Building curved fence sections

Building a curved fence section requires a careful layout. Once you have scribed the arc on the ground, use the directions illustrated to locate and set the posts and install the rails—either curved or segmented. Hang the infill as you would on a straight rail

You should construct your curved fence section in the same manner as the straight sections. For example, if you built the straight sections with flush-mounted rails, your curved section will have to follow suit. The best solution is to design the fence so the rails are notched into the posts. If your straight rails are face-mounted, your curved rails should be too.

Planning and Design

Before starting construction, careful planning and design are necessary to ensure that the fence aligns with the intended layout and aesthetics.

Key Considerations:

• Radius Determination – Establishing the curvature of the fence is essential for both structural stability and visual appeal.
• Connection Type – Choosing between modified connections and standard connections affects flexibility and support.
• Curved Stringers – These components provide the necessary framework for smooth and fluid curves in the fence.
• Fence Panel Length – Determining panel length is important for accommodating curves without creating weak spots.
• Fence Post Blocks – These provide strong anchor points for maintaining the integrity of the fence.

Proper planning and design will ensure the curved fence enhances the property while maintaining durability.

Materials and Tools

Selecting the right materials and tools is crucial for building a long-lasting and well-structured curved fence.

Essential Materials:

• Curved Stringers – These structural elements are designed to accommodate the natural curvature of the fence.
• Fence Post Blocks – Provide support and stability to ensure a secure installation.
• Post and Panel Connection Systems – Allows for seamless integration between posts and curved panels.
• Fencing Systems – Depending on the style, different fencing systems may be required to achieve the desired effect.

Key Tools:

• Modified Connection Tools – Needed for adjusting and securing non-standard panel connections.
• Standard Connection Tools – Used when implementing traditional panel connections.
• Radius Measuring Tools – Helps ensure accuracy when determining fence curvature.

Having the right materials and tools on hand will simplify the installation process and ensure a high-quality finished product.

Continuous curve

Make the rails from layers of thin stock— four layers of Winch redwood, two layers of 1 x4 redwood with Winch saw kerfs spaced 1/2 to 2 inches apart, or unkerfed 1×4 redwood for shallow bends. Soak the rails in water to make them more pliable.

Fasten the first rail layer on the posts (or into 3/2 Winch notches) with 2-inch screws. Butt-join successive pieces at the center of a post. Cut the next layer so the joint won’t fall on top of a joint in the first layer. Fasten this layer with screws long enough to go through both layers and into the post.

Segmented rails

For segmented rails start by determining the angle for the rail ends. Tack a level 2×4 to the outside edges of two posts. Hold a straightedge against the side face of one post and extend the line across the top of the 2×4. Cut the 2×4 at this angle and use it as a template to cut all the rails.

Dealing with obstacles

When you’re planning your fence and discover that your proposed fence line is going to pass through tree trunks, large rocks, or gullies and other depressions that you can’t remove or eliminate, don’t give up. You have more solutions than you might think. You can skirt some obstructions such as trees and freestanding boulders by building a semicircular or three-sided fence section around them. When you can’t go around an obstacle, try these simple solutions.

It is usually not a good idea to nail fencing to the trunk of a tree. Puncture wounds and bark damage can expose a tree to disease and insect invasion and disturb the flow of water and nutrients. Digging postholes near a tree can damage the root system. Reposition the fence line or stop it short of the tree on either side as illustrated so the tree can continue to grow. Bring the fence as close to the tree as possible and support the extensions next to it with short posts under the bottom rail.

Set these short posts on concrete post pads. When a fence bridges a depression in the landscape, adjust the infill on the bottom to fill the gap. Conversely you can adjust the bottom rail position and trim the infill to clear mounds or other high obstructions.

OTHER INFILL

Some types of infill work better then others when avoiding obstacles. Surface-mounted board infill, adapts most easily to obstacles. If you want louvers, basket weave, or another inset infill for the fence. In the rock example (right) you could position the rail higher and install a wider kickboard in the affected bay.

Board fence

Vertical board fences are probably the most common style. That’s because they are easy to build and you can vary their design almost infinitely. Styles with surface-mounted infill have front and back sides, so you’ll have to decide whether you or the neighbors will see the frame. Installing inset infill makes a fence look the same from both sides.

A fence with no gaps between the boards can create a fully enclosed, very private space. It can also feel confining. You can relieve that by alternating the height of the bays or adding a lattice top panel to add variety and open up the view. Or you can alternate boards with slats—1x6s with 1x2s—and leave spaces between them. This design looks refined and adds an interesting play of light and shadow.

