Tall Boundary Fence

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component.

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  Used for marking lines and checking right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Using home center cutting service is recommended.

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking level during assembly.

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining.

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for applying wood preservative.

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm Installation Site and Property Boundaries

   ≈ 30 min

   Measure the planned installation line for the road boundary fence (Tall Type) (1800×90×2100mm). Clarify property boundaries, check distance from neighbors, existing structures, and underground buried utilities (pipes, wiring).

   Measure

   W 1800 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 9

   Tip

   • Keep at least 50mm inside the property boundary for safety to prevent boundary disputes.
   • Confirm underground locations of water and gas pipes with local authorities beforehand to prevent accidents while digging post holes.
   • Greeting neighbors in advance is important to explain noise and passage impact during work.

   Watch out

   • Misunderstanding boundaries can lead to neighbor disputes; verify survey maps before construction.
   • Damaging underground pipes results in compensation liability; always confirm in advance.
2. 2

   Cut Components and Prepare Stainless Steel Screws

   ≈ 45 min

   Cut three posts (89×89×2700mm) from 4x4 lumber, three rails (38×89×2100mm) from 2x4 lumber, and prepare 24 SPF 1x4 boards (19×89×2100mm). Prepare 144 stainless steel 75mm coarse-thread screws, three bags of fast-setting mortar, and two cans of outdoor wood preservative (e.g., Xyladecor).

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 9

   Tip

   • Post length 2400mm = 1800mm above ground + 600mm below ground. Burial depth is minimum to resist wind pressure.
   • Stainless steel screws are essential for outdoor use; iron screws will rust within a year and lose strength.
   • Choose fast-setting mortar to set posts quickly and proceed with work on the same day.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient burial depth risks collapse in strong winds.
   • Using iron screws causes rust stains on boards and damages paint film.
3. 3

   Dig Post Holes and Lay Gravel

   ≈ 90 min

   Dig three holes 200mm diameter × 600mm deep for posts. Space holes 900mm apart (for 1800mm fence width, central plus both ends). Lay 100mm thick gravel at hole bottoms to ensure drainage.

   Drill a hole

   下穴 φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 3 / 9

   Tip

   • Using a post hole digger reduces work time to one-third.
   • Hole diameter twice post thickness (200mm) is ideal to allow mortar thickness to hold posts.
   • Gravel layer prevents bottom of posts from soaking in water.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient hole depth risks collapse from strong winds; strictly keep 600mm depth.
   • Poor drainage causes post bottom decay; always create a drainage layer with gravel.
4. 4

   Set Posts Vertically and Fix with Mortar

   ≈ 120 min

   Stand posts vertically in holes, check verticality with level, and temporarily fix with wooden stakes and wire. Mix fast-setting mortar and pour into holes to fix posts. Slightly mound mortar above ground to prevent water pooling. Leave undisturbed for 24 hours to cure.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 4 / 9

   Tip

   • Mix mortar with less water (stiff mix); too soft reduces strength after curing.
   • Check verticality in two directions (front-back, left-right) with a level.
   • Finish mortar surface 10mm above ground to prevent water intrusion.

   Watch out

   • Strong wind before mortar hardens can tilt posts; choose a calm day.
   • Misaligned verticality causes rails to be unlevel.
5. 5

   Attach Rails

   ≈ 60 min

   After mortar cures, attach three rails (38×89×2100mm) to the outside (garden side) of three posts at upper, middle, and lower positions at approx. 200mm, 900mm, and 1700mm high from ground. Drill φ5mm pilot holes from post side and drive two 75mm stainless steel coarse-thread screws per joint.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 5 / 9

   Tip

   • Attach rails on garden side of posts; boards conceal rails from road side for aesthetics.
   • Check rail level with a level before fixing.
   • Drive screws from post side; not visible because rails are hidden behind boards.

   Watch out

   • Post misalignment affects rails; measure post spacing before cutting rails.
   • Driving screws without pilot holes can split 4x4 posts.
6. 6

   Attach Boards (1x4)

   ≈ 90 min

   Attach 20 SPF 1x4 boards vertically onto rails. Leave a 5mm gap (width of one finger) between boards to allow wind pressure relief and ventilation. Fix each board to the upper, middle, and lower rails with a total of 3 screws each.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 9

   Tip

   • Do not fit boards tightly; gaps relieve wind pressure, provide ventilation, and create rhythmic appearance.
   • Use chopsticks or 5mm spacers to maintain equal spacing.
   • Leave board bottom 50mm above ground to avoid water contact.

   Watch out

   • Boards fitted tightly increase risk of collapse from wind pressure.
   • Boards touching ground absorb water and rot; always elevate boards.
7. 7

   Sanding and Surface Preparation for Painting

   ≈ 60 min

   Sand entire assembled fence with #120 then #240 sandpaper, focusing carefully on board surfaces, ends, and corners. Remove all sanding dust before painting to improve adhesion of outdoor paint.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 7 / 9

   Tip

   • Board ends are water entry points; sand thoroughly to allow paint to penetrate.
   • Using an orbital sander for large surfaces is convenient; consider rental services.
   • Dust will be flying; always wear a mask and protective glasses.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient sanding reduces paint adhesion and leads to early peeling outdoors.
   • Painting over dust creates rough surface finish.
8. 8

   Apply First Coat of Outdoor Wood Preservative

   ≈ 90 min

   Brush on a full coating of outdoor wood preservative such as Xyladecor on all boards' front and back, rails, and posts. Apply more generously on end grain sections to soak in. Allow natural drying for 24 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 8 / 9

   Tip

   • Penetration into wood ends is key for preservation; focus on these areas.
   • Rollers may be used for large areas; finish edges with brush.
   • Avoid painting under direct sunlight to prevent surface drying before internal drying; select shade or cloudy days.

   Watch out

   • Rain before drying causes coating to run off; check weather forecast before painting.
   • Thick, lumpy paint causes uneven coating; apply thinly and evenly.
9. 9

   Apply Second Coat and Final Inspection

   ≈ 90 min

   After first coat fully dries, apply second coat more thinly. After drying for 24 hours or more, inspect entire fence for any protruding screw heads, painting defects, or post looseness.

   Done!

   Done — nice work!

   DoneSTEP 9 / 9

   Tip

   • Two coats greatly increase outdoor durability; do not skip.
   • Lightly sand with #240 and recoat annually with the same preservative extends service life over 10 years.
   • Inspect post bases (ground level) twice a year as water tends to accumulate there.

   Watch out

   • Skipping second coat results in paint peeling within 2-3 years and wood decay.
   • Neglecting annual recoating means fence replacement within 10 years.

Warnings

• ⚠️For outdoor use, wood preservative coating is essential (recoating once per year is recommended).
• ⚠️Use stainless steel screws (iron screws will rust).
• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent wood splitting.

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