How to find free fencing with scrap materials?

RC
by RC

Free fencing using items I have kicking around my garage...


I am putting up two ugly 4' x 8' sheets of vinyl lattice between the neighbour's house and my driveway where the hedge/fence don't meet. People can just step off their sidewalk and down into my driveway now. Just a little obstacle deterrent to keep the "night wanderers" out of my yard.


I have some 6-8' steel t-posts that I'd like to use up.


For an 8' sheet of bendy lattice, how many posts should I use?


How far into the ground should I pound the posts?


Should I use bolts and nuts or do I need to use washers too?


Thanks everyone!

  3 answers
  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Sep 19, 2018

    Be sure to check local zoning rules for fence restrictions. I believe we have a 3' high limit in front yards.

    Put posts as far into ground as possible. You should call 811 to have a free underground locater service so you don't hit electrical, gas, or water lines.

    I would use a minimum of 3 posts.

    I would use large washers to spread the wind load over more area. A single nut won't hold as well as a nut and washer. Washers are cheap. You could possibly us U-bolts.

    • RC RC on Sep 19, 2018

      Never thought of u-bolts but I dont' think I have enough on hand. The more things I use that I have on-hand, the less STUFF I have!


      Thanks for the tip on large washers. Make sense!


      Thanks!!

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Sep 19, 2018

    Your City has fence height Ordinances that vary with how far the fence is from the front property line & your side property line- just so you know to look those up first. It’s in the Municipal Codes section in Planning & Zoning Dept. One can get cited for violations.

    Yes, washers. Zinc plated or stainless steel, unless you don’t mind rust stains on the lattice.

    Posts every 2’ in high traffic areas. Spray paint the posts to match the lattice first.

    • RC RC on Sep 19, 2018

      Haha The lattice is a terra cotta color (or rust colour already-bonus!) and I've painted the posts shiny black already since I had that on hand. The look is less important than the deterrent part but now I may see how much rust coloured paint I have here.


      I'm allowed 6' when fencing where I'm putting it. The city knows to cross their t's and dot their i's as we have ongoing emails strings and visits. haha


      Washers it is!


      Will do posts every 2' I think.


      Thanks! Very helpful!


  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Sep 19, 2018

    Two people have cautioned you about City Fence Height Ordinances. Please read what happened to my two different clients at the bottom.


    It’s quite simple: from the front property line to 15’ (typically) into the property it’s typically (not always) 3’. Then it steps up to typically 4’ until the 20’ Mark where it may step up again. Usually one is never allowed to exceed 6’ anywhere on the side property lines and anywhere in the front yard.


    Please be aware that the City can make a person take down an illegal fence. Once one is on their radar, they will be back to check on the property.


    i’ve had two clients that had to hire my architectural firm because their illegal sheds in their back yards were found by the City on satellite images!

    These people were given citations & a deadline to either tear them down or make them comply with the Codes.

    Both of my clients’ Code Violations caused the rest of their property to be inspected by the City Inspector, who found more Code Violations that we’re cited and had to be corrected. Yikes.


    Are those examples strong enough to convince you to look up or call the City and ask them about fence heights and then follow their rules?

    • RC RC on Sep 19, 2018

      I didn't need convincing, thanks. I already KNOW I'm allowed a 6' high fence between houses where the fence is going as I've already had city here. I have regular contact with city departments. We also have tons of sheds/garages/fences encroaching on private/city-owned property created by city surveying lots decades ago. It gets dealt with as we go.