Pet Fence

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Tape Measure (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component.

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking lines and confirming right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Using a hardware store's cutting service is recommended.

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  An impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare #120 and #240 grit.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking levelness 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 Boundary

   ≈ 30 min

   Measure the planned installation line for the dog pet fence (900×100×900 mm). Clearly identify the property boundary and check the distance to neighboring houses, existing structures, and the location of underground utilities (pipes, electrical wiring).

   Measure

   W 900 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 9

   Tip

   • Maintain at least 50 mm inside the property boundary for safety to prevent disputes.
   • Confirm locations of underground water and gas pipes with local authorities beforehand to prevent accidents when digging post holes.
   • Giving prior notice to neighbors is important to explain noise and traffic impacts during construction.

   Watch out

   • Misunderstanding the boundary can lead to disputes with neighbors. Confirm survey maps before construction.
   • Damaging underground utilities can incur liability. Always verify beforehand.
2. 2

   Cut Materials and Prepare Stainless Steel Screws

   ≈ 45 min

   Prepare two posts (4x4 lumber 89×89×1500 mm), two cross rails (2x4 lumber 38×89×900 mm), ten boards (SPF lumber 1x4 19×89×900 mm). Prepare 60 stainless steel coarse-thread screws 75 mm, 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

   • 4x4 lumber posts are 2400 mm to include 1800 mm above ground plus 600 mm underground embedment; embedment depth resists wind pressure.
   • Stainless steel screws are essential for outdoor use; iron screws will rust within a year weakening the structure.
   • Choose fast-setting mortar so it sets the same day allowing work to continue.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient embedment depth risks collapse in strong winds.
   • Using iron screws causes rust stains on boards and damages protective coatings.
3. 3

   Dig Post Holes and Lay Gravel

   ≈ 90 min

   Dig three holes 200 mm diameter and 600 mm deep for the posts. Space holes at 900 mm apart corresponding to the fence width (center and ends). Lay 100 mm thick gravel at the bottom for drainage.

   Drill a hole

   下穴 φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 3 / 9

   Tip

   • Using a post hole digger reduces work to one-third.
   • Hole diameter should be twice the post thickness (200 mm diameter) to allow sufficient mortar thickness for securing posts.
   • Gravel layer prevents post bottoms from being submerged in water.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient hole depth risks collapse from strong winds; strictly follow 600 mm depth.
   • Poor drainage causes bottom of posts to rot. Always create a drainage layer with gravel.
4. 4

   Erect Posts and Fix with Mortar

   ≈ 120 min

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

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 4 / 9

   Tip

   • Mix mortar with less water (firm mix) for strong curing; too soft weakens final strength.
   • Check post verticality with a level from two directions (front-back and left-right).
   • Finish mortar surface about 10 mm above ground to prevent water penetration.

   Watch out

   • Strong winds before mortar sets can tilt posts; choose calm weather.
   • Misaligned posts cause cross rails to not be horizontal.
5. 5

   Attach Cross Rails

   ≈ 60 min

   After mortar cures, attach two cross rails (38×89×900 mm) on the outside of the three posts (garden side) at heights approx. 200 mm, 900 mm, and 1700 mm from the ground. Drill φ5 mm pilot holes from the post side and fasten with two stainless steel coarse-thread screws 75 mm per joint.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 5 / 9

   Tip

   • Attach cross rails on the garden side so they are hidden from the road view behind the boards.
   • Verify rails are level with a level before fastening.
   • Drive screws from the post side; cross rails are hidden behind boards for aesthetics.

   Watch out

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

   Attach Boards (1x4 lumber)

   ≈ 90 min

   Attach 20 boards vertically to the cross rails. Leave a 5 mm gap (about one finger width) between boards to relieve wind pressure and ensure ventilation. Fix each board to upper, middle, and lower cross rails with one screw each (3 screws total per board).

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 9

   Tip

   • Do not but boards tightly together to allow wind pressure release, ventilation, and visual rhythm.
   • Use chopsticks or 5 mm spacers to keep gaps uniform.
   • Keep board bottoms 50 mm above ground to avoid water exposure.

   Watch out

   • Boards butted together increase risk of collapse from wind pressure.
   • Boards touching ground absorb moisture and rot; always keep them elevated.
7. 7

   Sanding and Surface Preparation

   ≈ 60 min

   Sand the entire assembled fence using #120 grit followed by #240 grit sandpaper. Pay special attention to board faces, ends, and edges. Remove all dust thoroughly before applying outdoor paint for better adhesion.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 7 / 9

   Tip

   • Board ends are ingress points for water; sand carefully to allow preservative penetration.
   • An orbital sander is convenient for large surfaces; consider rental.
   • Wear mask and protective glasses due to dust generation.

   Watch out

   • Insufficient sanding reduces paint adhesion and durability outdoors.
   • Painting over dust causes rough surfaces.
8. 8

   Apply Outdoor Wood Preservative (First Coat)

   ≈ 90 min

   Apply outdoor wood preservative like Xyladecor with a brush over the entire fence, including boards (both sides), cross rails, and posts. Apply generously to board ends (cross sections) to soak in. Allow to dry naturally for 24 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 8 / 9

   Tip

   • Penetration into board ends is key to preservative effectiveness; prioritize these areas.
   • For large areas, a roller can be used, finishing edges with a brush.
   • Avoid painting under direct sunlight to prevent surface drying while interior remains wet; choose shade or cloudy weather.

   Watch out

   • Rain before drying causes paint film to run.
   • Thick, uneven coats cause blotchy appearance; apply thin, even layers.
9. 9

   Second Coat and Final Inspection

   ≈ 90 min

   After the first coat fully dries, apply a second, slightly thinner coat. After drying for more than 24 hours, inspect the entire fence for exposed screw heads, uneven paint coverage, or post wobbling.

   Done!

   Done — nice work!

   DoneSTEP 9 / 9

   Tip

   • Two coats significantly improve outdoor durability; do not skip.
   • Annual maintenance sanding with #240 grit followed by re-coating extends lifespan beyond 10 years.
   • Inspect ground level around posts twice yearly as water tends to accumulate there.

   Watch out

   • Skipping the second coat causes peeling within 2-3 years and wood decay.
   • Neglecting annual re-coating leads to fence replacement within 10 years.

Warnings

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

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