OT: DIY

[trwi7]

For real though, I just don't see the big deal with somebody occasionally being able to see into your yard. Of course, I grew up in a house without a fence surrounded by 3 other houses so I'm used to it.

[AussieBuck]

For real though, I just don't see the big deal with somebody occasionally being able to see into your yard. Of course, I grew up in a house without a fence surrounded by 3 other houses so I'm used to it.

I guess a part of it is that it's likely rentals and could be any old randoms plus privacy is something I'm used to in my backyard and I payed a **** to have that yard and plan on spending a lot of time in it.

[AussieBuck]

Not sure what Dr. Suess like foliage grows in Australia, but here, some nice tall arbor vitae would do the trick. Or just lay out naked for a few days. They'd probably make some adjustments.

Good call, we have them, I'm not a huge fan of the look but can't argue with the speed of growth.

[stellation]

So I just noticed this unit being built next door to my new place has a non-frosted window that will overlook my entire backyard. I measured it after the workers left for the day and it's just far enough away from the fence to be legal. I'll need an extra metre and a half (5 feet) on top of the fence if I want complete privacy.

Spoiler:

Hedge? Trees? Bamboo?

That blows, dude.

Is it a 6 foot fence? Layering can be really effective- so hedge or bamboo on the fence line, then a tree or two slightly in from it. You should be able to see the line of sight to work out how high your tree would need to be. We've grown bamboo for use around the yard (if you have a vege garden it's great for making supports for things like tomatoes or trying to grow pumpkins vertically) and it does grow a lot quicker than a normal hedge, but it will be more a filter than a full screen so whacking something extra in would help.

If you want to go productive, you could maybe go with bamboo at 500 mm in from the fence line then a couple of evergreen fruit trees at 1500mm if you have the room? The bamboo would grow fairly quickly and filter the view, if you went with a couple of oranges they'd actually cover a fair whack when grown (which would take a littlewhile)- we've bought trees from this place and everything has lived happily, Seville would be almost perfect all rounder for kid friendly eating in a couple of years as well as being able to grow large enough for privacy.

[Pachinko_]

my place has some pretty tall and fluffy cypresses (you need a fire engine ladder to reach the top), but I have no idea how long they take to grow
get something that doesnt shed or you'll be forever cleaning gutters

[AussieBuck]

So I just noticed this unit being built next door to my new place has a non-frosted window that will overlook my entire backyard. I measured it after the workers left for the day and it's just far enough away from the fence to be legal. I'll need an extra metre and a half (5 feet) on top of the fence if I want complete privacy.

Spoiler:

Hedge? Trees? Bamboo?

That blows, dude.

Is it a 6 foot fence? Layering can be really effective- so hedge or bamboo on the fence line, then a tree or two slightly in from it. You should be able to see the line of sight to work out how high your tree would need to be. We've grown bamboo for use around the yard (if you have a vege garden it's great for making supports for things like tomatoes or trying to grow pumpkins vertically) and it does grow a lot quicker than a normal hedge, but it will be more a filter than a full screen so whacking something extra in would help.

If you want to go productive, you could maybe go with bamboo at 500 mm in from the fence line then a couple of evergreen fruit trees at 1500mm if you have the room? The bamboo would grow fairly quickly and filter the view, if you went with a couple of oranges they'd actually cover a fair whack when grown (which would take a littlewhile)- we've bought trees from this place and everything has lived happily, Seville would be almost perfect all rounder for kid friendly eating in a couple of years as well as being able to grow large enough for privacy.

I've already fallen in love with the bamboo idea after a little research. Plus I live in a very Asian area so it will fit in. I was planning on fruit trees on the other side of the yard but behind the bamboo might be an option.

[stellation]

So I just noticed this unit being built next door to my new place has a non-frosted window that will overlook my entire backyard. I measured it after the workers left for the day and it's just far enough away from the fence to be legal. I'll need an extra metre and a half (5 feet) on top of the fence if I want complete privacy.

