How To Easily Build Horizontal Cedar Privacy Fence

[@mystreteacher]

Just completed my first 24' horizontal run today. Building the fence is a lot nicer than post hole digging. The fence is 4' high. I wrnt with 8 pickets and a quarter inch gap using a wooden paint stirrer for my guide. Looks really good.

[@OU8Aspark]

The Air Gap makes the fence look beautiful!

[@barnyardbrio7597]

It's fun watching other people work. Especially building a fence. Thank You!

[@SWiFence]

Plenty more of that on this channel!

[@lizzieintx]

Great video. Everything is explained well and it's great that it's unedited; makes it more entertaining as well.

[@SWiFence]

Thanks so much for those kind words!

[@George-fh9zm]

I saw a horizontal fence today. What a great look. Then I found your video. Thank you!

[@SWiFence]

You are so welcome!

[@tamarathompsonmoore3294]

What an informative video and inspiring, too. I’d be the first of my neighbors to add a privacy fence but hopefully the beauty of the horizontal look wins them over.

[@motorcyclezeal]

Did you put up a fence?

[@georgejohnson3654]

Been building fences for decades and this guy knows what he's doing. Excellent craftsmanship. *Post depths vary depending on your area.

[@RebeccaSolares]

Thank you! All of your videos are clear and concise. I’m in over my head, but gonna do it anyway. 🤞

[@SWiFence]

You can do it!

[@gsp4prez]

Just think safety and you’ll do fine.

[@MyBeautifulHealth]

Safety third!

[@chewar7537]

I did my fence like this. Everyone loves it!!!

[@SWiFence]

Awesome!

[@notateacher1134]

I don’t know anything about anything. After watching so many videos, this video simplified this whole process so much more than anyone else I saw. Thank you for this video. I forgot about even trying to dig a post, I almost planned to buy 4X4 wood posts and a router machine to make slits for the panels. Y’all are great!!!

[@SWiFence]

Great to hear! Thanks for the kind words! 👍🏻

[@beencraftn6612]

@@SWiFence You are a true craftsman!! This is my second video that I am watching and im glad I found your youtube page! Subscribed! Thanks for the videos and awesome tips!

[@gailarnold2660]

Thanks for this video. we needed this right now. I love lots of words and explanations in videos and appreciate the content in this video.

[@jaredrobinson3019]

Thanks so much for this! I have been building fence a long time and have never done a horizontal wood fence so this was super helpful for me as I’m bidding one right now. 😃 Also, never knew that about why the black lines in the cedar wood. Switching to stainless now.

[@MrChewy63]

Great video…I constructed my horizontal Cedar years ago to cover a chain link fence. I used the metal grooved posts to set the cedar in it…perfect. Love the horizontal look over vertical all day. Thanks again for the tip using the tape measure as a guide…genius

[@abl6965]

😂 I’m that guy down the street, designed and built my own horizontal fence when no one in my neighborhood had one, now their becoming more popular and popping up everywhere, so i must have done something right, all cedar and stainless steel screws and metal post, still solid and beautiful well worth the sore back

[@christopherwilliams5775]

Thank you guys so much! I learned and enjoyed learning; Thank you for making it fun! God bless everyone involved!

[@SWiFence]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leelunk8235]

THIS GUY HAS TAUGHT ME MORE ON KZbin IN TWO VIDEOS THAN MY 18 YRS OF SCHOOL

[@thebordernow]

He gave you some practical life skills you could actually use to go out and make some money if you apply yourself.

[@leelunk8235]

@@thebordernow IM NOT WORKING UNDER ANY WEATHER

[@bugume]

remind me of my buddies in SD. Nice job amigo

[@LittleNissanFrontier]

Awesome video, I actually went out and purchased an electric Pile Hammer after seeing this. No more digging for this old man....lol

[@allwrong3114]

Can those metal posts support 2x8 6' planks as horizontal pickets?

[@club4ghz]

I copy paste this fence into my backyard with the top finish board. Looks good after staining.

[@chancelloribberson8800]

love the channle very informative but I really enjoy the style in which its presented the light heartedness and the jokularity that's proved makeit very entertaing keep the videos coming.

