A larch fence is an excellent way to create a beautiful and reliable enclosure around your property. Larch wood is widely available in stores. Larch is denser than pine and is very durable. If your budget allows, it is best to purchase this type of lumber.
Advantages of Larch Fences
Larch for Fence
Recently, fences made of planken have become popular. This material is not afraid of moisture and is easy to process, so the fence can be easily made by hand. Planken is made from different types of wood, but products made of larch are considered the strongest. The edges of the planken are rounded or beveled. It can be used not only for building fences but also for facade cladding.
For the construction of a fence on a dacha, it is not necessary to buy expensive building materials; ordinary planed and unplaned boards are suitable. Prices vary, so you need to pay attention to the budget.
It is not necessary to make a standard fence; there are many options. Combined structures look effective. For example, a picket fence made of larch goes well with a metal frame. If you have experience working with the material, you can create artistic structures, implementing the boldest design solutions.
Larch boards can be processed manually, but for faster construction, it is best to purchase tools. The fence differs from other enclosures with the following advantages:
- long service life of the enclosures;
- excellent appearance;
- resistance to moisture, high wear resistance;
- installation can be done independently, without the help of builders;
- the material is affordable in price.
A fence made of unplaned boards is a budget option. It is most often used for the construction of enclosures on dacha plots. The classic board has a length of 2 to 4 m, a width of 6.5 to 20 cm, and a thickness of 1.5 cm.
If you need to make an enclosure for a private house or cottage, it is best to buy planed boards. They are distinguished by high quality; the material does not need to be processed with a plane.
When buying larch boards, you should remember about the standards. All boards can be divided into 4 grades, each with its own characteristics. The division into grades is as follows:
- Grade 0. Extra class board. It is made from the highest quality wood. The surface is smooth, the saw cut emphasizes the natural beauty of the wood. The production of lumber is carried out on modern lines, so the board is expensive. It is used in the production of furniture.
- Grade 2. Class “A” board. It is used for finishing rooms and making furniture.
- Grade 3. Class “B” material. It is distinguished by an affordable price; it is used for finishing walls inside the house. The board has a good appearance. More economical methods are used for its processing, so it is cheaper. The beauty of the natural pattern is preserved.
- Grade 4, class “C”. Lumber that can be used for the construction of enclosures. The surface of the board is smooth. The cost is affordable.
Larch effectively combines with metal. You can make a fence, erecting poles from the wood of this species, natural stone, or brick. Unusual structures, the frame of which is made of ash, and the central part of the canvas is made of larch.
Types of Fences You Can Make
Classic Larch Fence
Deciding to build a fence on your plot, you should choose a suitable option. The following options exist:
- Classic fence. The construction is based on the installation of poles around the perimeter of the plot. To make the structure strong, the supports are concreted, and crossbars are attached between the poles. They can be replaced by making runners from a bar. The optimal size of the material is 5×10 cm. Larch boards are nailed butt-to-butt or at a distance from each other, arranged perpendicular to the crossbars.
- “Ladder”. The initial stage of construction is carried out similarly. When the supports are installed, wooden overlays are attached to them from the outside and inside. They act as guides. The remaining boards, which will be sheathed with a fence, are laid in an overlap, placed in the grooves between the overlays. The boards are nailed in a horizontal direction. The tops of the poles are closed with caps made of wood.
- “Cross” fence. This is a strong fence made of reinforced concrete and larch. First, pits are dug in the ground for the poles. Supports are installed, then concrete is poured into the recesses. When it dries, decorative reinforced concrete slabs are installed. Larch boards act as a canvas.
- Fence, the boards of which are nailed in a checkerboard pattern. First, larch poles are installed, then crossbars are laid between them. The boards are attached in a checkerboard pattern, nailed alternately from each side.
- “Grid” fence. Supporting elements are used as poles. Sections of slats are installed between them; there are ready-made products in stores. The slats can be arranged diagonally, parallel, or perpendicular to the poles.
- “Ranch” fence has an effective appearance. First, you need to install massive wooden poles. They are pre-impregnated with an antiseptic, which increases the service life of the supports. Then wide boards are nailed between the poles, not forgetting to make small gaps.
- Palisade. The role of poles is played by thick logs. To increase the service life, they are impregnated with an antiseptic. Instead of poles, you can use metal pipes. Between the supports, logs of a small diameter are installed in the ground. The poles can be made of brick or reinforced concrete.
Homeowners will appreciate a fence made of larch planken or a classic picket fence.
Stages of Fence Construction
The set of tools depends on what materials will be used for the larch fence. If the supports are made of a bar or logs, then metal corners will be needed to secure the crossbars. To increase the strength of the foundation, reinforcement will be required. For mounting crossbars and boards, screws or nails are needed.
Before starting construction, you need to choose a suitable fence structure. If it will be with a foundation, then it is necessary to perform the following actions:
- Construction of a concrete strip. Installation of poles.
- Installation of wooden elements.
The process of erecting a fence begins with marking the site. For this, you will need a cord, tape measure, and several stakes that are driven into the ground. A cord is stretched between them.
At the next stage, the builders are engaged in the arrangement of the formwork under the foundation. First, you need to dig a trench. Its depth depends on the height of the fence. A layer of sand should be poured onto the bottom of the trench. It is compacted, and then the formwork is installed. To increase the strength of the foundation, reinforcement is laid in the formwork, and then concrete is poured. When it dries, poles are installed, and pickets are nailed.
The fence can be made independently. Larch boards are not afraid of temperature changes, wood-boring insects, or the effects of ultraviolet light. This material can be used to make a beautiful and strong fence on the site.