This step-by-step guide on how to build a five-rail horse or cattle fence to enclose your garbage cans not only keeps your garbage area tidy but also adds a rustic charm to your yard. Let's get started!
Planning Your Project
Before diving into the construction, planning is crucial. In our case, we're building a cattle fence to act as a garbage can screen behind our existing picket fence. We'll focus on a single eight-foot section, ensuring it fits perfectly within our designated area.
Materials Needed
Here's a list of materials you'll need for this project:
- Eight-foot 4x4 posts
- Bags of concrete (we used Sakrete)
- Bricks
- Stockade fence slats
- Deck screws (10x2.5 inches)
- Drill
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure and Plan
First, measure the area where you'll build the fence. Our section is eight feet long and about four feet wide. We'll need to space our posts about thirty-two inches apart to accommodate our largest garbage can, which is thirty inches wide.
2. Prepare the Ground
Next, dig holes for the posts, spacing them thirty-two inches on center. Place a brick at the bottom of each hole to help level the posts. Insert the 4x4 posts, ensuring they are level on all sides. This step is critical for the stability of your fence.
3. Pour the Concrete
Once the posts are in place, pour concrete into each hole. Use an old homesteading technique by spraying the concrete with water to help it harden. This process ensures the concrete absorbs groundwater and sets properly.
4. Cut the Rails
With the posts securely in place, it's time to cut the rails. We're using stockade fencing for this project. Cut the slats into thirty-two-inch sections using a miter saw, handsaw, or circular saw. Make sure the cuts are straight and clean.
5. Attach the Rails
Attach the rails to the 4x4 posts using deck screws. Ensure each rail is level and spaced about two and a half inches apart. This spacing allows for proper airflow and gives a neat appearance.
6. Finishing Touches
After assembling the fence, it's ready for painting. I had Shawn come in to handle the painting, but you can choose any weather-resistant paint to match your yard's aesthetic. Additionally, we added caps to match the existing railing and installed solar lights for better visibility at night.
This project is a fantastic way to keep your garbage cans organized and out of sight while adding a functional and attractive element to your yard. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it helpful for your DIY projects. And remember, keep on making!