How to choose and install a metal picket fence
Modern types of fences meet quality standards: they are lightweight, affordable and look beautiful on a personal plot. One of them is a metal picket fence. Otherwise, it is called a euroshtaketnik, it is made of galvanized metal and has an aesthetic appearance. In today's review, we will talk about how to choose it correctly, what advantages and disadvantages it has, as well as how the picket fence is installed correctly. Let's finish our review of photo galleries of beautiful and successful works. Enjoy reading!
The content of the article
- 1 What is a picket fence and how is it used
- 2 Advantages and disadvantages of a fence made of euro shtaketnik
- 3 Varieties of picket fence
- 4 Fence made of euro shtaketnik: photo, installation methods
- 5 Distance between picket fence
- 6 How to choose a picket fence
- 7 Installation of a metal picket fence
- 8 Features of a universal fence made of brick and metal picket fence
- 9 Photo of fences from euroshtaketnik
- 10 Instead of an afterword
What is a picket fence and how is it used
This name comes from the German word "Stake", which literally means "pillar". Picket fence means a type of fences made up of strips evenly distributed around the perimeter of the site. Most often in our country met wooden picket fencewhere the slats alternated with gaps of empty space.
Such fences were used in summer cottages and even in cities for fencing plots, vegetable gardens, front gardens in the courtyards of apartment buildings. Gates and gates were hammered out of the boards. Today, more practical and cheaper materials are replacing expensive wood. Having decided to install a fence, everyone chooses between a picket fence, a corrugated board fence or other options. Let's talk about the first in more detail.
Metal picket fence: description
The previously common wooden fence is rarely used today. It was replaced by fences made of euro shtaketnik.The market offers a huge selection of these products, which can differ in shape, color, metal quality and profile width.
The elements of the future fence are made of galvanized steel sheet, which is cut into strips and other elements at the factory. The finished fence from a distance resembles a familiar wooden fence, but it looks more advantageous, it is easy to clean and repaint. The thickness of the metal is of great importance in the production of this material. The higher it is, the stronger the fence will be. The standard thickness is considered to be 0.4-0.55 mm. The usual Euroshtaketnik consists of three main parts:
- transverse guides;
- racks placed vertically;
- the picket fence itself.
The material itself is steel, which is covered with a zinc protective film, and polyester is applied over it, which creates additional protection from an aggressive environment. The production leaders are companies from Belgium and Germany. Many of them do not cut parts from a finished profile sheet, but are manufactured separately, which is why the cost for different companies can vary significantly. This type of product has many advantages, but do not forget about the disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of a fence made of euro shtaketnik
Advantages of this type of metal fencing:
- the optimal ratio of price and quality, it is believed that the metal will last much longer than its wooden counterpart;
- long service life of the material. Manufacturers claim that replacement will only be needed after 20 years;
- the material is non-flammable and fireproof;
- access of the sun and air to the site is unimpeded, which contributes to the rapid growth of plants, the absence of swampiness of the area;
- a wide range of models and color variations, the ability to repaint the fence;
- ease of installation and operation;
- aesthetic appearance.
If a wooden fence is required to be regularly treated with an antiseptic, then a metal fence can stand for many years without the use of additional funds.
Studying the reviews about the material, you involuntarily come to the conclusion that it is difficult to find the cons. As a rule, many people compare this fence with a metal profile and note the cheapness of the latter. Euro shtaketnik costs much more than a profile fence, but their quality cannot be compared.
Varieties of picket fence
If you walk around the summer cottage village, you can see various versions of the popular today fences from a metal picket fence. They differ in color and shape. But a quick glance is not enough to learn all the differences.
So, the material is divided according to the following principle:
- by profile type;
- by the way the edges are processed;
- by color and type of painting;
- by production method.
Let's start with the fact that the picket fence itself has a certain shape. This is easy to see if you look at the profile from the end part. The table below shows all the options found on the market.