[@EngineeredMojo]

I plan to tackle this project in next few days, seems easy enough to do solo with a bit of shoring. Wish me luck!

[@SWiFence]

You can do it!

[@ryanj3641]

Im so glad I found your channel, Ive been building decks and fences for a little over 3 years. I live on an island north of Seattle, Wa. and haven't seen anyone use those Postmaster posts, even though they seem like a much better solution then sinking P.T 4x4's in the ground. have you guys done a cost breakdown on time and material between the two? also I wanted to say I've built 2 horizontal fences so far and I'm totally sold on the way you guys build yours over the way I build mine. I look forward to binge watching your videos when I get the chance..

[@SicanguLakota4rmSouthDakota]

I never built a fence in my life. But want to put one up around our one acre land and im glad i came across your video because now im doing a horizontal fence but what do you suggest we live out in open land here in South Dakota and we have no wind break or no hills to hide us from the elements of winter so do i do that spacing between? Because the wind gets pretty strong here also im going to have to spray the wood with something to protect it against weather.

[@chuntayejordan5130]

Thank you for your easy to follow instructions! I like the look of the post tho.

[@jjcastleberry3662]

I like to see a video of you using those metal posts in a residential gate (wood).

[@ericstewart4732]

Love these tutorials.

[@SWiFence]

Hey thanks!

[@josephfra2456]

You're a freak. Your sidekick is pretty amusing too. Great video, and you put a little personality in as well. I hope Postmaster is paying you well. You're selling a lot of posts for them. I'm planning to reproduce your fence, no gap, and put corrugated metal on the bottom 1/3. Do you see any problem with how the two wood/metal would wear over time? Glad I stumbled on your channel. 🍻

[@SWiFence]

It'll be awesome. 👍🏻💪🏻 You could probably expect to see the wood pickets dry out (shrink) in width just a little bit based on your climate or area. I don't see any major red flags though.

[@SWiFence]

Also, don't forget to keep the cedar stained. That way they'll both last a good long time.

[@c0pyimitati0n]

I wonder what the price difference is for this vs slipfence vs a traditional privacy fence

[@banjavka]

Tips for keeping the post level when driving/pounding into the ground?

[@danielalviter2728]

Great video. I think I’m ready to built a horizontal fence. Texas

[@SWiFence]

YES!! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@derekwunder865]

If I am using composite planks should I still brace half way in between the posts or would composite resist warping more than regular wood? Great video and channel in general!

[@nimajnebrm]

Great quality video... makes me want to build a fence this weekend!

[@betsyanderson234]

Great video and very informative, thank you! I would like to build a fence like this to enclose my side yard. Do you have additional videos that detail how to finish off the corners or how to add a gate?

[@SWiFence]

Corners: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoWyZJykqZKfhdE Gate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqbGkoWXedVjeZI A couple more builds it might be helpful to see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJuwiqWQhbh3mNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWTGd5Smo6Zqo68

[@nelsdawg1]

Thanks for the video. I used this one and the one where you built a fence over concrete as my 2 sources to complete my fence between the garage and house this week. It took me a little bit longer than 11 minutes compared to your video😂.

[@SWiFence]

Excellent! Yeah, sorry, 11 min is the pro time. 😜😂

[@westcoastkhmer]

Thanks to that one guy

[@SWiFence]

Right?!

[@lindapea2535]

Thank you for your information; looking forward to building my own!

[@Anthony3344C]

Is it not gonna hold if I put 8 foot horizontal attached to an iron pole?

[@lovinglibra69]

This was the best demonstration for these post, yet! I just subscribed!

[@josephorduno5421]

Thanks quick question how would you add the middle piece behind the fence to hold the pickets together if you have no access since they wanna get it as close as possible to the neighbors fence

[@SWiFence]

Feed it down from the top. Have someone hold the top and someone hold the bottom while you shoot the nails.

[@leyilin535]

Thanks for this. Can you secure the pickets directly to the post ? Are they too thin for that ?

[@freedomhigh2160]

Great job, I like the product and the skilled people who are doing this, much appreciated !

[@SWiFence]

Appreciate those words. 👍🏻

[@justin-time1479]

would having no air gap cause issues with the wood expanding?