Spoiler:

Hedge? Trees? Bamboo?

That blows, dude.

Is it a 6 foot fence? Layering can be really effective- so hedge or bamboo on the fence line, then a tree or two slightly in from it. You should be able to see the line of sight to work out how high your tree would need to be. We've grown bamboo for use around the yard (if you have a vege garden it's great for making supports for things like tomatoes or trying to grow pumpkins vertically) and it does grow a lot quicker than a normal hedge, but it will be more a filter than a full screen so whacking something extra in would help.

If you want to go productive, you could maybe go with bamboo at 500 mm in from the fence line then a couple of evergreen fruit trees at 1500mm if you have the room? The bamboo would grow fairly quickly and filter the view, if you went with a couple of oranges they'd actually cover a fair whack when grown (which would take a littlewhile)- we've bought trees from this place and everything has lived happily, Seville would be almost perfect all rounder for kid friendly eating in a couple of years as well as being able to grow large enough for privacy.

I've already fallen in love with the bamboo idea after a little research. Plus I live in a very Asian area so it will fit in. I was planning on fruit trees on the other side of the yard but behind the bamboo might be an option.

Choose your bamboo carefully, and be mindful popping it near the fence- I think it's a good idea and can look great, but it can spread like wild fire and I wouldn't be surprised if you found your fence getting lifted up by a couple of bits that have sprouted whilst you weren't looking! It grows from a rhizome so can be really easy to miss, this link has some pretty useful info on considerations on how to control it, it's not all that hard to be able to do but definitely one of those things that a bit of thinking/prep beforehand would make your life a lot easier along the way. I really like the sand trap idea.

[AussieBuck]

Oh, yeah the last house I had contained bamboo when I bought it. Learned the differences between the clumping varieties and evil spreading stuff. I wouldn't ever try to contain the running root stuff.

[Gianstoppable]

I have a pretty big black walnut tree well I do like it for some shade I hate the walnuts all over my yard. Such a pain for mowing and raking. I have heard some pepole say something companies will remove the tree for free or even pay you since black walnut is good wood. Anyone ever have one removed?

[Thunder Muscle]

Anybody have experience converting a wood deck to composite? If so, was it tricky/difficult? We have about a 16x16 deck maybe 2-3' off ground that I'm getting sick of staining and some boards could afford to be replaced. It seems like replacing the decking would be pretty straight forward (joist/base structure is in good shape). I've done some DIY and am eager to do more but would be my biggest project to date. So just curious if anyone has any experience.

[Finn]

Assuming your structure is to code, it's a simple one-for-one swap. Worst part will be removing your old decking if the boards are screwed down or nailed with spiral nails. You do want your structure to code as composite isn't structural so watch out for your spans (joists 16" o.c.).

[Gianstoppable]

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Parks-1-qt-Gloss-Super-Glaze-Finish-and-Preservative-241352/202056337?MERCH=REC-_-mobileweb_pip_rr-1-_-203279056-_-202056337-_-N

3 coats. At least 3 days between coats.

You can put stuff under this but it may kind of change the color of it. Laminating not a bad idea, but never tried it

I did the first coat, looks great a couple really small dimples nobody notices but me. Do I really need more coats? I looked online and some people say the 2nd coat doesn't cure as well, if it is needed do I need to scratch it up before putting it on or just clean it really well? The only thing I did notice is my neighbor put some glasses on the bar for me and there were a couple really small marks you can only see in the right light, planning on people using coasters anyway.


Another project, floor epoxy for the bar. Looking at rust-o-leum line for a garage. Heard it's good to use the speckles for more grip. Has anyone used this before?

[Gianstoppable]

Anyone have a fieldstone basement? I am debating about repointing my basement walls, they all look like they are pretty sturdy but it just seems like some of the mortar is coming out in some spots. I also think I might end up putting a waterproof seal with a couple coats of cement based watercoating. I would like to brighten up the basement a bit and keep the musty smell that can occur at times.