Name | Profile | Appearance | Description |
---|---|---|---|
U-shaped | The most common option | ||
M-shaped | Looks spectacular | ||
C-shaped (semicircular) | Vandal-proof profile |
Earlier, we noted that there are two ways to produce the details of the future fence:
- from a finished profile sheet by cutting;
- separately every detail.
If one type of product is significantly more expensive than another, it may be the type of production that is involved. During the manufacturing process, the manufacturer processes the edges by rolling them up or cutting off possible irregularities. The rolled edges look more harmonious.
Take a look at how the metal is painted. Powder coating is durable, it covers the material on both sides.Polymer paint is bright and durable, but the back of the fence will look unpresentable. Not everyone will like this profile quality.
The width of the profiles themselves is also important. It may differ depending on the manufacturer and shape.
Fence made of euro shtaketnik: photo, installation methods
Each reader could notice: such a fence is an extremely simple structure, but at the same time, the buyer is invited to create a large number of shapes and bends, which will make the site interesting and attractive. For those who do not want to waste time creating unusual structures, you can always limit yourself to the installation of a direct fence. It looks laconic and strict. The disadvantage is excessive simplicity.
A common editing technique is to create waves. Their type can be different. The planks are positioned to create a wave-like pattern.
In this case, the employee will need to calculate the step in advance, adjust it to the length of the fence, calculate the width of the gaps between the slats. You can start working only after the approval of all calculations. Despite the apparent complexity, such fence type considered one of the most beloved.
Arcuate types are similar to wavy ones, they look impressive, create the effect of comfort on the site. There are both fences with a convex arc and a concave one. Both of them are stylistically reminiscent of rustic motifs.
"Ladder" is a fencing, where the planks are located one above, the other below, alternating with each other. It is easy to install, ideal for a summer residence or a country house. Another option is called "herringbone", where the upper part resembles the outline of the crown of pine needles in the form of a cone.
There are a lot of forms of fences made of this material. Everyone will be able to choose based on their own preferences. However, even at the stage of selection, the owners of the plots have logical questions about what the distance between the planks should be, and how it can be filled. Not everyone needs full ventilation of the land plot; they would like to hide some elements in the yard from the prying eyes of neighbors.
Related article:
Do-it-yourself fence from a professional sheet. Photo examples, interesting solutions and nuances of installation with useful tips in a separate publication of our portal.
Distance between picket fence
Before buying a metal fence for a fence, you should visually imagine the future fence, draw a diagram, calculate the amount of material. At this moment, the question arises of what will be the distance between the metal strips. The distance between the picket fence is determined independently at the stage of sketching. It can be minimal, and can be 40-80 mm. The maximum gap should not exceed the width of the plank itself. The narrower the gaps, the less ventilated and illuminated the area will be. You will also need more material. The optimum distance should be half the length of the plank. It is important that this distance is strictly observed during installation. Otherwise, the fence will turn out to be unsightly.
Important! According to the City Planning Code of the Russian Federation SNiP 02/30/97, you do not have the right to shade your neighbor's plot. For this reason, it is allowed to use a Euro-type rail with gaps of no more than 1.5 m in height. Otherwise, it is required to take the written consent of the owner of the neighboring plot.
Those who need a solid fence will definitely think about the option of filling the gaps.There are several ways:
- do not make gaps at all and set overlapping strips;
- double-sided filling using the checkerboard method.
You can combine a fence with gaps and a fence without gaps. The "checkerboard" method assumes a double-sided design of the fence with the arrangement of the planks in a checkerboard pattern. As a result, the fence looks attractive from both sides, and the yard is hidden from prying eyes.
How to choose a picket fence
The choice is always complicated by a lack of knowledge about the material. If you need a high-quality fence, we advise you to pay attention to a number of nuances:
- metal thickness (choose more durable models);
- the edge of a quality product is always rolled, which contributes to a finished appearance;
- the shape of the profiling is important in the design, we advise you to carefully study the examples of ready-made fences before buying;
- the color scheme is also important, the metal picket fence, painted on both sides, looks more harmonious.
Painting the picket fence on both sides is extremely necessary if you plan to create a fence of the "checkerboard" type.
