After waiting two months for a single piece of wood and refusing to pay for transport, we ended up splitting the cost from the supplier to get it, otherwise we would have to wait until next year. Delivery was as much as the piece of wood, and that was only the delivery to the shop, our tradesman had to pick it up from there - so we paid him too.
But we got it finally, so while the weather was dry for a few moments the other day, I measured and cut the support columns to the correct heights (using a laser guide for the middle ones), then yesterday cut the cross beam to the right height before it poured down and was going to screw it, but realised I didn't have long enough screws.
After spending 34€ for a packet of 80x aluminium 12cm (5 inch) screws when I only needed 10 of them, I got a patch of dry weather and started screwing it all together. I did the ends first and then tops, but that plan got nixed and I had to take it all apart again, because I couldn't get the screws through the beam from the top and they bent, as there must have been a not in the wood in that spot. So, after taking it apart and repositioning it upside down, I put the end screws in again and then screwed the middle beams in using smaller screws at a 45 degree angle. This worked and probably looks better anyway since there is no top holes.
It is strong as now.
Originally the plan was to continue the cross beam screen all the way up, but we have decided that it looks pretty good with the gap in there, as it creates some unity with some of the other parts we have built. This means that I will be able to use some of those beams to redo the gate (you can see the edge of it to the left), because it is too heavy as one piece for the poles I have sunk into the ground. It needs to be two, so that will be a new job on the list.
The pictures show both sides of the screen and as you can see, it does offer a bit of protection from the road so that when we are out there barbecuing or having some wine, we have a little bit of privacy, without it being too heavy and blocking views entirely. The gap at the top also works to lighten the space, rather than having a "solid" wall.
With the decking finished for the year and once the gate is done, I will be able to clean up the garage of screws, wood and a lot of sawdust. I haven't been a very structured or neat workman, and I have to make a few things so I can stay more organised. I don't even have a proper worktable, I am using an old, wooden garden table as my workspace, and it is Far from ideal. Still, it has been a lot of fun and with a little bit of leftover wood, I am going to build a few ramps and things for when we finally get our puppy, which (if there is a boy dog in the litter) will be toward the end of November.
I haven't had a puppy in the house for thirty years!
I want it to be a great experience for Smallsteps, so I am going to make a ramp that will also act as a bedhead onto her bed, so the little fella can climb up and stay with her at night and get down, without injury. Dachshunds are small and long, so they can have back issues if they jump from too high. This will be the first puppy for Smallsteps in her life, and I really hope that the puppy connects with her and they can be best friends for the next 15 or so years. Animals can make a home far more homely and I am looking forward to the change in dynamic.
It would be nice if the rest of life would come together as easily.
Taraz
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I came across you on Hive when you first bought this house, and were ripping stuff out of it. It's lovely to see it coming together so well. That's a very good looking privacy screen. I'm delighted you will be getting a puppy - lots to post about there. I had a dachshund, Jimmy, until a few years ago. He was a wonderful dog, who broke his back jumping off my bed. It's great you are considering that aspect of dachshunds right from the start.
:(
We had one until a few years ago too - it was a step-do for me, as it came with my wife. It was a dwarf wire-hair, but far more solid than the average dachshund. His name was Viski, which is Whisky in Finnish.
The house has changed so much, I barely remember what it was before.
I think it looks great. I understand your struggles though! I think you could have drilled a smaller pilot hole for the screw and been able to get through the knot in the wood. It probably ended up better that you had to take it apart though.
Yes - a pilot hole was my next plan once I got the screws back out. The problem was, I didn't have a thin drill bit that was anywhere near long enough! :D
Ah yeah, that makes sense.
Buying a whole packets when you need only few of them, this is dimiksr here as well till few years ago, bit now with Chinese screw available in market they are selling on pieces basis. I think they are making profits with thus...the screen looks good and sober at your place...looking forward to see some more on dachshund.. a friend on way for smallsteps.
The place sold the same size in pieces, but unfortunately they don't do the rust-free ones in all sizes, only the zinc.
I think there will be a million dog pictures when it comes! :D
Looks good, I'm not sure I like the gap at the top, but you like it and that's what counts. If you change your mind, you can always add something decorative to the top section. Do you plan to stain or paint it?
I have the bars to complete it if I want, but I think I will leave it. No, it won't be stained. It is treated wood and in a year or so, it will go a stone grey. It doesn't need extra care, other than a brush sometimes.
That will look good once it turns stone grey. Low maintenance is the way to go.
I sense you're getting more and more adept at woodworking. It looks aesthetically pleasing. It'll come in handy. Privacy is important, of course.
I've never had a pet other than a cow or chicken. I'm fond of dogs; they're quite loyal. I need to meet certain requirements to have a dog. A house with a garden. A house where I live alone. Not everyone wants to live in a house with a pet.
I think I am getting better or at least, more confident. Which might be dangerous.
I have got used to the life of a pet inside now, and with small dogs it is easy. Allergies can play a role of course, but a loved pet does make for a better home.
ooh! puppy! I remember my Brutus and also my second beagle.. Dobby. :) and ur story of the screw reminded me of when I wanted a few hair ties to carry around cuz my daughter always looking for em.. so I got a cheap pack of 100 ties on ebay. :P
Do you have a house full of hair ties in random places now? I do.
:D u know.. I don't even know where those hair ties are now. my daughter is 20 now, so she doesn't need me to carry extra stuff for her.. I miss the days when she was little... :(
This looks good for the fact that you’re not a pro at it. I like to buy items that are close to me because I always try to avoid the delivery fee. It’s kinda expensive here in Lagos.
Having a pet will be a great experience. Can’t wait for you to have a new puppy and share your experiences with us
Yeah, delivery is a killer in Finland too - and it takes a long time. I went to the local hardware store, but they aren't cheaper online after delivery anyway.
This is completely off topic but do you know any community where it would be fit to post paintings by numbers? I ordered a few sets. And I think that communities like Alien Art Hive or Sketchbook are not suitable for that.
Oh I have no idea!! Have you tried searching all the art ones?
You can also post without a community
I see. I checked the rules of those few art communities I knew and I don't think that painting by numbers belongs in them. Thank you.
I sense you're getting more and more adept at woodworking. It looks aesthetically pleasing. It'll come in handy. Privacy is important, of course.
I've never had a pet other than a cow or chicken. I'm fond of dogs; they're quite loyal. I need to meet certain requirements to have a dog. A house with a garden. A house where I live alone. Not everyone wants to live in a house with a pet.
:)