Lattice Fence

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used to measure each lumber piece

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking layout lines and checking right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Home center cutting service is recommended

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare #120 and #240 grit

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for confirming level during assembly

• ✓

  Clamp (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 Location and Property Boundary

   ≈ 30 min

   Measure the planned installation line for the lattice fence (1800×40×1200mm). Clarify the property boundary and check distance from neighboring houses, existing structures, and underground installations (pipes, wires).

   Measure

   W 1800 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 9

   Tip

   • Maintain at least 50mm inside the property boundary to avoid encroachment disputes.
   • Confirm locations of underground water and gas pipes with local authorities beforehand to prevent accidents during post hole digging.
   • Notify neighbors in advance about construction noise and access impact.

   Watch out

   • Misunderstanding property boundaries may lead to neighbor disputes. Verify survey maps before installation.
   • Damaging underground pipes incurs compensation liability. Always confirm prior to digging.
2. 2

   Cut Lumber and Prepare Stainless Steel Screws

   ≈ 45 min

   Cut three posts from 4x4 lumber (89×89×1200mm), three horizontal rails from 2x4 lumber (38×89×1200mm), and fourteen boards from SPF lumber 1x4 (19×89×1200mm). Prepare eighty-four 75mm stainless steel 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 includes 1800mm above ground and 600mm buried depth, sufficient to resist wind pressure.
   • Stainless steel screws are essential for outdoor use. Iron screws rust within a year, reducing strength.
   • Choose fast-setting mortar to allow workflow continuation on the same day.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient post embedment depth risks collapse by strong winds.
   • Using iron screws causes rust stains and damages paint films.
3. 3

   Dig Post Holes and Lay Gravel

   ≈ 90 min

   Dig three holes for posts, each 200mm diameter and 600mm deep. Space posts 900mm apart (center plus both ends of 1800mm fence width). 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 by two-thirds.
   • Hole diameter double the post width (200mm) is ideal to allow mortar thickness stabilizing posts.
   • Gravel layer prevents post bottoms from sitting in water.

   Watch out

   • Inadequate hole depth risks collapse in strong winds; maintain 600mm depth.
   • Poor drainage leads to post bottom rot; always provide gravel drainage layer.
4. 4

   Set Posts Vertically and Fix with Mortar

   ≈ 120 min

   Set posts vertically in holes, confirm verticality with a level, and temporarily fix with stakes and wire. Mix fast-setting mortar and pour into holes to secure posts. Shape mortar slightly above ground level to prevent water pooling. Let cure undisturbed for 24 hours.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 4 / 9

   Tip

   • Mix mortar with less water for firmness; overly soft mix weakens cured strength.
   • Verify post verticality in two directions (front/back and left/right) with level.
   • Finish mortar surface 10mm above ground to block water ingress.

   Watch out

   • Strong winds before mortar cure may tilt posts; choose calm weather.
   • Misaligned posts prevent horizontal rails from being level.
5. 5

   Attach Horizontal Rails

   ≈ 60 min

   After mortar cures, attach three horizontal rails (38×89×1200mm) on the outside (garden side) of three posts at upper, middle, and lower positions. Heights from ground: approximately 200mm, 900mm, and 1700mm. Drill 5mm 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 the garden side of posts. Views from the road side will have rails hidden by boards for appearance.
   • Confirm rail horizontal level with level before fixing.
   • Screw from post side; rails are hidden by boards for neat appearance.

   Watch out

   • Misaligned posts affect rail positioning; measure actual post spacing before cutting rails.
   • Driving screws without pilot holes may split 4x4 posts.
6. 6

   Attach Boards (1x4 Lumber)

   ≈ 90 min

   Attach 20 SPF 1x4 boards vertically on horizontal rails. Leave 5mm gaps between boards (about one finger width) to relieve wind pressure and allow ventilation. Fasten each board with three screws: one per upper, middle, and lower rail.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 9

   Tip

   • Do not fit boards tightly; gaps provide wind pressure relief, ventilation, and visual rhythm.
   • Use chopsticks or 5mm spacers to keep consistent gaps.
   • Keep board bottom edge 50mm above ground to avoid water contact.

   Watch out

   • Closely spaced boards increase wind pressure risk of collapse.
   • Boards touching ground absorb moisture and rot; always elevate.
7. 7

   Sanding and Surface Preparation

   ≈ 60 min

   Sand entire assembled fence from #120 to #240 grit focusing on board faces, ends, and corners. Remove all dust to improve adhesion of outdoor finish before painting.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 7 / 9

   Tip

   • Ends of boards are water entry points; sand carefully to allow preservative absorption.
   • An orbital sander is convenient for large surfaces; consider rental service.
   • Wear mask and safety glasses to protect from dust.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient sanding reduces coating adhesion leading to early peeling.
   • Painting over dust causes rough surface finish.
8. 8

   Apply First Coat of Outdoor Wood Preservative

   ≈ 90 min

   Brush apply outdoor wood preservative such as Xyladecor over entire fence including board fronts and backs, rails, posts. Saturate board ends thoroughly. Let dry naturally for 24 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 8 / 9

   Tip

   • Protecting board ends is key for preservative effect.
   • Using a roller is acceptable for large surfaces, finishing edges with a brush.
   • Avoid direct sunlight which causes surface drying while interior remains damp; paint in shade or overcast conditions.

   Watch out

   • Rain before drying washes away coating; check weather beforehand.
   • Too thick or viscous coating causes unevenness; apply thin and even.
9. 9

   Apply Second Coat and Final Inspection

   ≈ 90 min

   After complete drying of first coat, apply second, slightly thinner coat. After at least 24 hours drying, inspect entire fence for protruding screw heads, uneven coating, and post stability.

   Done!

   Done — nice work!

   DoneSTEP 9 / 9

   Tip

   • Two coats greatly improve outdoor durability; do not skip second coat.
   • Annual light sanding with #240 grit and repainting with same preservative extends life beyond 10 years.
   • Check post bases at ground twice yearly as water accumulates.

   Watch out

   • Omitting second coat causes coating failure and wood rot within 2-3 years.
   • Neglecting annual repainting shortens fence lifespan, leading to replacement within 10 years.

Warnings

• ⚠️For outdoor use, wood preservative treatment is essential (reapply once a year recommended).
• ⚠️Use stainless steel screws (iron screws will rust).
• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before screwing to prevent wood splitting.

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