When You Need A Fancy Fence: Stairstep Horizontal Cedar

👇🏻Tool & Product Links Below👇🏻
When you need a fence that can look right at home in an upper-class neighborhood, stairstep horizontal cedar fence is a fantastic choice. Today we're building a sweet-looking fence in Jackson Hole, WY to match the refined rustic look of the cedar shake house.
👉🏻 Steel Fence Posts: bit.ly/SWISteelFencePosts
👉🏻 Picket Topper Bump Board: bit.ly/Picket_topper
👉🏻 Magnum Nail Gun: bit.ly/swimagnum
👉🏻 15-degree Ring Shank Nails: bit.ly/15degringshank
👉🏻 #8 X 1 5/8" Stainless Steel Screws: bit.ly/SWI8x158stainlessscrew
👉🏻 Stainless Steel Screws: bit.ly/SWIStainlessScrews

[@Vixinaful]

Horizontal looks SO much better than a vertical!

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

as a small youtuber in the construction niche, i have learned alot from u, not only about fences but camera presentation and camera placement... thank you

[@andrewc9790]

The camera man/editor is pretty dang good at what he does. 👏👏

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

@@andrewc9790 and the subscriber count shows that too

[@treeamigo8447]

​@@GRUBB-MUDD What's up Grubb I watch your channel. Good stuff

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

@@treeamigo8447 yo whats good? 👍

[@jonrzurita]

Beautiful build!

[@chrisjenney6063]

Thank you so much for your awesome horizontal cedar fence and gate videos. You inspired me to kick it up a notch and make a great capped fence around my A/C units, even stepped higher on the near sides to help deflect the sound better.

[@SWiFence]

Sweet!

[@rayjburkhart1752]

Awfully nice of you to video all those tricks of the trade. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills

[@SWiFence]

Thanks Ray!

[@AS-zw4lk]

It would be good to see how this looks a year or two after construction. At the risk of nitpicking, it's probably not the best idea having cedar in contract with ground (unless the owner is prepared to keep replacing that part). You managed to get all the horizontal lines to meet which makes it nice. People who take pride in their work notice this kind of thing.

[@michaelthompson1363]

Incredibly talented! And very instructive!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@michaelphillips3158]

I loved building custom fences. Especially for the horse people. I was dragging 40ft section of 2 7/8 pipe by hand when I first started. They wanted everything custom gates hinges latches etc. I designed so many different gates I lost track. But hey great work it all looks amazing.

[@Timetwochange]

Excellent job!

[@SWiFence]

Thank you very much!

[@NoahDevine91]

Another great job came out awesome That’s a mighty fine pallet just kidding people are crazy 😝 have a good Dang day

[@radioactive1427]

Beautiful house, beautiful job can't ask for anything more from an SWI video, great work!

[@SWiFence]

Thank you very much!

[@rajvindersingh612]

Very Good Job Bud

[@RHimprove]

Nice work and great video! I need to get better at recording my remodels.

[@Robert-xn1cl]

These videos are great Dan, thank you.

[@SWiFence]

Glad you like them!

[@treeamigo8447]

Great fence but i think a matching gate with vertical boards and a crest would look so good

[@robertwilkinson1080]

Nice job

[@rizkisetia6538]

Great job!! Always love to see people in the trade who care what they do!! Keep up great work!!

[@SWiFence]

Appreciate it!

[@michaelstapleton64]

Clean work.

[@SWiFence]

Appreciate it

[@saulcharqueno7622]

Very nice fence 👍

[@JeffBeltran]

Just wanted to thank you for your helpful videos, lots of good tips. Now I feel my little DIY project should look less DIY lol

[@SWiFence]

Thank you so much! That's very encouraging.

[@robertcharles9615]

Great video subscribed!

[@wesfredricks2543]

Beautiful job!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@ifixeditmyself1926]

This was nice.