Also, the old floor we have has a very think level of concrete, which is breaking away in spots, was wondering if it would be smart to just clean it really well and start pouring small areas at a time. Any ideas?

[bizarro]

So I just noticed this unit being built next door to my new place has a non-frosted window that will overlook my entire backyard. I measured it after the workers left for the day and it's just far enough away from the fence to be legal. I'll need an extra metre and a half (5 feet) on top of the fence if I want complete privacy.

Spoiler:

Hedge? Trees? Bamboo?

That blows, dude.

Is it a 6 foot fence? Layering can be really effective- so hedge or bamboo on the fence line, then a tree or two slightly in from it. You should be able to see the line of sight to work out how high your tree would need to be. We've grown bamboo for use around the yard (if you have a vege garden it's great for making supports for things like tomatoes or trying to grow pumpkins vertically) and it does grow a lot quicker than a normal hedge, but it will be more a filter than a full screen so whacking something extra in would help.

If you want to go productive, you could maybe go with bamboo at 500 mm in from the fence line then a couple of evergreen fruit trees at 1500mm if you have the room? The bamboo would grow fairly quickly and filter the view, if you went with a couple of oranges they'd actually cover a fair whack when grown (which would take a littlewhile)- we've bought trees from this place and everything has lived happily, Seville would be almost perfect all rounder for kid friendly eating in a couple of years as well as being able to grow large enough for privacy.

I've already fallen in love with the bamboo idea after a little research. Plus I live in a very Asian area so it will fit in. I was planning on fruit trees on the other side of the yard but behind the bamboo might be an option.

You are going to want Phylostacchys variety bamboos - they grow absurdly tall in temperate regions. You actually want running bamboos for a dense hedge and it's actually quite easy to maintain w/out rhizome barriers. You simply dig a small trench all the way around the island of bamboo - the bamboo is ideally on a slightly raised berm - and you clip out any new rhizomatic growth a couple times a year. As to fruit trees behind the bamboo: no bueno. They won't receive enough sun to produce any fruit.

[Treebeard]

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Parks-1-qt-Gloss-Super-Glaze-Finish-and-Preservative-241352/202056337?MERCH=REC-_-mobileweb_pip_rr-1-_-203279056-_-202056337-_-N

3 coats. At least 3 days between coats.

You can put stuff under this but it may kind of change the color of it. Laminating not a bad idea, but never tried it

Check the temperature limitations too. Some stuff doesn'the dry as well with cooler temps

[Lippo]

So I just noticed this unit being built next door to my new place has a non-frosted window that will overlook my entire backyard. I measured it after the workers left for the day and it's just far enough away from the fence to be legal. I'll need an extra metre and a half (5 feet) on top of the fence if I want complete privacy.

Spoiler:

Hedge? Trees? Bamboo?

That blows, dude.

Is it a 6 foot fence? Layering can be really effective- so hedge or bamboo on the fence line, then a tree or two slightly in from it. You should be able to see the line of sight to work out how high your tree would need to be. We've grown bamboo for use around the yard (if you have a vege garden it's great for making supports for things like tomatoes or trying to grow pumpkins vertically) and it does grow a lot quicker than a normal hedge, but it will be more a filter than a full screen so whacking something extra in would help.

If you want to go productive, you could maybe go with bamboo at 500 mm in from the fence line then a couple of evergreen fruit trees at 1500mm if you have the room? The bamboo would grow fairly quickly and filter the view, if you went with a couple of oranges they'd actually cover a fair whack when grown (which would take a littlewhile)- we've bought trees from this place and everything has lived happily, Seville would be almost perfect all rounder for kid friendly eating in a couple of years as well as being able to grow large enough for privacy.

Buy a billboard , I think theres one around that say " Winning Takes Balls" that you could get for cheap.

[AussieBuck]

That blows, dude.

Is it a 6 foot fence? Layering can be really effective- so hedge or bamboo on the fence line, then a tree or two slightly in from it. You should be able to see the line of sight to work out how high your tree would need to be. We've grown bamboo for use around the yard (if you have a vege garden it's great for making supports for things like tomatoes or trying to grow pumpkins vertically) and it does grow a lot quicker than a normal hedge, but it will be more a filter than a full screen so whacking something extra in would help.