[@Loadedgoods]

@6:45 Don't nail your tape LOL sounds like he's done it Hahaha. I found that funny. Nice job I think we should try those post masters out for wood the pole idea i don't really like

[@JokerMansBeats]

Very nice. Always thought about doing this but could never visualize.

[@missannie8012]

Thank you! I will have to cement mine in. But I love the design.

[@dbarker79]

Man, I love ur videos! Fun, super informative, and just plain awesome. About to do my own privacy horizontal screen/fence around my patio. Never built my own fence b4, but u guys are building my confidence to do so. Oh, and greetings from SC!

[@SWiFence]

Go for it! You got this. 💪🏻💪🏻

[@kurtrindgen4708]

Like the gapped one better. Have a decaying cedar fence that needs to be replaced and this gives me ideas.

[@SWiFence]

Nice!

[@a-a-ron5850]

When would the post need to be set in concrete? Does frost line in winter not play in since metal post has a smaller footprint?

[@SWiFence]

Frost line definitely still plays a role. We always pound down below frost line. If your soil is too rocky, or loose for any other reason, you would need to dig and set in concrete.

[@eleazarsalas5425]

Game changer 👍

[@noahstoner5870]

Can you do a horizontal cedar fence with air gap on a slope with the boards running parallel to the slope, not level?

[@SWiFence]

Sure. You'll have to angle-cut the ends of your boards.

[@OscarHernandez-sp8mw]

Will a center stay be enough for boards that are 7.5ft long or would I need more support than that to help with warping? Thanks!

[@11alexstreet]

Thank you!! Using this as my instructional video as I attempt this build this month. Question - you have this at 60.5”, but you said in the video you are building to 6’, Wouldnt this fence be 5’ since you are going to 60.5” instead of 72”? Thanks!!!

[@SWiFence]

You totally caught that. I said one thing and then built another and never corrected it in the video. 👍🏻

[@joecasillas5388]

My front yard is curved how do i go about installing my 4x4 post for this fence?

[@gogadgo]

Please tell me about the nails and nail gun used

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Can I go with 8' spacing if my boards are rough cut 1" x 6" boards?

[@SWiFence]

Probably. Make sure you're going deep enough and using enough concrete.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

@@SWiFence 9' Postmasters for 6' tall fence. Should be good.

[@gabinogarcia9913]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 very nice my man

[@SWiFence]

Appreciate it!!

[@annabuilta8616]

Can you demonstrate how to do the corner sections?

[@SWiFence]

You mean like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoWyZJykqZKfhdE

[@nelsonpd]

Great video, thanks! Helped me build an amazing fence! Questions on putting 2x4s on backside : 1) how necessary is this? 2) do the 2x4s hang a bit or should they be dug into the ground a little bit?

[@SWiFence]

The 2x2 on the back is to keep the pickets from bowing, twisting, and warping over time. I'd say it's pretty essential--not for the short term--but for keeping things looking nice in the long run. And no, they only run the length of the pickets, not into the ground. 👍🏻

[@nmonkspade]

Great video! What if the ground isn't level, which probably happens pretty often. Do you keep the same height off the ground, or level the top of the fence and adjust the height of the posts? You would notice wavy fence lines a lot more with a horizontal fence.

[@SWiFence]

An excellent question. People prefer different looks. If you've got gentle changes in the ground you can get away with a dead-level fence--you'll just end up with gaps of varying size underneath. If you've got more severe changes in the ground we try to flow with the ground, but smooth out what it's doing. That way you keep to the flow of the ground, but the fence flows more smoothly in it's changes.

[@AyannaOr]

I want to build a horiztonal fnce, but i need this to all the way to the ground to keep my animals inside. Can i put this all the way to the ground? also, in order for the front to look like the back, do we just follow the pattern on how we place the pickets then?

[@candy1974309]

I added a rock flowerbed using small pebbles using like rock max binder or glue to bind it

[@majesticliberatoroftheoppr3971]

What are your thoughts on powder coated black steel posts versus postmaster posts? They are much less expensive and apparently just as strong. Your thoughts? Doing a cedar fence.

[@SWiFence]

I don't see why not. You'll need to use brackets to attach your stringers, and you won't be able to hide the steel completely--but why not?

[@samueladams584]

How about deckmate coated screws for cedar pickets ?