[@rtsCRFTS]

Awesome job!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@11alexstreet]

Hey SWI! Thanks for these videos - im learning a ton. Quick question: how did you get the two stair step posts to be 6” taller? Im going to have to stair step my fence and wondering the best way to ensure I have enough room for a top picket (and not have it be like 3” taller instead of 6”).

[@randytouchstone9255]

First of all I like to say thanks, also I wish we had craftsmen like you here Northeast Ohio. You have an award winning attitude compared to the bad attitude contractors here. I've been all over the USA and these contractors here just care about maximizing their profits, do a fast job and get out. When its time for you to call them back, well then it becomes a argument and a screaming match that's if they answer the phone.

[@SWiFence]

😬 Sounds like fun. ☹️

[@scottwilson4347]

I’m an interior trim carpenter & you guys do better work on a fence than a lot of carpenters I’ve worked with doing interior finish carpentry..it’s your attention to detail & you doing the xtra steps to make it right that I’m sure sets you apart..& I learned it doesn’t take much longer to do it right..great work guys

[@SWiFence]

Appreciate that!

[@gurbhalla]

I am a bigger and have no experience but I love the fence you installed. And Would like to do mine. You have a enter by step material and things need for new people ?

[@Theyralltakenfu]

They must have bought this property and did a total rebuild What a nice place.

[@jameskelly2777]

Simple and effec

[@arkadandfortuna1582]

Do you have a video on how to install those metal fence posts?

[@gregoryj5874]

Excellent detailed and produced video. Like the music and voice of the contractor-relaxing. Where can I get the promaster posts?

[@SWiFence]

If your Home Depot doesn't have them / doesn't have what you need, then you can order them from us: bit.ly/postmasterposts (They'll be cheaper if you can find them locally since we literally pay to ship them here and ship them out again.)

[@sanjivoberoi5361]

Nice fence and work indeed. Great instructional video, thank you. This would not last in a season in rainy country. Where is this fence built?

[@SWiFence]

Jackson, WY

[@AI-oz6ju]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Our HOA didnt approve horizontal fence. I am in the process of building an 8' BOB ceder fence. I have a question regarding the top cap board and trim. Would it be an issue if i used pine or treated pine? 2x6 ceder is about 4 times more expensive. What would be pros and cons of doing this? Your advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@SWiFence]

It may not match (which I'm sure you know), and it may not last as long. Will it work when forced by the budget? Yes. Will it look like cedar? No.

[@stich1960]

Idk if you said it and I missed it are you using regular pickets for that? Or a thicker picket?

[@10pct2_the_big_guy]

Looks nice I would prefer straight cut pickets instead of the dog ear pickets. But to each their own!

[@savvymoss]

i wonder if you can tell me what type of nailer and nail you are using to nail the pickets to the 2x2. what gauge nailer and nail size. thanks

[@Dolly-qb5kh]

Beautiful fence. I like it. Can you share the link to the post you used? Thanks

[@SWiFence]

bit.ly/postmasterposts

[@RobHTech]

is that rough saw cut wood? Or Oak, cedar? Looks good. I prefer the planks be in the middle of the posts so it's equal on both sides and looks exactly the same on both sides. Looks really good.

[@SWiFence]

Roughsawn cedar

[@andredaedone5]

So, I enjoy your videos. Question! Why could you not use a picket for the center brace for cedar or double them up? Thanks in advance.

[@SWiFence]

I mean, you can do anything, but one thicker piece of wood is stronger than two skinnier pieces.

[@andredaedone5]

@@SWiFence thanks for your reply

[@campgrover6440]

Do you have a trick for hitting the holes in the postmaster with your post cover pickets on the inside?

[@SWiFence]

It’s really a guessing game, but can use another postmaster post to find the holes.

[@janetcruz9360]

Thars exactly what I am looking for in Charlotte NC and I can't find any fence builders to build it for us.

[@SWiFence]

This is sad news.

