If I Were King

Seven years ago, I was standing with my arms crossed leaning on my five-foot fence talking to my neighbor and his great grandfather who put up that fence as a “spite” fence. My first thought — they must have been short people, then I wondered why neighbors could not get along together.
Today fencing comes in many styles and different materials. Wood, vinyl, metal and probably other products I am not aware of, are used to make fence. The styles available can make your yard look like the Taj Mahal or Sanford and Sons.
Fence comes in different heights, for different applications. Most municipalities have a height restriction of six feet. When installing fence you should check, with local code enforcement.
Cape 47 Lumber sells wood fence only in three sizes: 4×8, 5×8, and 6×8. It is a stockade fence which makes total privacy its main function.
Wood fence can last for years, and will last longer if properly treated with a wood sealant. It is best to spray on the sealant. If you get the sealant in every crack with a brush it will also be sufficient.
Making sure the bottom of the fence is sealed helps to keep the wood from acting like a straw. Untreated it will suck moisture and bugs up from the ground. This will speed up the decaying process.
Correct placement of your post is also very important. By allowing your fence to move, by being blown by heavy winds or a swinging gate, physical damage can be done to your fence.
Keep your posts straight and plumb and use concrete in the hole to secure them firmly. These precautions do not cost much to extend the life of your fence.
At Cape 47 Lumber we sell one style of wood fence. We keep it simple and will always have the same style every year.
Remember the old saying “Fences make good neighbors?” The “spite” fence can also make bad neighbors.
If I were King I would make all neighbors get along, fence or not.
—Bob Shore, Cape 47 Lumber