The Fence Post

Medieval Times and "Withies"

Wattle fences may be one of the oldest types of fencing still in use today. They were used in England long before Medieval times. Traditionally the fences are built from straight, slender, flexible suckers or saplings of the willow tree up to 1½" diameter. After the leaves are stripped, the ”withies” are woven between upright wood posts. Willow is an ideal wood because it is pliable and resists splintering. Other species, such as alder, can also be used. A good resource is "How To Build A Wattle Fence" from the Alaska Botanical Garden or have a look at this helpful video:

Benefits, Uses 

Wattle fences are very strong and long-lasting. Willow posts often take root in the ground creating a living fence, perfect for containing animals and enclosing gardens and orchards. And the density of the fence makes an ideal windbreak.

 The rustic, handwoven appearance of wattle fencing adds an attractive defining touch to any yard, garden, or landscape. Some possible uses:

• arches
• towers
• trellises
• plant supports
• garden accents
• hurdles or fence panels
  
• attractive garden borders to line walkways
  

Create a Unique Landscape

Wattle construction is a great way to use trimmings for fence building materials. Instead of burning or destroying branches, use them in a creative way to beautify and add interest to your landscaping. Even though willow is the ideal wood, any type of wood can be used.

What ways can you think of using a wattle fence? 

Would you want a wattle fence in your yard? Interested in other unique styles of fencing? Have a look at this blog.

Helpful Fixed Knot Technique

A video showing you the best methods and wonderful tips for installing fixed knot fence, including safety considerations.

Worm or snake fence  

• A fence, zigzag in plan, made of rails resting across one another at an angle - according to the Random House Dictionary.

This style of fencing is also known as Snake Fence, ZigZag Fence and Battlefield Fence - the latter term due to its presence on many Civil War battlefields. Worm Fence has been used in America since the 1600s. Easy to build, split wood rails are stacked on each other to create the fence. The ends of the rails alternate, creating the openings. For stability of the stacked rails, each section of fence is angled slightly from the previous one, giving the appearance of a worm or snake. Sometimes a pair of crossed posts would be used at the junction point of each section. This would allow the fence to be closer to a straight line.

No post holes and good for rocky terrain 

No vertical posts are required to build the fence--eliminating the need to dig post holes and making the fence easy to install - a particular advantage in rocky terrain. Nails and other hardware are not necessary. Such simplicity means it's repaired without difficulty and can be moved or taken down readily. 

With a rustic look

With a plentiful supply of wood and ease of construction, it is easy to understand why worm fence was the most common type of fence used in America by the late 1800s.  It is gaining popularity today for use as a rustic fence that will add to the appearance of a piece of property.

And here's a video that shows the process of creating one of these beauties:

Could be next on your list of projects?

Have you ever heard of a fence made out of papercrete?

The ingredients for papercrete--roughly.

• 30 pounds of concrete
• 18 pounds of joint compound
• 1 pound of boric acid
• 90 pounds of newspapers
• Just add water and you're good to go!

But would you really want a papercrete fence around your house?