[@SWiFence]

You certainly can use coated screws--we prefer stainless steel screws because they're rust-proof all the way through instead of just on the outside. In all likelihood you'd be fine though.

[@a4turboss]

How would you make this board and batten. I assume just on the first example or style 1 on the front side you would add a picket to close the gaps? While on the back side you would still name on the back side the support halfway.

[@SWiFence]

Yep, go with example 1 and make sure to use a nailer behind your batten.

[@susandudley171]

Great Video

[@albertomartincruz8121]

Great video man, thank you!

[@SWiFence]

My pleasure!

[@dougmonte4965]

I’m sold.

[@ccapron22]

Does anyone have any tips for doing corners with this type post?

[@SWiFence]

I do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoWyZJykqZKfhdE

[@lynsiobarr5732]

@@SWiFence 8:27

[@dbarker79]

And i just subbed! Thanx again 👏👏👏👏

[@SWiFence]

Welcome!

[@wayneli8377]

Thanks.

[@SWiFence]

You bet!

[@chgolou]

Awesome!!

[@angelamonk716]

Question, so the next section is solid no air , then 4th one air slots , etc in that order ? Serious question please

[@SWiFence]

No no, the sections are usually all the same. We were just demonstrating two different styles. I mean, you can alternate them if you want or do whatever you want, but we were just showing how to do it either way. Typically once you pick a style you do your whole fence like that.

[@LinhWithMS]

Could you do 8ft centers if there was a middle brace with a 2x4 in between?

[@SWiFence]

You could probably do 8' with this method. Wouldn't do any more than that. Don't know that you need the extra 2x4.

[@dudleydorite7678]

How much for one of them pick up truck boxes in the background?

[@efflux]

Great info in this video.. I'm tackling the exact thing this weekend. Does that ripped 2x4 nailer need to be pressure treated?

[@SWiFence]

Not if you're using cedar.

[@efflux]

@@SWiFence Ok great, thank you!

[@overheadpath6896]

Do you have of this version but with a gate? Thanks for the info. Very helpful.

[@SWiFence]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqbGkoWXedVjeZI

[@johngaspar4425]

I see in my area I see them weaving the horizontal boards in the middle between the posts. Is that ok too and do you have a videos on that way? So what do you do just stick a 2*4 or so weaving and nailing it. Does that shorten the standard boards or is it a negligible shortening of the boards?

[@rogeliovelasquez9094]

Nice corral..

[@OSCARFERNANDEZ-pg6vu]

Awesome!!! 👍👍

[@SWiFence]

Thanks! 👍

[@mystreteacher]

I'm using 8' postmasters and putting them 48" inches into the ground with 10" holes. Frost line is 42" inches and the ground is mushy clay in the spring (which is why I didn't drive them). Can I get away with 4 sixty lbs bag of cement per hole and then backfilling and tamping the rest of the way(clay) or do I have to concrete to the top of the hole? The section that I completed (to show my wife what I was doing) I filled to the top. I had to slow down on the project after hitting a rock on the last hole and pulling out my shoulder. I had been doing real well being careful with all the roots and rocks in my yard, but got aggressive and dumb right at the end. Live and learn.

[@SWiFence]

If you were going to skimp and put gravel or something anywhere, I would put it in the middle. Well, I would prefer to see the whole entire whole filled with concrete. You could put two bags at the bottom, little clay in the middle and finish it off with two bags at the top just below ground level by two or 3 inches.

[@mystreteacher]

​​​​​​@@SWiFence Thanks, I wound up doing it the right way - filling the holes to the top with concrete. The fence is really solid and looks good. Yeah, I know where my f-ups are and where I created more work for myself than necessary, but I don't regret DYI'ing at all and your videos are why I was successful.

[@mram7715]

Is there a need to stain protect these pickets? Thanks. Great vid

[@SWiFence]

Yes. Cedar holds up much better than the other woods out there--but it is still guaranteed to split, crack, and warp over time. Always stain the fence.

[@rosegomez623]

@@SWiFenceit is ok to painted white instead of stained? Will that hold overtime?

[@landmarkcreations1183]

Great video!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@dchin3732]

What is the 2×4" made of? Cedar? PT?

