Although not typical, MLC BUILD does also work on specialty projects like this fence. MLC BUILDs a fence like we over-build many things. Our thought behind this project was to have a forever fence built with beautiful esthetics.

Although not typical, MLC BUILD does also work on specialty projects like this fence. MLC BUILDs a fence like we over-build many things. Our thought behind this project was to have a forever fence built with beautiful esthetics.

One of the finished gates with Japanese inspired header.

MLC BUILD connected the gates posts underground with concrete and added the header (overhead piece) to prevent sagging or misalignment. We typically use 6″ x 6″ posts and 6 ft wide panels. My personal opinion is that panels should never be more than 6′ to prevent sagging and enforce esthetics. That said, these sturdy 3″ thick styles and rails could structural span greater distances. Like I said before, we overbuild everything.

Site production tables were set up to build the thirty five panels and two double gates.

Each panel has twenty-four 5 1/2″ loose tenons that are clamped and glued before being pin locked together with dowels. The panels are custom made to fit between the posts, which are installed first. We install posts one-third in the ground, and two-thirds, or less, out. When we install posts, we backfill the holes with 6″ of pea gravel (for drainage), laser/ level/support the posts, fill the hole with pea gravel to within 6″ – 8″ from grade elevation, add a concrete collar pitched away from the post and top with more gravel. There are many thoughts on how to set posts, but I learned this technique from one of California’s best and it works. The principle is to provide drainage away from the post, and, as it is not encased in concrete, when it gets wet, we give it opportunity to dry.

FESTOOL DOMINO DF700EQ is a beast and the only choice for us when installing 140mm (5.5″) loose tenons. After we glue and clamp the tenons, we drill four holes , two per side, through those tenons and drive in dowel pins to lock the assembly.
The 6 foot wide rear gate was just installed. Posts need to be cut and header installed.

Our all cedar in-fill panels are pre-finished on six sides with an opaque stain before assembly, then, the whole fence is stained again after completion.

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