[@ThoughtProvocateur]

My fence looks like something out of fallout 4, and ive been searching for somethinf to help my broke ass out. This is an absolute treasure my friend

[@SWiFence]

Glad to hear it!

[@teddennison344]

What's the theory on when you need stays in between posts? I'm doing something similar to this with a retaining wall railing, but I'm probably putting a post every 4 feet rather than 6.

[@teddennison344]

Ah, it was explained in the "pallet fence" video. The answer seems to be every 4 feet?

[@Jonathan-ge8mr]

The stay is to prevent the wood from warping. I don’t know precise recommendations but maybe you don’t need the stay if you’re doing 4 ft posts

[@velvettedelaney]

Can you build a horizontal fence like this using existing metal posts from a chain link fence? I love the look of this, but I’m hoping to avoid pulling out the metal posts and replacing them

[@SWiFence]

_Technically_ yes, you might be able to. There's going to be a number of issues you'll have to overcome. Our preference would be definitely to rip out and start fresh.

[@samanthawendels2386]

In this video they did something similar by using existing metal posts that were in good shape: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3Okd6SPhbCiqM0

[@elijahbarrick7553]

How to you do a 45 turn using postmaster?

[@SWiFence]

Video on that exact question coming out soon.

[@mariosalazar5728]

Hi, question. Was this face post just driven down with a machine, or were they set with concrete?

[@SWiFence]

If I remember correctly I think we drove these. Driving is our preference, but we set in concrete when the ground needs it or regulations call for it.

[@jcchan08]

How did you shorten the postmasters? Did you end up cutting the full size one?

[@SWiFence]

We either drive deeper or cut them down.

[@DerekRafferty]

Hey guys awesome videos. I'm trying to find a clear answer to my question watching multiple videos from you but can't find what I'm looking for. Do you NEVER dig post holes and pour concrete for the Postmaster posts? Meaning do you ALWAYS just drive them into the ground? In Michigan the frost line is 42", so would you recommend just getting these and driving them into the ground 42" with no post holes/concrete? Or when DO you use concrete pours into pre dug post holes? THANKS!

[@SWiFence]

You can totally set postmaster posts in concrete. Our preference is to drive them--but sometimes we have to dig and set for soil or tech spec reasons. You want to make sure you get below that frost line, whether you're digging or driving. If you're digging, the post doesn't have to get below frost line, of course, but the concrete does. If driving that's all you've got so you've got to get that post below that freeze/thaw heave. If your frost line is 42 I'd go a few inches lower.

[@DerekRafferty]

@@SWiFence Thanks for the response guys! Ok, please humor me for one more point of clarification. You say "Our preference is to drive them--but sometimes we have to dig and set for soil or tech spec reasons." To be crystal clear, as a newbie in this area, you're saying that NOT using concrete footings, and simply driving these posts in (past the frost line as you mentioned) is a sufficient alternative to using the concrete footings? My point is that every video or piece of documentation I've ever seen has wooden posts set into concrete footings, and I'd love to just use these metal posts driven into the ground INSTEAD of having to dig a ton of large holes, drop some gravel at the bottom, set the post, pour the concrete, etc. So I just need to hear "oh yeah, you drive these babies to the appropriate depth and absolutely they are strong enough, just in the ground itself, to support a fence". Is that the bottom line? AGAIN, THANK YOU!

[@SWiFence]

Vinyl wind test with concrete: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZq0n5ubi9x0f5Y Vinyl wind test with driven posts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpu6lIdnbLV5g6c How to tell your driven posts are deep enough: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2O8hmaBa7iUZ68 Cedar wind test with concrete: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laO9o2Suqc-sZrM Cedar wind test with driven posts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZTVaGaCotRshZo To be clear. there ARE soil types that are not conducive to driving. Really rocky soil is going to keep you from driving the posts (or if you get them driven the posts are going to be loose--you can grab them and shift them around). But in general, the bottom line is you don't need concrete. It's no better. In fact it's more difficult and more of a pain.

