Dear James: I have always wanted a decorative picket fence around the front of my house. I want to build it myself so that I can afford it. Please give me some design and construction tips. -- Barb N.

In the July 1994 issue, Popular Mechanics published a timeless how-to on making your own picket fence. We've updated the approach since then, but many of the ideas, tactics, and tools remain the same ...

Person nailing pickets to the rails of a privacy fence - Photovs/Getty Images Whether you have a dog that wants to bark at everything that happens in the adjoining yards or simply want a visual ...

Of all the things you might do to dress up your landscape, few have as much impact as adding a fence. And if it's a picket fence, your yard suddenly takes on a charm and character that's right up ...

Which picket fence is best? The right picket fence can add a personal touch to your front or backyard while deterring unwanted animals such as dogs or even deer from entering. It can also keep pets ...

Kind of an uppity fence, but depending on the right wood you could find one that’s more down to earth. Si down that it’s partly in the earth, because it’s a fence. The most popular timbers for picket ...

Studies show that a fence is one of the first home improvement purchases made when people move into a house. They’re easy to install and come in a variety of materials. But what’s the best type of ...

Wooden-paneled ceilings can be a beautiful way to make your room seem larger and your ceilings higher by adding extra interest up top that draws the eye. In a world of bare and cookie-cutter ceilings, ...

Desperado, you’ve been out ridin’ fences for far too long so check out the 5 easiest fences to install yourself. I have a friend who sings that song so beautifully; he’s a little 28-year-old ...