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I built a fence like this. It was plenty sturdy. I even cased out the existing ugly 4x4.s with 1x stock to make 6x6's. Some of the 4x4's had a slight lean so I just snapped a plum line and sawed it plumb before slipping the covering over it.
WoodNET... the new safespace
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The wind load will be high on those solid lower sections, but the design looks well thought out and robust to me. Sure would make a fine looking fence if you use redwood, Ipe', etc.
John
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I made one similar 18 years ago. Had the lattice on the top like yours, but the panels were a shadow box design.
Either 4x4 or 6x6 posts, cannot recall which (we moved 15 years ago). I used a circular saw to cut notches (basically mortises) the rails fit into so there was more than just toe-nailing holding it together. May have been overbuilding, took a long time by myself and I was quite inexperienced.
Is still standing today, although I've not taken a close look since we moved away. Was all pressure treated SYP. No concrete on the posts, I alternated tamped gravel and tamped dirt in six inch layers in post holes 30" to 36" deep.
No gate, just a privacy fence. The neighbors then were a train wreck I didn't want to look at.
Mike
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I built a similar fence over 15 years ago (and my neighbor's as well). I used a design from Workbench magazine. It had lattice panels at the top as well. The nice thing about this type of fence is that there is no ugly back side. The workbench fence would be somewhat easier to build, I think, and would be sturdier. I don't see how panel expansion is handled in the design you show--maybe I am missing something. After building a few of the panels, I realized that there was enough variation in panels that to get perfect fits I would need to put posts and panels up one at a time. I used concrete in every hole because as John said they offer a lot of resistance to wind. I look forward to seeing pics of your finished fence. Ken
Edited to add that the fence is still there and still looks good.
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That is a very attractive fence, that said it is very formal, and might not look great around every house design.
John makes a good point about wind load, which you could decrease greatly by placing your uprights on alternating sides of the run. Also makes for a more playful design, so people won't wonder if you have maids, and butlers
Worst thing they can do is cook ya and eat ya
GW