Replies

1. 
   Mongo | Mar 24, 2014 11:35am | #1

   App

   I'm not aware of an app.

   Local code and the fence design will help dictate post size and hole depth for frost heave and wind loading (blow over) protection. ie, a solid tall privacy fence will have more wind loading than a picket fence.

   While there may be an online app, your better bet for design may just be to look online at existing fences online and see which designs appeal to you, and which styles fit your house or property.

   For gates, and this does depend on the gate design, the one thing I prefer is a diagonal brace going from the bottom hinge side of the gate to the upper latch side. That diagonal brace will be in compression and help prevent gate sag.

   As a homeowner, I'd never want a painted fence due to maintenance. If cedar (or equivalent) I'd prefer to let it weather naturally. That natural versus a painted finish look can depend on the style and location, etc. If I needed a color, I'd prefer to use a stain or even a solid-body stain versus a paint.

   I use stainless fasteners with cedar and redwood, etc. If PT, use the proper fastners.

   For auto-closing gates, I usually use something like the Kant-Slam gate closer.

   So I really haven't answered your question regarding a design app, but instead just listed a few preferences I have regarding fences and gates.

1. 
   john7g | Mar 25, 2014 06:01pm | #2

   >I prefer is a diagonal brace

   >I prefer is a diagonal brace going from the bottom hinge side of the gate to the upper latch side. That diagonal brace will be in compression and help prevent gate sag.<

   And it's been my observation that the gate assmebly won't warp out of plane as much with the diagonal in compression like you suggest. 

2. 
   francesscca | Mar 26, 2014 04:42am | #3

   App

   Thanks for your reply and very interesting sugesstion! :)

   But it's true, I still lokk for apps or computer programms enabling design fence and gate.

   I've found one app-iFence. Have you ever heard about it? It looks promising because lets me overlay created project on the top of my house. Really useful function for me!

    

2. 
   deadnuts | May 18, 2014 05:06pm | #4

   Google Sketch up. It's free.. You can also import photos of existing conditions to work with your sketch up drawings.