I’m planning on putting in some new cedar fences at my own place to replace chain link. One thought that came to mind was using the existing galvanized posts, and wrapping them in some way to appear to be 6x6s. I’ve seen the Simpson type straps that are designed to wrap a chain link post and then screw or bolt rails to the strap but I don’t think this connection would stand the test of time. One thought I had was to come up with a way to attach a 4×4 post that has dados in which the rails could be slipped into the dado with the galvanized post being on the open side of the dado, essentially trapping the rail. Has anyone tried something like this? Does anyone know of a connector that can strap a wooden post to a metal one such that the wood would not rotate around the metal? Any strategies or materials to achieve this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Rather funny to see this post. I've been pondering this very subject myself. Motivated by the desire to avoid digging out the steel fence posts and dispose of them, along with the desire to recycle the existing fence as much as possible, not to mention the trouble of digging new holes and setting posts, it occurred to me that by "sandwiching" each post with a 2x4 on each side and running a two or three bolts through the assembly, countersinking the bolt on both sides, you could then wrap the assembly in cedar fence boards. Cut a dado on the face 2x4 for your rails, half lap the rails into the dado and you should be able to create a fence that would look like a fully wooden fence, but with an extended life expectancy since you wouldn't have any wooden posts set into the ground to rot out eventually.
I admit that I have not yet tried this. I have a short piece of fence, appx 12', that I'm considering using as a test bed to see if the idea works. I think the materials you would use for each "post" would be a wash when priced against the cost of one 6x6, but the savings in labor and the fact that you're not introducing more materials into the waste stream, I think makes it worth considering. If you do try my idea, let me know how it works out. If I try it, I'll let you know how it turns out for me.
Good luck!
I like the idea of the bolts and half-laps to create the faux mortise and tenon. You are absolutely right about the steel posts. They would be a major pain to remove. In addition, with this approach not only do you have a longevity advantage, you also have the advantage of having the posts already aligned, one of the most important and time consuming aspects of fence building. Hopefully some other ideas will be posted regarding this approach.
Ripmeister, I'm anxiously waiting for some interesting replies. I've got a chain link fence sitting on a very nice used brick retaining "wall" about 18" high. I've thought of the same thing that you did.
I also thought of one more thing, has anyone ever used Trex like decking material for a board fence? The redwood we get for fencing is not the best quality, it dries out like a cinder in the hot So Cal sun. I've wondered if I can get the look of a board fence with the longevity of some type of artificial material. Anyone out there ever done that? Pro deck?
I'm not sure the rotating wood sleeve is a problem. Initially it is, but once you fasten the rails and pickets in place, doesn't that keep them in line?
Do it right, or do it twice.
good point. So the main issue if you went with a strap type method would be to simply assure that the wood post remains in its vertical position adjacent to the steel post. I wonder if simply using galvanized pipe strapping to lash the wood post to the steel would be adequate and long lasting? This would certainly be easy.
Just put in 120 feet last week. Go to any fence supplier. They have galvinized brackets look like this -0- that goe over the steel post and have steel "ears" upon which 2x4 stringers are carriage bolted. The cedar is then nailed to the stringers. Hard work, but fairly simple.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934