Whatever fence style you choose, first decide how wide you want the bays to be. Then divide that measurement by the width of the boards (or the boards and spaces) to choose the infill you want. A vertical board fence usually reaches 6 feet. It can be taller, if necessary and if codes permit.

HOW TO USE VERTICAL BOARD FENCES

Defining spaces: very good but can seem imposing

Security: excellent, especially with heights of more than 6 feet Privacy: good; closed styles can provide considerable privacy Creating comfort zones: fair; it blocks sun but can force wind into gusty downdrafts.

Vertical board fence

Measure the opening for the gate and construct the gate. Mark the position of the hinges on the gate frame and fasten the hinges with coated screws.

If the gate is small enough, hanging it may be a one-person job. Use blocks to support it. For larger gates enlist the aid of a helper. Fasten the top hinge first. Then line up the bottom hinge and mark its position on the post. Pull the hinge pin if the hinge style permits it and install the hinge plate. Fasten the middle hinge last. Mark the position of the latch hardware and install it.

BOARD-AND-BATTEN FENCE

A board-and-batten fence is a variation of the vertical board style but with the three-dimensional addition of battens on the surface.
The battens (generally 1x2s) help break up the expanse of the fence and add a small amount of texture that has a large impact on the way the fence looks. Board-and-batten construction is time-consuming and costs more than a plain fence, but the aesthetic return is high, making this fence and the effort to build it a worthwhile investment.

Build a board-and-batten fence – Build an edge-rail or flat-rail frame with 6- to 8-foot bays. Mount the 1 x6 or 1 x8 infill, then fasten 1 x2 battens on top of each joint.

Build a board-on-board fence – Depending on how much you overlap the boards, a board-on-board fence creates full or partial privacy. No matter what the spacing, this fence will protect you from the wind, breaking it up into little breezes.

Build an edge-rail frame with 6- to 8-foot bays, centering the rails on the posts (add a flat rail at the bottom if your design calls for it). Starting at an end post, fasten 1 x6 infill to one side of the fence, using a hanging spacer to keep the boards at consistent intervals. Fasten the top of the infill first, plumb the board, then fasten the bottom. Start the infill on the other side of the fence, overlapping the boards on the first side of the fence by 1 inch. Using the same techniques and the spacer, fasten the infill to the second side. The spacer will keep the boards overlapped consistently. Top off the fence with a top rail and a 2×6 cap rail if desired.

Challenges and Solutions

Building a curved fence comes with unique challenges, but with the right approach, these obstacles can be overcome.

Common Challenges & Solutions:

• Radius Accuracy – Ensuring precise radius determination can be difficult. Using radius measuring tools and marking out the curve beforehand helps achieve accuracy.
• Connection Type Issues – Choosing between modified connections and standard connections can affect flexibility. Post and panel connections should be tested before final installation to ensure a proper fit.
• Material Flexibility – Some materials may not bend easily to create fluid curves. Opting for materials that are designed for curved installations, like curved stringers, can solve this issue.
• Panel Length Adjustments – Cutting panels to fit a curve can be tricky. Ensuring the panel length is measured accurately before cutting prevents wasted materials.

By addressing these challenges with the right techniques and materials, you can create a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing curved fence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What materials work best for a curved fence?

Materials like curved stringers, flexible wood, and metal panels designed for bending are ideal for curved fence construction.

How do I determine the right radius for my fence?

Using radius measuring tools and marking the layout beforehand ensures accuracy. Adjust the radius based on space availability and design needs.

What’s the difference between modified and standard connections?

Modified connections allow for more flexibility, making them ideal for curved sections, while standard connections are used for traditional straight fencing.

How can I prevent gaps between fence panels?

Ensure proper post and panel connections and adjust panel length for a seamless appearance. Pre-fitting materials before final installation also helps.

Can I build a curved fence myself, or should I hire a professional?

While it is possible to DIY a curved fence with the right tools and expertise, hiring a professional ensures precision, durability, and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Building a curved fence requires careful planning, the right materials, and specialized tools to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. By understanding radius determination, connection types, and panel length adjustments, homeowners can achieve seamless, fluid curves that enhance their property. Addressing common challenges and using proper techniques will result in a structurally sound and visually pleasing fence. Whether you’re tackling this as a DIY project or seeking professional assistance, the right approach will make all the difference.