Horizontal Slat Fence Q's

[Slavo]

G'day, I am looking to do a horizontal slat fence and was wondering what the best material and spacing for the posts would be. i was thinking of using either 50x50 gal rhs or 3x2 posts, at a spacing of either 1.8 or 2.7. Posts would be cemented in the ground and maybe 1 or 2 intermediate floating uprights to minimise twist.
The timber would probably be merbau or similar decking, either 3x1 or 4x1 with 10-15mm gaps between slats. The height would be 1.5 or 1.8, depending if the guy at Council is having a good day. What do you reckon?

[mic-d]

I reckon you don't want more than 1500mm between supports, whether floating or a post. Posts at 2400 or 2700mm with one or two floating supports would be OK. I've found that 25mm aluminium box section although expensive is very nice for the intermediates. 19mm makes a nice gap and is convenient because an offcut of decking will do as a spacer. Merbau is OK but will bleed tanins, so if you don't want to stain something around the fence an aussie hardwoodsuch as spotted gum is an alternative.

CHeers
Michael

[Slavo]

Thanks Michael, what type of posts have you used before, timber or RHS? i reckon timber would probably look better. Do you usually run a cap across the top or just not worry?
Cheers
Slavo

[mic-d]

Thanks Michael, what type of posts have you used before, timber or RHS? i reckon timber would probably look better. Do you usually run a cap across the top or just not worry?
Cheers
Slavo

I have used timber only and it looks good but the first time I did one I just used cca fence posts and the finished deck timber against the green posts looked shyte. Subsequently I've belt sanded the above-ground parts back to timber and finished it with the same product on the slats and it looks much better. I am thinking about using rhs on the next one, perhaps powdercoated which I think will look even more schmick.

I don't put a cap on top.

Cheers
Michael