Pro Fence Builder Reacts to DIY Horizontal Fence!

Another reaction for you today! This one is of a SOLID horizontal fence build! Take notes, this is a good one.

I'm Joe Everest, The Fence Expert. On this channel, I'm going to teach you everything there is to know about fences. We're going to show you how to build a fence, everything about fence posts, different fence installation methods and much, much more. If you're wanting to become a fence builder, or if you're just trying to build a DIY fence, my channel will help you out. So subscribe and ring the bell icon, that way you don't miss any of my fence videos!

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[BYOTools]

Ooooo i wish I saw your video sooner lol! Thanks for the support buddy and glad I got the seal of approval from a pro like yourself. Keep up the great work on your channel and if anyone is interested on how the fence heldup over your years I did do a quick rejuvination video. Luckily everything still functions extremely well and looks good to this day.

[kaydonahue]

I like the horizontal fence because if the bottom rots, you need only one board.

[billparrish]

A couple of observations: When pre-drilling the ends of a stack like that, I'd support them on a bench, use a square on the end of the stack to align them, and use a drill press down through that many boards (or else make a drilling jig, and do them one at a time). His stack is not square on the end, and looks like his drill bit isn't either, resulting in holes of varying distances from the end. He's got some play on the post, but to avoid putting a screw too close to the side face of the post, take steps to know where the holes end up in the boards on the bottom of the stack, farthest away from your drill.
Also, it's always a good idea to crown your cap board (i.e., make the end grain look like a smile, not a frown), so the inevitable weathering doesn't result in the board cupping on you, turning it from a nice cap board into a trough. I like the looks of a cap board that has each half angled down away from the center line, which is very easy to do by setting your table saw blade at 5 degrees (or less), and passing the board edge-up through it, with the rip fence set at a distance where the blade exits at the center line, or just shy of it. A bit of an angle always helps shed rain and snow (though it plays havoc with setting your coffee mug on top of it....).
I'll forego comment on re-using the pipes, since Joe and many commenters already have, except to say that it's possible they were set in concrete and it just wasn't mentioned. You still don't know the depth of the concrete they're in, but it's a safer bet that they're sturdy. Just driven in the ground, you're right, you don't know how deep, or how they'd resist the 'sail in the wind' forces of the new fence, causing it to fail.

[johnbode]

I also like the top cap. However, the gate looks a little odd without the top cap. There should be a way to add a cap to it.

[gulashonu]

Definitely like the idea of a metal post support with wood attached. Pretty cool.

[BryanBarcelo]

A Top cap, on a short fence like this is additional surface area to place stuff, it's like having a table or shelf space that goes all the way around the yard.

[rogerbettencourt]

It definitely looks nice. I like horizontal fence however I think one of my favorite wood privacy styles will be the old basket weave. Nice one Joe and gang.

[RockPolitics]

I am about to build a lot of fence. I'm in a small market, and none of the fence builders in this area have shown me impressive work. (Or even adequate work.) It's basically a sideline for handymen.

I found your channel, and the one thing that has truly impressed me is that you actually give credit where it is due. That makes you almost unique in the YouTube world. It speaks volumes about you, but it has the added benefit of giving me confidence that the things you say are bad ideas are probably bad ideas and not just a YouTube creator angling for views.

I have a problem I've not seen, here or anywhere else. I recently bought this property, and it has a relatively new and pretty well-installed fence. But the previous owner didn't fence in the whole property. I am stuck trying to decide whether to try and re-use some or all of the materials. I don't see any way to extract and move posts that are in concrete. But the pickets? Or even whole sections of fence? I don't want to spend more than I have to, but I also don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish.

[ronwinne]

I have not considered a fence assembly like this.
I may give it a try.
I am going to re-build a 40 foot section.
Thanks for the idea.

[Akatsuki-En]

Not me watching videos all week prepping for building mine this weekend and realizing you can truly find anything on YouTube

[tridentwilliams]

With a horizontal picket maybe he should have installed a stiffener in the centre of each panel, just a piece of the same lumber screwed to the back side of the panel from top to bottom to help prevent warping in the panels.
Also could have put some glue in the scarf joins and gave them a light sand after screwed off

[StevenDavisPhoto]

Love the top cap. Saw em a lot in Portland and gonna be doing one for my fence.

[charlessloop]

I have not been handed a horizontal fence work order yet they mainly go to the wood only Forman but I do like them and the top cap definitely adds a nice finish look. I agree with a new fence I would have pulled the metal posts just a eye soar to me but I got the feeling that this was his house and he probably set the metal post and he is the one that has to look at them. And those easy gate systems work I have used them probably easier then building a wood frame on site but if u can build on a bench in shop that is my preferred look but over all a few minor differences in methods but good looking finished project

[muffybg]

Looks nice, not a big fan of the metal posts but I reckon if I was in that situation I may well have gone for the less labour intensive option 😂

[ScottSmithPhotos]

Very similar to my DIY fence, horizontal pickets. Except I built the panels separately with a vertical 2x4 on each end, and a footer rail as well, and then hung them with Simpson Strong tie 90° brackets.

[ericspears]

I plan to do a Top cap on mine, very common in Europe and i plan to ha e lights on the inside at every other post. Very nice

[amunderdog]

I think for DIY they did a good job.
The fence turned out sharp looking. I like the cap also. It also helps protect the fence some.
4:21 - Throws a flag.
Ripping pressure treated lumber on a table saw, indoors, no masks.
Seems like a horrible idea to me.

[serenitynow]

I just had a fence company out that said they won’t even build a horizontal fence because they won’t warranty it due to the warping that will inevitably occur. They advised against even attempting to to build one in Illinois.

[fakman]

I'm not a fan of the easy gate system. When the boards warp, the gate gets way twisted, even with pressure treated lumber. The traditional wood gate with horizontal boards makes for a gate with much less chance of twisting IMHO. Overall, he made a pretty decent fence and gate based on what was there and what he was willing to do. I do agree about the metal posts though; if you don't know what was done, pull it and do over. There were only 3.

[frederickczajka]

Couple of notes. He should of added top caps on to those metal posts (and painted them). Around here we call that 25 degree joint a scarf joint not a butt joint, I might of missed it, but he didn't explain clearly when making the scarf joints on both ends of the board that not only should you rotate it 180 from the first cut, that you then should flip the board over. He actually did this but don't explain.