the end of the driveway. They will be short (finish height to be between 42" and 48") for better visibility. I decided to screw on the reflectors to help my neighbors not hit the post. (Though I think the garbage truck is the most likely to do the hitting.)

I installed the post that is the return where the driveway swing gate will lock. 

And I installed the two return posts where the side road swing gates will be. These are primarily to add some strength to the fence.

And I installed the the posts along the run behind the shed.

Now for the rails!