Anyone install a small metal fence?

[bofa]

We have a small'ish patio (12x15) that is enclosed on 2 sides and I'm thinking about putting in a small 3-4' fence around the open edges and a single gate. It doesn't seem that hard but I'm curious if others found it to be a reasonable DIY project or something I should just pay a pro to do.

 

[amalik]

We have a small'ish patio (12x15) that is enclosed on 2 sides and I'm thinking about putting in a small 3-4' fence around the open edges and a single gate. It doesn't seem that hard but I'm curious if others found it to be a reasonable DIY project or something I should just pay a pro to do.

Hi,

Not saying you won't get an answer here, but check out Garage Journal forums, there are literally thousands of people *always* active in every section there, it's insane.

 

[bofa]

Might help if I provide more details... the patio is concrete and the walls are framed and covered with fiber siding. The two open sides meet and that corner has a 4x4 post also wrapped in siding.

Hi,

Not saying you won't get an answer here, but check out Garage Journal forums, there are literally thousands of people *always* active in every section there, it's insane.

:thanks: - may give that a try or just search there. I imagine this wont be a new topic for them.

 

[5ontheFloor]

They make prefabbbed metal fencing, painted that can be adjusted to fit according to your dimensions. I look at time/tools needed if I'm gonna take on a project that is out of my skillset. On a side note, when we bought our house I replaced the chain link fence with 6 ft cedar picket fence. Took me over two months, working after reg job, weekends, buddies helping when they could, and coordinating with 4 neighbors. I bought some nice tools and saved almost 2k doing it myself but I never want to install a fence ever again. Seems like your project would be easier to decide. You can always get some estimates and mine for ideas from the contractors you talk to

 

[bofa]

Looks like I can use flange type post mounts in the slab that should be sufficient. I've found quite a few places to order but freight pricing is crazy. Lowes and HD sell materials but for some reason only offer 4' wide gates. :suspicious: I'd much rather a 3' gate but the gate panels can't be easily cut to size.

 

[bofa]

They make prefabbbed metal fencing, painted that can be adjusted to fit according to your dimensions. I look at time/tools needed if I'm gonna take on a project that is out of my skillset. On a side note, when we bought our house I replaced the chain link fence with 6 ft cedar picket fence. Took me over two months, working after reg job, weekends, buddies helping when they could, and coordinating with 4 neighbors. I bought some nice tools and saved almost 2k doing it myself but I never want to install a fence ever again. Seems like your project would be easier to decide. You can always get some estimates and mine for ideas from the contractors you talk to

I hear ya. This is a much smaller project though and no post hole digging. I wouldn't even think about that. I've drilled concrete before to install handrails - its not terrible with a decent drill and bit. It looks like I can use a sawzall or cutoff wheel to trim the panel size. I'm putting together a materials list now to see how $$ it will be.

 

[TK-422]

A MIG welder would help. You could weld the flanges for the cement and walls just where you need them. You could also weld the gate catch where you want it. A little 110V HF one would work for that.

A hammer drill goes thru cement like butter. Of course you need hammer drill bits.

You should have a steel supply somewhere in CO. You could get plastic or metal caps to fill in the voids where you cut the gate. You could also get the same size square tube if you need to customize the size of the gate or railing. You could use it to practice welding and dial it in before you did the real thing. That is if you have no prior experience.

then you have a welder for when you want to "upgrade your 4Runner".

 

[philsey]

So, couple thoughts: don't drill too close to the concrete edge. don't know what you'll use to hold the bolts; lead expansion nuts, etc., but I'd fill the voids with epoxy or some such to prevent freezing damage. expect to hit rebar when drilling.... don't think concrete bits like that. measure everything three times, Murphy is waiting.

 

[bofa]

The Mrs. killed this project for now. :nono: Thanks for the input guys but ill have to come back to it.

A MIG welder would help. You could weld the flanges for the cement and walls just where you need them. You could also weld the gate catch where you want it. A little 110V HF one would work for that.

A hammer drill goes thru cement like butter. Of course you need hammer drill bits.

You should have a steel supply somewhere in CO. You could get plastic or metal caps to fill in the voids where you cut the gate. You could also get the same size square tube if you need to customize the size of the gate or railing. You could use it to practice welding and dial it in before you did the real thing. That is if you have no prior experience.

then you have a welder for when you want to "upgrade your 4Runner".

I finally found a place that makes all or the components made to order and with decent shipping rates. I really want to learn to weld but havent found someone to show me the ropes. I wish there was a college around here.

So, couple thoughts: don't drill too close to the concrete edge. don't know what you'll use to hold the bolts; lead expansion nuts, etc., but I'd fill the voids with epoxy or some such to prevent freezing damage. expect to hit rebar when drilling.... don't think concrete bits like that. measure everything three times, Murphy is waiting.

Was planning to use red head wedge anchors - had good luck with those before.