The Brief
A solid fence for our neighbor Peggy
Our Nextdoor neighbor Peggy needed a fence for her dog — simple as that. My brother Fynn and I got it done in two days, and while we were at it, we removed two medium-sized trees that she needed gone and fixed an old gate hinge.
The Build
Clearing the site
Before we could start on the fence, two trees had to come down. We brought them down starting with the outer branches and worked our way down then hauled everything — branches, trunk sections, and debris - to shoreway environmental center for greenwaste composting.
Layout and excavation
Safety first — we called 811 (USA North before-you-dig) to get a full utility report before ever breaking ground. Once cleared, we ran a string line to map the fence run and excavated each post hole down to two feet for a four-foot fence — half the exposed height, which is what keeps a fence from wobbling.
Setting the posts
Before setting each post we controlled for four axes of movement — up and down, left and right, forward and back, and the rotation of the post along its vertical axis. Without getting all four right, the fence will inevitably look crooked or develop gate problems down the road. Once plumb and aligned to the string line, each post was set in concrete sloped away from the base to prevent water pooling.
Rails and pickets
With the posts set, we attached the kicker boards, horizontal rails, and then the redwood pickets. Fasteners are hidden behind trim, cuts are perpendicular, and nothing warps the fence when secured in place.
Built to Last
What makes a fence installation quality? Eight things:
- Safety — 811 utility check before any excavation
- Materials — redwood for natural rot and insect resistance, pressure-treated lumber where it counts
- Post depth — 2 feet into the ground for a 4-foot fence
- Post level and plumb — controlled for all 4 axes of movement before setting
- Concrete setting — sloped away from the base to prevent water pooling and rot
- Proper attachment — fasteners hidden behind trim, perpendicular cuts, no visible gaps
- Gate quality — kept square and stabilized to support weight without sagging
- Cleanup — all excess material hauled to the proper disposal facility
The Result
Two days, two trees removed, and one beautifully sturdy redwood fence with a custom gate — Peggy's dog is secure and the yard looks great.
From tree removal to finished fence in two days — efficient, sturdy, and built the right way for a neighbor who trusted us to get it done.
