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Building A Shadow Box Fence Print
Overall Skill Level: Expert

Setup for a Shadow Box Fence.
Steps
  1. Shadow Box Fence
    1. Bracket Installation
    2. 2 x 4 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
Shadow Box Fence
Skill Level: Expert
  1. Bracket Installation
    Center and attach the top brackets, 12" 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. 2 x 4 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 3 backer rails parallel to each other spaced 23" apart. On the front face of the backer rails attach the first picket to the left end of the backer rails. Line up each picket so that it is at 90 degree angle to each backer rail and is 6" above the top surface of the upper backer rail. Using 1-3/4" screws attach pickets to the backer rail, 2 screws into each backer rail (6 screws per picket). 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. Precutting a 5-1/4" 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. Flip the panel over so that the pickets are now facing down. On the back face of the backer rail measure 5-1/4" from the left edge of the backer rail and attach the 8th picket. From the right edge of the 8th picket measure over 5-1/4" and attach the 9th picket. Continue with this application to the 13th picket. The 13th picket should end up 5-1/4" from the right end of the backer rail.
  4. Attaching Remaining Brackets
    Attach the remaining 4 brackets to the ends of the middle and bottom backer rails.
  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 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.