[@SWiFence]

cedar

[@luismoran5244]

very valuable information, a question what kind of gun do you use what is the brand I need one than k you

[@SWiFence]

We use the same thing we sell. 👍🏻 Magnum Nail Gun: bit.ly/swimagnum 15-degree Ring Shank Nails: bit.ly/15degringshank

[@edgarrenaud5470]

Hello, were can buy all the materials to build a fence like that. Thanks

[@SWiFence]

We've got some tools & product links in the video description. For the rest of it you'll need to either call a fencing supply store in your area or check your hardware stores.

[@AD-zy5gr]

Great job!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@ramonrodriguez3755]

I can't find anything over 7.5 feet. I want to build a 6' horizontal fence. Would it not be advisable to dig a 18 hole with concrete? I live in the north west for a wind reference. Thanks

[@elijahiaea424]

If I have rocky ground and not able to directly drive the post and need to dig, do I have to set it in concrete? And if I’m making a 5’ high fence do I burry them 4’?

[@SWiFence]

Yes, for sure. If you're not able to drive them and you have to dig you would need to use concrete. You could use a 7'6" Postmaster and set it in 3' or 2' 6".

[@landoftraps]

Andrew must be getting paid by the nail.

[@SWiFence]

😄

[@johnnybear111]

what happens if you get stuck and can't drive the post. do you dig it out and set in concrete?

[@SWiFence]

If we can't reach depth then yes, we have to resort to digging and setting in concrete. Before we surrender though we move side-to-side a bit and see if we can get through or around whatever's there.

[@stevenagustin7238]

Tongue and groove wood prevent gaps when it shrinks

[@eduardolopezhernandez2035]

I will like to know about you nail gun and air compressor what would you recommend

[@SWiFence]

We use the same thing we sell: 👉🏻 Magnum Nail Gun: bit.ly/swimagnum 👉🏻 15-degree Ring Shank Nails: bit.ly/15degringshank

[@driveman6490]

"Today we're going to show you how to build a 6 foot tall horizontal cedar" Proceeds to build a 5 foot tall fence.

[@SWiFence]

Thanks for noticing 😉

[@brohammer]

😆😆

[@thelostone6981]

What? No! These dudes are 7 feet tall. 😂😂

[@PigskinJourneyman]

What do you guys use to cover up the posts when going with standard 6ft fence? (My assumption is a picket without the dog ears cut off won't look good)

[@SWiFence]

Typically just a picket. We either cut the dog ears off or flip the dog ears to the bottom.

[@miamitreasurehunter]

Amazing. Thanks!!!

[@SWiFence]

You're welcome, Kelly!

[@KevinJMireles]

we're building a horizontal fence with treated pine and trying to decide whether should do 6 or 8 foot lengths. Any thoughts on whether 8 feet is too long and will warp or whether should be okay as long as we add a center support/plank in the middle? Also will the steel work in softer soils like we have here in Columbus? Great video! Thanks! Kev

[@SWiFence]

It's always going to warp no matter what--it's just a question of how much. It's a personal call, but you also have to factor in wind load, and height of the fence. If your soil is softer than normal that's a factor too. Yes, steel should work in softer soil: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5ScY6asq6iFfNE

[@KevinJMireles]

Thanks! Very helpful

[@DavidHislop]

Fast and to the point. Great vid! Question - I have a 4ft estate block retaining wall I need to build a fence on top (about ~1ft from the wall). Would you recommend treated doug fir in concrete or these postmaster posts? With the postmaster, I would just be worried that if the wall ever shifts, that would compromise the integrity of the postmaster posts before wood in concrete. Thanks for any input!

[@SWiFence]

If the wall ever shifted severely it would compromise a wood post as well. I’m a believer in post masters. 👍🏻

[@evetaylor2765]

So, should this fence be wobbly? Mine is installed in concrete but it is wobbly... Any suggestions?

[@SWiFence]

I don't know what brand you bought, so that could be a factor, but there is supposed to be some flex in the posts, yes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnqYlZicnamce68

[@chrisholliday1330]

Love to see this done a slope/hill.

[@maxamumadventure7761]

Instead of ripping a 2x4 can i just get 2x2 for the nailer?

[@SWiFence]

Yes.