Prices for a metal picket fence for a fence with and without installation
Since this material is universal, and there are practically no difficulties with it during installation, two purchase options are offered:
- euro shtaketnik with turnkey installation;
- material for self-assembly.
When buying a fence made of a metal picket fence with installation, the price is indicated for 1 running meter. When purchasing the material, the picket fence itself is usually sold at a price of 1 m². Additional design elements can be purchased for it.
If you do not want to install a metal picket fence, the price per linear meter will be approximately 1900 rubles. With a large perimeter of the site, you will have to pay a round sum. If you want to install a metal picket fence for a summer residence inexpensively, we advise you to take up the installation yourself. For example, the price of material today ranges from 45 to 400 rubles per 1 m², depending on the quality and manufacturer.
Installation of a metal picket fence
After studying the appearance from the photo and the prices of the euro fence for the fence, we will tell you about how to do the installation yourself. Since all work will be performed independently, the process will be divided into three stages:
- calculation of the amount of materials and the creation of a sketch or diagram;
- purchase of products;
- mounting.
The last stage requires preliminary preparation at the site.
Required materials and tools
To work, you need the following tools:
- bayonet shovels or drill;
- building level;
- screwdriver;
- sledgehammer;
- metal bucket;
- welding machine.
Additional materials for creating a fence from a Euroshtaketnik with your own hands:
- concrete mix (replaced by cement and sand);
- profiled pipe - 40 × 40 and 20 × 40;
- pipe plugs - 40 × 40;
- self-tapping screws made of galvanized steel.
A 40 × 40 pipe is used as pillars. Sometimes the site owner decides to create a more massive fence with brick or concrete pillars. You will also need the picket fence itself.
Do-it-yourself calculation of the amount of materials for a fence from a metal picket fence
Initially, it may seem that the task of calculating materials is extremely difficult. This is not true. All manufacturers indicate a clear number of picket fence required to create a linear meter of the fence.To make an accurate calculation of the amount of materials, use a simple formula:
K = (1000-gap length in mm) / (133 + gap length in mm),
Where TO - number of planks per 1 m.
For a detailed calculation, you can find out what is the price of a metal fence for a fence per piece. Multiply the resulting number by the length of the fence in meters. Now you know how many planks you need to purchase. Self-tapping screws are sold in packages. If there are three longitudinal logs, then 6 fastening screws are needed for one bar.
Installation process: step by step instructions
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the step-by-step instructions that will help you quickly cope with the task at hand.
Step 1. Installation of support pillars
Step 2. Installation of horizontal lags
Step 3. Fixing the metal picket fence
The order of work can also be found in the video:
Methods for painting euroshtaketnik
A metal picket fence at a low price can be either painted on one side or be completely unpainted. Painting is a method to make your fence beautiful and to protect it from aggressive environments. The main problem is corrosion. Its foci: the edges of the planks, the places of attachments to the lags. That is why self-tapping screws must be zinc.
There are only two painting methods:
- liquid paint;
- powder paint.
The latter increases the shelf life of the product by 10 years, it creates a more durable coating, but its price is quite high. The protection period when using liquid paint is 5 years.
Features of a universal fence made of brick and metal picket fence
Perhaps this type of fencing is the most interesting solution. The peculiarity of the installation is that the foundation is initially poured under the pillars, and then laid out brick or building blocks. Such a fence is not only beautiful, but also durable. When laying bricks, workers leave mortgages for connection with longitudinal logs by welding or use anchors. The design will look massive.
Related article:
Fences and barriers for the house. Photo ideas and original solutions with advantages and disadvantages in a separate publication of our portal.
Photo of fences from euroshtaketnik
We present a photo of fences made of metal picket fence, which will allow you to choose interesting options for implementation.
Related article:
Fences for private houses: photo ideas. In a separate publication, original ideas and examples of fences made of different materials for every taste are presented.
Instead of an afterword
We hope our little review was helpful. If you have any questions or want to share your experience in erecting a fence from a picket fence, then you are welcome in the comments.