When building a privacy fence, what is the proper spacing between the planks?

Question

I vaguely remember someone telling me to nail the planks together with no gaps because the wood will weather and shrink to form small gaps between. But if the wood is pre-treated, is it going to shrink?

Answer 1

this is completly your call

usually it depends on the purpose of the fence

i.e. small pets in the yard require little or no gaps



you can butt them into one another, leave a gap (say the width of a 2x4), or alternate which side the planks are nailed to (front then back etc.),

Answer 2

It's up to you as to how far apart they are, Just as long as they don't touch each other. you can use anything from a nail to a 1/4 plywood. or if you want use a straight plank, Drive a nail in the side and hang it on the cross beam to keep a consistent space all the way across. If you can, lay out your planks and snap a chalk line where the cross beam on top will be, this will help you stay square and in a straight line. put you nail through the chalk line.

Answer 3

You obviously realize the definition of privacy, and you don't strictly state the material you're considering. After installing Miles of fencing in my life, and now in Florida... Privacy equates to two basic types of fencing. "Stockade" in 6ft high x 8ft long panels, BOARD ON BOARD (meaning an overlapping slat over two slats not butted together...OR the newer Vinyl/PVC fencing, often used in Tract developments.



Stockade here is usually Cypress, which is weather resistant, but will SILVER and decay. Obviously woods like RedWood, and Cedar would perhaps be longer lasting, but will be more pricey.



Another issue with most wood fencing, beyond the fact that the environment affects ANY, is that it's so often sold,especially at a bargain price, in a 3/8 thickness. TREATED would be a rare inclusion and/or an even more expensive option.



I realize this is lengthy, but Privacy could even equate to Chain link and Vine plants. You should shop dealers that strictly sell fence for all the various options; and realize that any might need some maintenance or replacement at some point.



Steven Wolf

Answer 4

you say you already have a privacy fence, and then you say you want to build one? color me confused. i don't think there is a need for politeness. just be matter of fact and build the thing. no need to get into any sort of conversation at all. just be sure you build the fence on your side of the property line, and with the "good" side outward. your best bet is to have professionals do it. we have a nasty neighbor, ourselves. and we built a fence for nearly the same reasons as you. however, do know that most municipalities have limits on the height you are allowed to build a fence. so your only option if he can peep over then becomes vegetative. thick hedge, although it takes a while, is the best way to get people off your back, IMO.

Answer 5

We put in a privacy fence with pre-treated lumber. The wood did shrink slightly. I would place the planks as close together as possible, otherwise you might have really big gaps between the planks later on.

Answer 6

Pretreated lumber shrinks as it drys. Butt your boards together for pressure treated lumber. I would recommend using the screws made for pressure treated lumber screws will keep you from having to go back later and hammering nails back in. Also if you have to replace a board or do repairs its easier to unscrew the boards. If you use nails use galvanized hot dipped nails so that the nails don't corrode. If you should use cedar or other material use a nail for spacing boards. And do not paint or stain for 4 weeks when using pressure treated lumber so that it will dry out and accept finish.

Answer 7

Lotus,



Whoever told you this is absolutely correct. Any and all fencing lumber is going to be green (have moisture) to some degree, especially the treated material. If you're doing a simple board fence, your best bet is to butt them edge to edge to minimize gaps. Use galvanized ring shanks or screws for fasteners.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Build the fence in the night, so when he wakes up the morning he has the surprise of nothing to stare at but that damn fence.

Answer 10

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

put em tight together and use stainless steel or hot dip galvanized nails not screws