It’s such an exciting time in my own garden right now. Not only is everything ripening and in bloom, but we’ve also finally started construction on our backyard project.
I don’t blog about my backyard much, and there’s a reason for it: it looks like hell. While I love my front patio, where we spend most of our outdoor time – and my third-floor deck, which has recently pulled its act together – my backyard has been sadly neglected. Since we moved in last year, it has been a holding ground for plants I moved from our last home, a rather large barbecue, more sloppy container plantings than is acceptable, and, well, things we didn’t know what else to do with.
In short, my backyard is unfit for human consumption, and thus no photos exist on on this site. Until now…
This photo, taken from the third-floor deck, is my backyard’s before photo: the one with no makeup, bad posture and unflattering clothing. I am sharing this because the makeover is finally in progress. There is no glamourous after photo to share… yet. But there will be!
The backyard makeover plan starts with the fence.
Before:
The existing one wasn’t a completely unsightly fence. Certainly it wasn’t the worst thing about our roughly 13′ x 15′ space. But it was the first thing to change.
After:
Ta-da! Isn’t it gorgeous? (Sorry, but I’m so over the moon with it, I don’t care if I’m bragging.)
A few evenings and one full day’s work (cutting, staining, assembling) and a few hundred dollars in red cedar — and it was so worth it. I am so completely in love with my new fence – and yes, I would totally marry it.
Here’s what we did:
We tracked down extra-long lengths of cedar for a seamless look. Here’s my dad working away in the alley behind our place. You can see the old look of the fence here. We didn’t take it down; we simply clad the inside with 1″x3″s.
Ben stained the fence using Cetol.
It is amazing to me how different it makes the garden look! Next up: the pavers.
I’d be over the moon too, it looks great!
Lisa
yay! that looks lovely! good job.
My mom always said horizontal stripes make you look bigger, so seems that for a small space horizontal is perfect. And by the looks of it, gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the “after” photos!
Oooh lala! That is one sexy fence! The horizontal lines make it so sophisticated – beautiful design.
Thanks for the tip on Cetol! My husband and I have been looking for a clear satin something to use on some wood construction we’re doing, and your fence has the finish we’ve been searching for. Enjoy your lovely back yard!
Thanks everyone for sharing in my excitement! Can’t wait to report on the next development :)
I love a nice fence! The photos remind me of something Japanese/oriental for some reason. I’m looking forward to your courtyard garden plans!
–Robin (Bumblebee)
that’s fabulous! it does have a very zen sensibility… i can’t wait to see the pavers.
Bright and Robin – you’re right – there is definitely some asian-influence in this look. Hang tight and you’ll see the rest soon!
Where do you source clear cedars in the length that you’ve got?
John – they’re from Sunbury Cedar in Delta, BC.
Nice!
Hi – I’m searching the web for “horizontal fence” images and came across yours. What colour did you use in the Cetol stain? Looks great.
-Angela
Thanks! We used Cetol Natural Light – it’s number 996.
I LOVE your fence! I want to copy you.
: )
I am wondering whether or not to leave space between the slats to let more light in. Did you leave any space between yours?
I like the idea of letting more light come into our back patio, but would love the extra privacy of no spaces.
What are your thoughts? Also, if you had to do it again, would you change anything?
Thanks!
Karly
Thanks, Karly. We left about 1/8″ between each slat. Ours doesn’t let a lot of light in, but that’s because we covered an existing fence – otherwise, I think 1/8″ would be fine for both light and privacy. I wouldn’t change a thing – I love it!
First of all, I love your fence and am using your info and photos to spec mine. It’s been 2 years since you built your fence and I’m wondering if, in retrospect, you would do anything differently. How has the wood weathered and how often do you restain? Have you had any sagging or bowing of the wood? How long are the cedar strips and how far apart are the post? Thanks so much for sharing your experience and your lovely fence.
Love the fence! Can you provide an estimate of what you invested in wood?
Thank you. Deb Blake, Spokane
Hi Deb,
I believe the cedar was about $350. It was cheaper to buy 1x6s and rip them into 1x3s.