Fence

The first segment of fencing is 99% done. This morning i installed wood across the top of the entire thing and added a 2" bracing in the mid-point between the posts. This brace is to keep the small 2" railings from flexing. It also adds some more visual interest.

Next up is removal of the other half of old chain link fence and starting to dig.

The Fence master

I must say that i am feeling very proud today.

Last night i went to Tom/Jen's house and used the table saw to cut some boards down to the right size and today i put the fence together!

It has come together so well and looks great. There's still more too do on this section of fence and i'll have some custom cutting to do.

The only issue was getting more cedar boards this afternoon. Tried 3 different places as the first two were virtually sold out with only cracked boards left. Must of been a local run on 1x8x8 cedar boards.

Fence railings

Feeling all impressed with myself yesterday.

Got the top run of railings in place with ease and they are even level!

Original plan was to pick one end and then use a string to mark the level on the other posts but then i realized that the 3rd post was clearly shorter than all the others. So, i just started there. Cut the boards one at a time and installed them.

I'll need to cut off the excess height on some of the posts but no biggie.

The only issue is that i wanted to paint this side of the house first since the fence gets in the way of the ladder. Fortunately the railings are only held in place by one screw on each end so easy to remove.

Also sealed (waterproofed) all the posts and drilled the bolt holes.

Fence Posts

Nice and easy. In the 86 degree heat and humidity i easily cut the posts to 4' lengths and got them mounted on their supports.

I did get one bolt into place to hold a post but the drill bit was dull and the battery ran out quickly. So, for now each post is held in place by 4 screws.

They are all level and mostly in line.

No More Permits!

Due to parental demand, i've resumed updating this blog with what we are doing on the house.

The first big item is that we took down the permit about a month ago. Here's the window -- permit free for the first time in 10 months!

We have made our last payment to Drew and there's nothing left for him to do.

Of course there's still painting and putting stuff away. That progresses in fits and starts.

The big project now is building a fence. I've dug five 3' deep post holes, poured cement in them and mounted the post holders (pictured). Some of the wood has been purchased and i'm ready to start actual construction. Once the first section is done i'll remove the rest of our old ugly chain link and work there.

The back yard is getting in shape though with the digging we have the issue of were to dump the dirt. It is beautiful black soil for 3 feet. When i back fill around the post holes i'm using the nasty clay that was left behind.