Sleeper-Style Low Fence

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component.

• ✓

  Pencil & Carpenter's Square

  For marking lines and checking right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Using the home center's cutting service is recommended.

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for confirming horizontality during assembly.

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining.

• ✓

  Brush & 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 shrub fence (sleepers style) (1800×150×600mm). Clarify the property boundary and check the distance to neighboring houses, existing structures, and underground utilities (pipes, cables).

   Measure

   W 1800 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 9

   Tip

   • Keep at least 50mm inside the property boundary for safety to prevent boundary disputes.
   • Check underground water and gas pipe locations in advance with local authorities to avoid accidents when digging post holes.
   • Prior notification to neighbors is important to explain noise and access impact during construction.

   Watch out

   • Misunderstanding the boundary can lead to disputes with neighbors. Confirm survey maps before construction.
   • Damaging underground pipes incurs liability. Always check in advance.
2. 2

   Cut Components and Prepare Stainless Steel Screws

   ≈ 45 min

   Prepare 3 posts cut from 4x4 lumber at 89×89×1200mm, 3 horizontal rails from 2x4 lumber at 38×89×600mm, and 7 boards from SPF lumber 1x4 at 19×89×600mm. Also prepare 42 stainless steel coarse-thread screws 75mm, 3 bags of fast-setting mortar, and 2 cans of outdoor wood preservative (e.g. Xyladecor).

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 9

   Tip

   • Post 4x4 lumber length of 2400mm equals 1800mm above ground + 600mm underground embedding; this is the minimal depth to withstand wind pressure.
   • Stainless steel screws are essential for outdoor use; iron screws rust within a year weakening strength.
   • Choose fast-setting mortar to allow the work to proceed on the same day after it sets.

   Watch out

   • Embedding posts at insufficient depth risks collapse in strong winds.
   • Using iron screws causes rust stains on boards and damages paint.
3. 3

   Dig Post Holes and Lay Gravel

   ≈ 90 min

   Dig three holes for posts at diameter 200mm and depth 600mm. Space posts 900mm apart (center and 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 shortens work time to one third.
   • Hole diameter ideally twice post thickness (200mm) to ensure sufficient mortar thickness holding post.
   • Gravel layer prevents post bottoms from water immersion.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient hole depth risks collapse in strong winds. Strictly maintain 600mm depth.
   • Poor drainage causes post bottoms to rot. Always create a drainage layer with gravel.
4. 4

   Erect Posts and Fix with Mortar

   ≈ 120 min

   Set posts upright in holes, verify verticality with a level and temporarily fix with wooden stakes and wire. Mix fast-setting mortar and pour into holes to fix posts. Build mortar slightly higher than ground level to prevent water accumulation. Let cure for 24 hours undisturbed.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 4 / 9

   Tip

   • Mix mortar with less water (firm mix). Too soft weakens strength after curing.
   • Check post verticality from two directions (front-back and left-right) with a level.
   • Finish mortar surface 10mm above ground to prevent water infiltration.

   Watch out

   • Post may tilt if strong wind occurs before mortar cures; choose a day with weak wind.
   • Misaligned verticality causes difficulty installing horizontal rails horizontally.
5. 5

   Attach Horizontal Rails

   ≈ 60 min

   After mortar cures, attach 3 horizontal rails (38×89×600mm) to the outside (garden side) of the 3 posts at upper, middle, and lower positions. Approximate heights from ground: 200mm, 900mm, 1700mm. Drill 5mm pilot holes from post side, then fasten with two 75mm stainless steel coarse-thread screws per joint.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 5 / 9

   Tip

   • Attach horizontal rails to the garden side of posts; from road side, rails are hidden behind boards for appearance.
   • Confirm horizontal rail level with a level before fixing.
   • Drive screws from post side; horizontal rails are hidden by boards, so appearance is not affected.

   Watch out

   • Misaligned posts affect horizontal rails; measure actual distances before cutting rails.
   • Not drilling pilot holes can cause 4x4 posts to split.
6. 6

   Attach Boards (1x4 lumber)

   ≈ 90 min

   Attach 20 SPF 1x4 boards vertically to horizontal rails. Leave 5mm gaps (one finger width) between boards to relieve wind pressure and ensure ventilation. Fix each board to upper, middle, and lower horizontal rails with one screw each (3 screws total per board).

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 9

   Tip

   • Do not install boards tightly together; gaps help relieve wind pressure, improve ventilation, and add visual rhythm.
   • Use chopsticks or 5mm spacers to maintain consistent gaps.
   • Leave 50mm clearance from ground at bottom ends to avoid water contact.

   Watch out

   • Installing boards tightly increases risk of collapse from wind pressure.
   • Boards touching ground absorb water and rot; always keep raised.
7. 7

   Sanding and Preparing for Painting

   ≈ 60 min

   Sand the entire assembled fence using #120 then #240 sandpaper. Pay special attention to board surfaces, ends, and corners. Remove all dust before painting to improve adhesion of outdoor paint.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 7 / 9

   Tip

   • To block water intrusion, carefully sand end grain and allow paint to absorb well.
   • Use an orbital sander for large areas; rental services are useful.
   • Wear a mask and safety glasses to protect from dust.

   Watch out

   • Poor sanding causes paint adhesion failure and early peeling outdoors.
   • Painting over dust results in rough finish.
8. 8

   Apply First Coat of Outdoor Wood Preservative

   ≈ 90 min

   Apply outdoor wood preservative like Xyladecor thoroughly on all surfaces with a brush: boards front and back, horizontal rails, and posts. Apply extra on end grain to ensure absorption. Let dry naturally for 24 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 8 / 9

   Tip

   • Penetration into end grain determines preservative effectiveness; focus carefully there.
   • Because of large surface area, rollers can be used, finishing edges with a brush.
   • Avoid painting under direct sunlight which can dry surface only, leaving middle semi-dry; paint in shade or cloudy weather.

   Watch out

   • Do not paint before rain; paint film will run off. Check weather forecast.
   • Thick/dense paint causes uneven coating; apply thin, even layers.
9. 9

   Apply Second Coat and Final Inspection

   ≈ 90 min

   After the first coat dries completely, apply a thinner second coat. After drying for more than 24 hours, inspect entire fence for protruding screw heads, paint inconsistencies, and post stability.

   Done!

   Done — nice work!

   DoneSTEP 9 / 9

   Tip

   • Two coats greatly improve outdoor durability; do not skip the second coat.
   • Lightly sand with #240 and reapply same preservative annually to extend lifespan beyond 10 years.
   • Check post bases (ground level) twice a year as water tends to accumulate there.

   Watch out

   • Skipping second coat causes paint peeling and wood decay within 2-3 years.
   • Neglecting annual repainting causes replacement within 10 years.

Warnings

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

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