Cedar Fence

This Summer I tore down and rebuilt 206 linear feet of cedar fencing in our back yard. This blog post is to help me remember what I did and when. The old fencing was installed by a previous owner, so it was at least 20 years old. Practically every Spring/Summer since I’ve owned the house, I’ve had to replace a handful of posts due to the wood rotting. The old pickets had never been treated, so they had the gray-weathered look.

This photo from May 2013 gives an idea of what the fence looked like BEFORE:

Chris building hoop tunnel for garden in back yard in May 2013.

Chris building hoop tunnel for garden in back yard in May 2013.

I worked this project all Summer 2014, completing about 25-40′ sections per weekend. The new fence is built with PostMaster steel posts set in concrete, cedar 2×4 rails, and cedar pickets. I covered the back side of each steel post with a wide picket for aesthetics. The new gates on the alley side are in a better location for how we use the back yard. Finally, I sanded and stained with Sikkens Cetol SRD in Cedar tint. Michelle was great help with project–being supportive in general, selling the old materials, and with the staining!

I really hope that the steel fence posts live up to expectations that they will last for decades without need for replacement, making the annual chore of replacing fence posts a thing of the past.

Here are some photos showing the finished fence:

Fence, garden, Samadhi

Fence, garden, Samadhi


Fence front gate

Fence front gate


Fence north side

Fence north side


Fence south side

Fence south side


Fence back gates

Fence back gates


Fence back gate from alley

Fence back gate from alley


Fence 13' gate open

Fence 13′ gate open


Fence alley side - shows detail of rails and posts

Fence alley side – shows detail of rails and posts

Michelle’s Garden 2013

Date: 7/5/2013
Who: Michelle, Chris and Samadhi

Michelle worked really hard this year on her backyard garden. It has been very productive. I have enjoyed the fresh salads, and look forward to home-grown garlic and tomatoes in the coming weeks. Here is a “nickel tour”:

Photos taken March 30, 2013 and July 5, 2013. Amazing!

Michelle's Garden 3/30/2013

Michelle’s Garden 3/30/2013

Michelle's Garden, 7/5/2013

Michelle’s Garden, 7/5/2013

Sting at Red Rocks

Date: 6/5/2013
Who: Michelle and myself

Michelle and I attended a Sting concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater in June. It was part of his “Back to Bass” tour, and we enjoyed it! Michelle is a big fan. Here are some clips: