Building fences

I have been saying I need to build a fence around my backyard for at least two years, but I have been putting it off. This week Melissa called to say I HAD to build a fence this weekend. Ok, sure, let's get it done. I have materials, no problem. HA HA! Ever since then I have been debating where this fence should go, what it should be built of, if it would be safe for kids, if it would interfere with necessary access, etc. I have been gathering materials, but without a plan, it has been a guessing game.

This morning at 5:00 I woke up with what I think I will be final plan. I have stated that I don't want chain link - it looks out of place in the rural setting. But whatever I do needs to look finished and be safe for kids to play on and around. I have a light welded wire material that I am going to mount to 4X4 posts separated by whatever length my rail pieces allow with heavier posts at the corners. I still need to check on the material, but my plan is to then attach a 2 inch cedar rail across the top of the wire. I may then attach another rail to the other side of the wire, sandwiching it in and making a nicely finished top from both sides of the fence. This will run down the east side of the play yard, and probably across the back of the yard. I want to purchase split rail fence for the west side that will run all the way to the front yard. In the back, this will be lined with some sort of fence material to keep in kids and pets. I will have to build a gate at the north-east corner where the fence joins the house, and another on the north-west corner large enough to drive through. This will probably done as a removable fence with a small gate.

The problem is at this point I need more posts and I need to get the rail material to do what I want today. I think the rail material is in Zeandale. Hopefully there is enough! I also need to buy the split rail material, but I have no idea what it will cost. I am sure it won't be cheap, but I have some already salvaged from Grandma and Grandpa's fence.

Richard will be here to help me today. Also, he had the idea that turned into the top rail concept. I appreciate his help. I will post some photos after we get the project done (or started).