[@rwdh199]

@@DerekRafferty What did you end up doing Derek? I'm about to build this same fence in the video in Calgary, Alberta and I think I'm going to have a tractor auger come in to drill 3' deep holes and concrete each postmaster post into it. We have 4-6" cobbles about 10" down and then we have clay about 14-16" down. Need an auger to help and then definitely going to pay the money for concrete for each post.

[@msknuked]

I love that style of fence how can I add door gate

[@SWiFence]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqbGkoWXedVjeZI

[@jess2615]

We had a horizontal fence installed last Fall and they didn't put a "stay" as you call it and SO many of the boards are bowing up and down and in and out. Looks horrible. Should have hired you guys! Can you come to Indiana please :)

[@SWiFence]

That stay is essential.

[@wagu7003]

Haha i thought he was flipping the bird to his neighbors in the thumbnail

[@jimmathieson9549]

Beauty,but, you do not show putting nails on the bad side through the post master holes, how would I do that?oh well,I will use a regular 2x4 ripped in arf

[@SERGIOH20]

Are you using stainless steel ring shank nails when attaching the trim pieces?

[@SWiFence]

Yes. 👍🏻

[@corymcdaniel6253]

I dont see the ss screws in the description. I’m sure I can find them but thought I’d support your affiliate link

[@SWiFence]

www.swifence.com/search/Stainless+screw/

[@gurbhalla]

Do you have a video to install the post?

[@SWiFence]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g17Jh4djqcudjas kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX3Zfmqfn65ssKc

[@SalRN14]

Come to Wisconsin

[@fuegoman45]

Do you use ring shank nails?

[@SWiFence]

Yes

[@phillyjanette9351]

MAN GLITTER!! :)

[@chargermopar]

Always thought the right fence for an upper class neighborhood was an iron fence. Brick wall for privacy. Poor people like me just plant a hedge and stick a chain link fence inside.

[@SWiFence]

Depends on the upper class neighborhood I suppose. 🙂

[@geovanneduarte4117]

Where do you get those fence signs done ?

[@SWiFence]

www.jcgury.com/

[@frankandrade6036]

Are the top caps solid wood or finger jointed?

[@SWiFence]

Solid.

[@annabuilta8616]

How do you determine when you need to cement the posts? I live in Iowa.

[@Luckingsworth]

Our water table is too high for the soil to remain stable and the high winds we experience wreck havok on fences with proper footings even. You can do it but it will lean in time. You really want the concrete with a 4 ft deep footing.

[@lukescott1993]

Can you stack horizontal cedar right on top of each other for privacy?

[@SWiFence]

Without the gap? Sure. 👍🏻

[@klewis3530]

I have 3 hyper 90 pound dogs. Would you recommend a fence like this for them

[@SWiFence]

You can do this kind of fence for sure. If you were worried you could put your pickets to the inside so if they jump on the fence it only pushes the pickets to the post.

[@weekendhomeprojects]

What was the cost? Looks like about $30-$40 per 4' high panel. That whole fence was probably $10-$15k? Maybe $20k?

[@christiancantero4323]

Hi buddy!! How much you charge for line foot? At 4 ft tall

[@SWiFence]

It's probably safe to say more than you expect. 😁 www.swiwyoming.com/quote-tool/

[@simonramirez243]

idc what the situation is. Never discharge a nail in the general direction of your hand lol

[@joshunderwood7858]

Man Glitter!!

[@SWiFence]

😆

[@sakmadikk5679]

QUESTION WHAT KIND OF NAILS ARE YOU USING 18 G OR 16G

[@SWiFence]

This is what we use: www.swifence.com/1-3-4-x-090-15deg-stainless-steel-ring-shank-nail.html

[@triggerwarning4746]

What kind of metal post is that?

[@SWiFence]

Postmaster. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJPJlXumo7psr8U

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

those pallet fences look good

[@denjhill]

What are the metal posts? Brand? Where to buy?

