The fence of the site, in addition to its protective function, should act as an element of decor. Due to well-chosen materials, it is possible to create a durable and reliable protective barrier, which is the final touch in the appearance of the house and the surrounding area.
Metal picket fence: advantages
Unsightly fences have changed a lot with the improvement in the production of composite parts: they have become aesthetically designed, beautiful fences. Structural elements such as crossbeams and picket fences are polymer-treated and tinted in a variety of colors, allowing them to be combined with brick, siding or roof tiles.
Due to the wear resistance and strength of the metal, the picket fence has a longer service life compared to wood products, which reaches 30 years. The color coating has a guarantee of 10 years, which allows you to get rid of repair and painting work for a long time. Do-it-yourself metal picket fence, despite itsbudget, looks very original, especially in combination with brick supports. Thanks to an extensive selection of colors, you can choose a fence that is best suited for the design of a country house: bright colors will highlight the fence, and light colors will make it almost invisible. The material is fixed on the logs in two ways: open or hidden, that is, in some cases it becomes necessary to use metal decorative rivets.
One of the main advantages is the cost. A metal picket for a fence, the price of which starts at 60 rubles for one strip about 180 cm high, is sold in various versions. When calculating the price per linear meter of the finished structure, a completely budgetary amount is obtained in the region of 400 rubles. This is much less than the same length of brick or stone fence. Wooden fences are also inexpensive, but they need frequent repairs, painting, processing with specialized tools.
Installation of a metal picket fence: features
The enclosing part of the metal fence is represented by steel strips, and the bearing part - by poles. The latter are made from various materials, which allows you to create combined options: the picket fence is in perfect harmony with wood, concrete and brick. No less popular are metal supports, which are pipes with a diameter of 60 mm or more.
It is worth noting that such enclosing elements have more weight compared to chain-link or wood slats, so it is necessary to create strongand reliable supports. The distance between the posts is filled with a picket fence, which is mounted on a profiled pipe. Pipes that have a common color with the rest of the elements are the most budgetary support option, which is easy and quick to install. Profile elements are produced by rolling from galvanized metal and have a decorative polymer treatment. The coating can be of various colors: from the brightest to neutral. It is possible to obtain an original effect with the help of double staining: inside the fence is light, and on the outside it is bright, attracting attention.
The material used differs in the number of bends and profile shape. A metal picket fence is assembled quickly enough and requires the same type of movements to be performed. It is worth noting that special attention should be paid to the quality of the fasteners and the accuracy of the markings. When considering the finished fence from different angles, it changes its appearance from transparent to solid.
Tools and fasteners
It is worthwhile to prepare in advance a screwdriver to fix the elements and a drill or a shovel for earthworks. In some cases, there is a need for a welding machine, depending on the design of the gate or fence. The distribution of details will become more accurate with the help of a laser level and a cord.
For fixation, self-tapping screws are used, as well as specialized fasteners with washers to avoid rapid wear of the polymer coating. Profiled mounts are also used.
The selected site must beleveled, cleared of grass and debris. Stakes with a stretched cord mark the perimeter. It is possible to install a metal picket fence only after determining the exact location of the pillars.
Installation of supports
It is necessary to dig holes with a depth of 50 cm or more. The solution is prepared in the usual way, regardless of whether the finished mixture is used or prepared independently.
Requires a strict vertical level for poles, for this you need to use a special tool as often as possible. The distance between the supports is determined by the length of the used crossbars. The mounted poles are left for several days to be fixed, while the concrete must dry completely. Wooden spacers are used for convenience.
In the construction of the fence, the most important step is the concreting of steel supports. The quality of their installation affects the reliability and durability of the entire structure.
Assembly
The crossbars are fixed with self-tapping screws around the entire perimeter at previously marked places. Further, with the help of a marker, the places for fixing the picket fence are indicated along the entire length. This stage requires special precision, attention and patience. The gap between the fence parts is determined taking into account the width of the profiles used. The fence acquires visual lightness with an increase in the distance between the pickets. The space must be the same, without the slightest deviation, otherwisethe fence will look messy.
The easiest step is to screw the elements with a screwdriver. This completes the installation of a metal picket fence, it remains only to equip the gate and the gate.
Using timber
A metal picket fence is the best option for a summer cottage and a suburban area and has many advantages over wooden options. A bar sometimes acts as horizontal elements. Taking into account the fact that it has less strength than its metal counterpart, it needs painting and additional antiseptic treatment. It is also worth noting that in this case there should be a small space between the posts, since the beam will have a significant weight of the picket fence.
