Step 17: Attach the Cap Rail

Adding the trim to the fence
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Rip the boards to 5⅛ inches wide. Hold each board beside the posts and scribe it to length. Cut the boards to length and place them on top of the panel, edges flush with the sleeves. If the board is cupped, be sure to put that side down. Secure the boards with polyurethane construction adhesive.
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    More in Yard & Garden

    Tools List

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    • nylon mason's line and stakes
      Mason line and stakes
    • post hole digger
      Posthole digger
    • hand clamps
      Clamps
    • four-foot level
      4-foot level
    • miter saw
      Miter saw
    • pneumatic brad nailer
      Pneumatic brad nail gun
    • circular saw
      Circular saw (fitted with a rip fence)
    • drill
      Drill/driver (fitted with ⅜-inch paddle bit)

    Shopping List

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    1. 4×4 pressure-treated posts
    Get them long enough to go below the frost line; at least one-third of each post must be buried.

    2. Cedar 1×6 lumber
    To be ripped to make the post sleeves, stops, and cap rail.

    3. Cedar square lattice
    Get 4-by-8 sheets that can be cut into two panels each.

    4. Self-adhesive flashing to protect the portion of the post set in concrete.

    5. ¾-inch drainage stone

    6. Concrete
    Choose a fast-setting mix.

    7. 1¼-inch exterior grade brad nails

    8. 1⅝-inch trim-head stainless-steel deck screws

    9. 3-inch stainless-steel deck screws

    10. Polyurethane glue

    11. Polyurethane construction adhesive

    12. Painter's tape

    13. Post caps
    Get 5¼-inch post caps to fit over the sleeved 4×4 posts.