[@SWiFence]

👉🏻 PostMaster Fence Posts: bit.ly/postmasterposts

[@A-Sidhu]

The fence looks good,. However, the bottom boards are touching the ground and will eventually rot out, especially in a rainy city.

[@johnmatlack7177]

Maybe a better idea would have been to make the top level, from the corner over to the higher side. No step on top, just the bottom. On a short run like that sometimes less is more. Customers can be a pain in the ass though! I built fence for too long!

[@johnmatlack7177]

I didn’t realize there was height reg…

[@sharonmaclean8122]

This fence us very nice but i think it would be an eady climb for people unwanted.

[@SWiFence]

You're correct. If you want a security gate you need something much higher--and potentially less friendly-looking.

[@chriscrystalhood6260]

These metal post are nice but at $95 each for a 9 foot pole it would cost more than the lumber almost just for the post. Too bad these are so crazy expensive and the Rhino driver to install them is another $2k - $3k, would not be worth it unless you were a installer

[@SWiFence]

Your comment has sparked some conversation--we're going to look into seeing if we can build or modify a tool to allow for manual pounding. 👍🏻 I understand the price of steel is higher than the price of wood and that takes folks by surprise sometimes. There's nothing wrong with opting for the cheaper option as long as you know what you're getting into. As professional installers we will only use steel because of the warranty work that it eliminates for us.

[@chriscrystalhood6260]

@@SWiFence I totally understand, and you guys do amazing work. I can not manually dig post holes anymore, so I was trying to find an easier way to put up a privacy fence for my dogs. We just moved into a new place with no fence at all, it definitely looks a lot easier once you get it up on the post to drive it in, my main issue is the cost, if I could rent the Rhino driver that would be more doable, but there is the cost of $95 per post, I can not get past that. I live in ND where the wind can be down right ruthless so my poles need to be in the ground 3 feet I would imagine. I Enjoy your videos and quality of work, Thanks for sharing.

[@stich1960]

I mean I just went to Menards and chain link terminal posts are 16 add some adapters and you could do the same thing

[@lyndakempland4559]

Man glitter, 😆

[@SWiFence]

You bet!

[@user-vi3ox8ox1s]

why not use stainless steel fence?

[@crazyking50]

Awesome fence but definitely not fancy.

[@Travisrogers87]

Could you add a decorative cap with a spacer/gap above this fence? I fancy the cap style seen at 4:15 on the video below but would be otherwise building to your specs.. not sure how to pull that off 4:15 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naPHY6KeYpuShZo

[@Travisrogers87]

Actually, nevermind - I’m thinking you can just have your posts a few inches taller and simply not run the pickets to the top of the post. That should give the decorative gap

[@peternewman3215]

Anyone else cringing when he drives those screws in 1/4" into the wood. Though that created cracks and splits once the wood fully cures???? sush

[@victorvek5227]

Why not just level the land first to avoid all of those silly slivers of wood at the bottom?

[@SWiFence]

Customer's budget or city regulations is usually the answer for that.

[@leevaughan8368]

The 1/2 gap in the cap is because your fence isn't str8. Nice try

[@SWiFence]

Oh yay! The expert showed up! If only you had been there when I was doing the job... 😉😏

[@leevaughan8368]

@@SWiFence hay man it ant my fault, U built a wavy fence. And you got call out on it. I'm mean it was only 4' high and something like 5' spand I figured that wood simple. Here a tip. From a 35 year not a "pro" but every damn good customer home builder. Levels, lazers are great. But they traded eye will catch everything. Or just cut your mistakes out the video.

[@ligmaballs5536]

Looks stupid it needs to be 6ft and level

[@Casmige]

Too much marijuana too early in the morning….🤦‍♂️

[@SWiFence]

None actually.

[@Bewefau]

That's one ugly ass fence lol

[@SWiFence]

No no, tell us how you really feel.