VEGIE GARDEN FENCE

Make a feature of your home-growing space – and keep it protected from kids and pets – with this neat DIY enclosure

Tools & materials

nSafety equipment (gloves, mask, ear and eye protection) n Tape measure and pencil n Hammer n Guiding steel posts n Stringline n Post hole digger n Paintbrush n Spirit level n Shovel n Old wheelbarrow or bucket n Circular saw n Chisel n Hammer n Sawhorse table n Drill with driver bit n Bolt cutters n Gate n Fluoro spray paint n Timber posts n Bitumen paint n Timber framing n Concrete n Nails n Galvanised timber screws n Wire mesh n Saddle clips n Hinges n Gate latch

Keep in mind…

n Check the location of underground pipes, cables and utilities before you dig to avoid damaging them. Visit Before You Dig at byda.com.au.

n When painting, or using power tools to cut timber, wear safety gear (mask, ear and eye protection, gloves), follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and work in a well-ventilated area.

n Always wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost.

1 Measure the gate and mark where you want the opening, adding about 20mm to allow for gate hardware. Work out post spacing and mark post positions with spray paint.

Mr Pickets ‘Closed Arch’ 1500mm x 900mm cypress pine gate. 3m x 90mm x 90mm DAR cypress F7 posts•. 1.8m x 90mm x 45mm MGP10

H3 treated pine outdoor framing•. All painted in Dulux ‘Weathershield’ low sheen exterior paint in Black Caviar, $59.50/1L, I/N: 0144822. RapidMesh 180cm x 120cm, 100mm x 100mm x 5mm wire mesh panels in Silver, $89.24 each, I/N: 0082432

2 Insert guiding steel posts at each post position and use stringline to create a straight border. Dig the holes for your posts – they need to be 600mm deep and 300mm wide.

3 Seal post ends with bitumen paint. When dry, put the first and last posts in the ground, lined up with the stringline. Use a spirit level to get them plumb and brace to hold in position.

4 To ensure the posts stay straight, nail on temporary rails for support. Next, insert middle posts and attach to support rails, using the spirit level to make sure they’re plumb.

5 Mix the concrete and pour into the post holes. Before it sets, double check all posts are level and plumb. Leave concrete to dry overnight, then remove temporary rails.

6 Cut posts to desired height and mark points where rails will lock into the posts and sit flush. Leave enough space on the end of the gate post to hide the end of the rail.

7 To cut checkouts in the posts to fit the rails, set your saw to the rail depth and make multiple cuts. Knock these out with a chisel and hammer. Cut rails to fit then screw in place.

8 Cut wire mesh panels to size with bolt cutters – they should be roughly the same height as the posts. Attach to the rails with saddle clips.

9 Mount hinges on gate rails and screw on to post, ensuring gate opens smoothly. Screw on latch and striker, closing the gate to line them up first.

Add serious kerb appeal, and a comfy place for a cuppa, with this weekend DIY project