Fence Project - Phase One

Large sections of our fence nearest the barn were and are a disaster. At nearly 30 years old it was simply rotting away. Certainly not safe for good horsekeeping. The question was: Do we repair the fence or replace the fence? 

Photo by Chris

Repair of a single section would take 2 or 3 weeks. The cost would be minimal. But it wouldn't last more then a few years and would then need to be replaced anyway. We decided to invest time and money now to replace, rather then repair the fence.

For the corners we used posts that are 6 to 7 inches in diameter and 8 feet long. For the line posts we used posts that are 4 to 5 inches in diameter and 7 feet long. All are pressure treated.

The corner posts are sunk about 43 or 44 inches below the surface. I pour about half a 50 pound bag of  Quikcrete around the post, douse with a bucket of water, then back fill. I use a 7 foot line post for a cross brace and anchor them with 4 inch galvanized lag bolts. Finally, I crisscross steel brace wire and twist it as tight as possible. That pulls the posts together.  The line posts are sunk to a depth of about 32 or 33 inches. I put them in as deep as possible while leaving enough up top to staple the fence securely. No concrete is used.

We use "OK" brand Max Tight fence.  Phase one included removal and replacement of about 350 feet of fence and took 7 weekends.  Although there's about the same amount of fence, phase two may take longer. There's a lot of brush to clear before the old fence can be removed and to make way for the new posts.

I didn't get a "before" picture. This video shows the area after removing the old fence and posts and after installing new corner structures and line posts.  Now we have a fence that is safe and strong. It's sure to last at least another 30 years.