Quail Fence

You'll need intermediate woodworking skills and a few power tools -- as well as plenty of time -- to comlete this fence. Each picket includes several intricate cuts. Preassemble as many components as you can in your basement, garage, or workshop. Then, move outside, set the posts and fasten everything together.

• Jigsaw or scroll saw
• Circular, table, or radial-arm saw
• Router
• Drill
• 60- and 100-grit sandpaper
• Framing square
• Level
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Posthole digger

For one fence section 6 feet 7-1/2 inches long, including posts, you'll need:

Note: Letters refer to diagram on the following page.

• 2 6x6x56-inch cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated posts. (Add the depth of the frost line in your region to the length if you'll be setting the posts in concrete.) (A)
• 2x8 rot-resistant lumber (one 15-inch length for post caps (B)
• 2 decorative finials (C)
• 2x4 rot-resistant lumber (one 8-foot length for end boards (D))
• 2x3-inch rot-resistant lumber (two 8-foot lengths for rails (E))
• 1x4 rot-resistant lumber (three 8-foot lengths for spacers (F))
• 1x8 rot-resistant lumber (four 10-foot lengths for pickets (G))
• Scrap of 1/4-inch plywood (for quail template)
• Water-resistant adhesive
• Zinc-plated screws
• Galvanized nails
• Premixed concrete