If you want to go productive, you could maybe go with bamboo at 500 mm in from the fence line then a couple of evergreen fruit trees at 1500mm if you have the room? The bamboo would grow fairly quickly and filter the view, if you went with a couple of oranges they'd actually cover a fair whack when grown (which would take a littlewhile)- we've bought trees from this place and everything has lived happily, Seville would be almost perfect all rounder for kid friendly eating in a couple of years as well as being able to grow large enough for privacy.

I've already fallen in love with the bamboo idea after a little research. Plus I live in a very Asian area so it will fit in. I was planning on fruit trees on the other side of the yard but behind the bamboo might be an option.

You are going to want Phylostacchys variety bamboos - they grow absurdly tall in temperate regions. You actually want running bamboos for a dense hedge and it's actually quite easy to maintain w/out rhizome barriers. You simply dig a small trench all the way around the island of bamboo - the bamboo is ideally on a slightly raised berm - and you clip out any new rhizomatic growth a couple times a year. As to fruit trees behind the bamboo: no bueno. They won't receive enough sun to produce any fruit.

I built my garden beds and got clumping bamboo that grows to about 6 metres. I'll take pictures in a few months once they've done some growing.

[stellation]

That blows, dude.

Is it a 6 foot fence? Layering can be really effective- so hedge or bamboo on the fence line, then a tree or two slightly in from it. You should be able to see the line of sight to work out how high your tree would need to be. We've grown bamboo for use around the yard (if you have a vege garden it's great for making supports for things like tomatoes or trying to grow pumpkins vertically) and it does grow a lot quicker than a normal hedge, but it will be more a filter than a full screen so whacking something extra in would help.

If you want to go productive, you could maybe go with bamboo at 500 mm in from the fence line then a couple of evergreen fruit trees at 1500mm if you have the room? The bamboo would grow fairly quickly and filter the view, if you went with a couple of oranges they'd actually cover a fair whack when grown (which would take a littlewhile)- we've bought trees from this place and everything has lived happily, Seville would be almost perfect all rounder for kid friendly eating in a couple of years as well as being able to grow large enough for privacy.

I've already fallen in love with the bamboo idea after a little research. Plus I live in a very Asian area so it will fit in. I was planning on fruit trees on the other side of the yard but behind the bamboo might be an option.

You are going to want Phylostacchys variety bamboos - they grow absurdly tall in temperate regions. You actually want running bamboos for a dense hedge and it's actually quite easy to maintain w/out rhizome barriers. You simply dig a small trench all the way around the island of bamboo - the bamboo is ideally on a slightly raised berm - and you clip out any new rhizomatic growth a couple times a year. As to fruit trees behind the bamboo: no bueno. They won't receive enough sun to produce any fruit.

I guess it just depends on the orientation, buggalugs should be able to get fruit whilst shy of full sun in his zone.

[Pachinko_]

slightly OT
My japanese maple is starting to grow, I love that thing



when I planted it last summer it was about a foot short of the fence top


slightly more on topic, this the second weekend into my shed build:



picked up this used mitre saw from ebay, it really speeds things up

[bizarro]

slightly OT
My japanese maple is starting to grow, I love that thing



when I planted it last summer it was about a foot short of the fence top


slightly more on topic, this the second weekend into my shed build:



picked up this used mitre saw from ebay, it really speeds things up

Man, there is an epic Japanes Maple growing in NE Portland just north of Tabor Park...I'd never seen anything like it. It is fairly massive and dangles 10's of feet over and along a basalt (from the dormant volcano at Tabor) wall. Enjoy! I've come to love these trees as well and there's various different expressions. There shape really reminds me of the Eastern dogwood (Cornus Florida) in shape and growth habit - though vastly different in other ways.

Mitre saws kick ass. Indispensable when you start framing.