I'm installing a timber post & rail fence and wondering whether to go to the trouble of a scarf joint or whether a butt joint will be just as strong and look good? Timber is treated pine 150mm*40mm and I'm putting up 2 rails at 2.5m spacing fixed (nailed) to 125mm round posts at heights 0.5m & 1m per rail. Thanks.
2007-11-08 10:19:14 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Assuming you're fastening each rail end to the post (as opposed to joining two rails to one another between posts) a butt joint will be fine. The advantage to a scarf joint is not necessarily strength, but the fact that when the wood shrinks, it does not open the joint. In essence all you're nails are doing is holding up a board - not too taxing on the joint.
2007-11-08 10:51:32 · answer #1 · answered by edkerns1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
scarf will look better by far. Butt joints will save time . It is really up to you, I use scarf Joints saves me wishing I had later on.
2007-11-09 06:33:40 · answer #2 · answered by exige 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No offense meant but after installing MILES of fencing, WHY would you consider SCARF???
It works for interior casement molding; etc. ; but I assume your notion for fencing needs to have more strength and stability?
Not wanting to convert M to ft., why not adjust POST distance to available OTHER material...or Vice versa to do the Centering of BUTT joints?
Perhaps this is just the ignorant ramblings of an old man, and not knowing at all if this is supposed to be functional fencing, or aesthetic; I'd still question "Scarf."
Steven Wolf
2007-11-08 10:55:48 · answer #3 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
id just butt joint it...as previously mentioned a scarf is usually done on mouldings,dados or skirting,for a proffessional seamless look,cant see the point messing about when the butt will look just as good on your fencing. but hey its your fence,do what you see fit.
2007-11-08 18:16:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-01-26 00:20:35 · answer #5 · answered by Danny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really want to consider scarf joining? Good luck!
2007-11-08 10:52:31 · answer #6 · answered by rico3151 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mortise the post's and adz the ends of the rails to fit half way or thereabouts into the mortise's. use rails of no more than 10ft/ 3m in length, to prevent to much sagging between posts over the years....
2007-11-08 23:37:07 · answer #7 · answered by crazy_gang1843 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for the scarfe joint...looks more professional
2007-11-08 23:06:02 · answer #8 · answered by boy boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both joints can be as big as you like this will take the strain better make it stronger.glue and screw is a strong bond.
2007-11-08 10:31:47 · answer #9 · answered by country bumpkin [sheep nurse] 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