Tne Onrcrrunl WooDWoRKtNG AND Home ... - Wood Tools

Whether you add just the wings or build afencefor the entire yard, you'Ilfnd thesedecoratiue panel simple to build.And the extra-long stiles eliminate the needforfence posts.l-l-lh. small wing panels noto"ly look great with theIJ- gated arbor, they add somestructural support as well.And ifyouchoose to build the Gnce panels, thewings provide a nice transitional stepdown from the tall arbor.NTEGRAIED PUilsBoth panels are constructed similarto the gates. For these panels, however.I used 2x4 lumber for the stiles(Wing and Fence Assemblles). Thiseliminates the need for separatefence posts. And with stiles ofadjoining panels going into thesame post hole, you still wind upwith substantial support. (Note thatwhile this method works for a lightweight,decorative fence design suchas this, a heavier, barrier-type fencemay require heavier posts and concretefootings.)The top rail on the wing panelgets the same decorative touch as thebench and gate. Rounding off thetops of the stiles gives them a morefinished look (Post Top Radius).I designed these fence panels to bejust under 5-ft. long. For otherlengths, add or eliminate some of thespaces and slats (6" for each space/slatcombination). This flexibility comesin handy if you need a shorter orlonger panel to complete a run.Depending on your situation, youmay also need to ftrrn a corner ormake a bend to fit your yard.When Ihad to deal with both situations, Icame uD with wavs to still connectthe posts solidly (Tbehniques forConnecting Fenee Panels).PR(ITECNilG YOUR PROIEGTYour arbor, like any outdoor project,will be subject to the rain and thesun's ultra-violet (JV) radiation. Ittthe UV light - not moisture - thatbreaks down the suface fiben of thecedar and causes it to turn gray.Moisture just lets mildew and rot geta foothold on these weathered fiben.If you want to keep the cedarIooking natural, use a IJV resistantclear finish (such as Cabot ClearSolution, 800-877-8246) whichlimits damage from the sun and protectsagainst water. Expect, however,to rejuvenate this rype of finishevery couple ofyears. tf40woRKBENcH tr MARCH IAPRrL 2000