Should I leave a gap between fence boards?

When building a solid privacy fence, the fence boards are either butted tightly together, or spaced 3/8 to 1/4 inch apart to allow the wood to expand and contract in wet and dry weather. Thus, 6-inch fence boards would be spaced approximately 3 1/2 inches apart, since the actual width of a 6-inch board is 5 1/2 inches.

Can you put fence boards tight together?

Fencing is an investment in your property. Installing wooden fence boards too tight together: this will cause the boards to warp because when the wood becomes moist it will expand. Make sure to leave a half inch or more in between the boards.

Can I use a brad nailer for fencing?

Brad nailers are suitable for cabinetry and interior trim, but the fasteners they shoot are too narrow and short to hold exterior fence boards, which have a tendency to move and warp.

How do you calculate the space between fence boards?

Measure the width of your picket, baluster or board material.
Multiply the individual picket width by the number of pickets to find the total area that will be occupied by the pickets.
Measure the total width of the installation area.
Subtract the total area occupied by pickets from the total installation width.

How do I keep my fence board from warping?

Put in back rails about eight inches from the top and bottom of the fence to stop it from warping. If your fence will be higher than 8 feet then you may want to put another rail in the middle. Once you finish building, apply a sealant to the wood. It will slow the drying process so that everything happens more evenly.

Will fence boards warp?

A board that should lay flat will warp and need replaced. Wood swells and shrinks due to the relationship between the relative humidity in the air and the wood’s moisture content. While all wood reaches EMC eventually, the adjustment process can take quite a while.

Do horizontal fences sag?

Horizontal fences tend to be more expensive than vertical fences because they require a higher grade of lumber for the fence boards to reduce the possibility of sagging. Even so, like any horizontally-oriented board, they may sag over time.

Why are my new fence boards warping?

Fence boards are consistently exposed to tough weather conditions and are often constructed improperly, promoting splitting and warping. Splitting occurs with improper usage of nails for construction. The wood of the fence naturally shrinks and expands, causing the boards to warp.

Why does my new fence look green?

The green color you see on treated wood is caused by chemical reactions that take place between the preservative components and the wood. As wood dries and reacts to sun’s ultraviolet rays, the green color will fade.

What is a good example of a hardwood?

Hardwoods are more likely to be used in high-quality furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Examples of hardwood trees include beech, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, teak, and walnut.

What is the highest grade of hardwood?

The highest grade boards are FAS and Select, followed by #1 Common and #2 Common. What grade you choose depends on your project. Some projects, such as tabletops and high quality furniture, may dictate the highest grade available.

Is Oak a soft or hardwood?

Examples of hardwood trees include alder, balsa, beech, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, teak, and walnut. Examples of softwood trees are cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew. Most hardwoods have a higher density than most softwoods.