How to keep the top of the dog ear fence level when the ground slopes

fencelumber

I've been working on a privacy fence for our yard. I purchased individual 1×6 dog ear PT fence pickets and cut them accordingly to fit the contour of the yard.

However, at one point the yard slops about 4" over a 5' run making the 6' pickets too short. I don't want to slope the fence (i.e. I want the top of the fence to be level). Regrading isn't an option, so I can a) join smaller pieces with the 6' pickets I have or b) find longer pickets. I much prefer option b, but finding 8' PT pickets is proving to be pretty difficult.

What are my options for getting the 8' pickets in the same cut dimensions as the other pickets? I'm willing to cut the dog ears on the pickets, but finding pre-cut would be much easier of course.

Best Answer

You will likely have to make them out of 1"x8" x 8'. If 5 1/2" wide would work, 1x6 would need no ripping to width.

Be sure to catch table saw/miter saw dust with a shop vac and a dust mask! PT sawdust is toxic.

Be sure to use a compatible preservative on the top dog-ear cuts (where the untreated wood gets exposed). End grain is very susceptible to rot.