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Building A Basket Weave Fence Print
Overall Skill Level: Expert
Setup for a Basket Weave fence.
Steps
  1. Basket Weave Fence
    1. Bracket Installation
    2. Sleeve Assembly
    3. Preassembling Fence panel
    4. Attaching Remaining Brackets
    5. Installing Panels Between the Posts
    6. Level Panel and Complete Attachment
Tools
  • Drill
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Carpenter's Square
  • Level
Materials
  • (13) 72" pickets
  • (3) 2x4x67-3/4" composite sleeves
  • (1 + 1 at fence end) 4x4x78" composite sleeves
  • (3 pairs) Mounting bracket sets
  • (1 per 4x4 sleeve) Post Cap
  • (78) 1-5/8" screws
  • (3) AC2 treated 2x4x6'
  • 1 (+1 at fence end): AC2 treated 4x4x10' post
Basket Weave Fence
Skill Level: Expert
  1. Bracket Installation
    Center and attach the top brackets, 6 1/2" down from the top of the post sleeve to the bottom of the bracket. You can use a string level between brackets to check that they are level. The open end of the bracket needs to face towards the side of the fence that will have 7 pickets.
  2. Sleeve Assembly
    Cut all 2 X 4's and 2 X 4 sleeves to 67-3/4" (For 72" O.C. post spacing). Slide the 2 X 4 sleeves over the 2 X 4 boards until the ends are flush, these will be your picket backer rails.
  3. Preassembling Fence panel
    On a flat surface position the 2 backer rails parallel to each other spaced 64" apart or 72" to the outer edges. On the front face of the backer rails attach the first picket to the left end of the backer rail. Line up each picket so that it is at 90 degree angle to each backer rail and is flush with the top surface of the upper backer rail. Using 1-5/8" screws, attach pickets to the backer rail, 2 screws into each backer rail. From the right edge of the first picket measure over 5-1/4" and attach the 2nd picket. Continue with this application to the 7th picket. Using an extra picket as a spacer will make spacing of the pickets easier and more uniform. Note: Due to the weight we recommend that someone assist you with this next step. Lay the 3rd backer rail down and attach a bracket to the outer edge of each end. Position the brackets so that the top, or open end of the bracket, will be facing the direction of the top of the fence. Flip the panel over so that the pickets are now facing down and lay the panel on top of the 3rd backer rail so that the middle backer rail is evenly spaced between the two outer backer rails. Attach the pickets to the middle backer rail using a 1-5/8" screw in the middle of the picket, check that there is a 5-1/4" distance between each picket. From the back side of the fence, weave the remaining pickets over the outer backer rail, between the attached pickets, under the middle backer rail and back to the top of the other outer backer rail. Attach the remaining 6 pickets to each of the outer backer rails using 2 qty. 1-5/8" screws. Check that there is a 5-1/4" distance between each picket.
  4. Attaching Remaining Brackets
    Attach the remaining 2 brackets to the bottom backer rail. The brackets need to be installed in the same direction as the middle brackets. Once again flip the panel over and attach the last 6 installed pickets to the middle backer rail in the middle of the picket, check that there is a 5-1/4" distance between each picket.
  5. Installing Panels Between the Posts
    Lift the panel into position between 2 posts and slide into the upper brackets that were previously installed. Fasten the upper brackets to the top backer rail.
  6. Level Panel and Complete Attachment
    Using a level check for vertical plumb alignment of the panel and then fasten the remaining brackets to the sides of the post sleeves. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for all remaining fence panels.
Products, materials, techniques, tools, building codes and local regulations are subject to change; therefore, Midwest Manufacturing assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional before beginning any project.