![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wambamfence.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/DSCN0495.jpg\" "\\"DSCN0495\\"")
<\/a>MacGreggor, aka “The Boss”<\/p><\/div>\n
Having installed a few fences in my day, I really did not look forward to installing another one.\u00a0 From cyclone, split rail, and privacy panels, I could see my entire summer pass in front of my eyes.\u00a0 Several years ago, I installed white vinyl railing around my deck.\u00a0 Therefore, I wanted something to match and blend in.<\/p>\n
I began by reviewing online offerings at national box stores.\u00a0 Options were clearly available, but I was not impressed.\u00a0 A search of local installers followed resulting in possibilities but with a hefty price tag.\u00a0 Finally, I searched online for something \u201cnew and truly innovative.\u201d\u00a0 Most search results offered the same-old-same-old.<\/p>\n
Research Complete<\/strong><\/p>\n Looking over product offerings did not indicate a clear winner but looking at installation techniques did.\u00a0 There was this company in North Carolina claiming to have the better way of installing fencing\u2026\u2026”RIGHT<\/strong>!” I understand marketing so the claim of ease of installation was taken with a few grains of salt, several shots of tequila, and followed by a quick suck on a lime.<\/p>\n I read over the information available on the WamBam web site, not once, but several times.\u00a0 My feelings were reserved on the claim, \u201cThe only fence that\u2019s fun to install.\u201d\u00a0 At 61, I have been dragged around the block a few times, and once thought that it would fun to own a bridge AND ocean property that had a nice view of land.\u00a0 But fence that was fun to install?\u00a0 Whoever wrote this must have done the ads for \u201ccaveman insurance.\u201d\u00a0 Fun is sitting on the deck with a few six-packs and watching someone else install their fence.<\/p>\n Convenience ME!<\/strong><\/p>\n I sent an email requesting information on the Simple Simon fence style.\u00a0 A prompt and informative response from Denise suggested that I might want to consider the Even Stephen style.\u00a0 With continued skepticism, (over ease of installation) I did a design and created a materials list all the while receiving the look of \u201cWhere is my fence?\u201d from The Boss.<\/p>\n I then called WamBam\u2019s office to obtain information on how to make modifications to the gates I would need for the project.\u00a0 I was directed to Stephen who asked all the right questions and indicated that I, with the right tools, could make the modifications.<\/p>\n \u00a0I reflected on my options.\u00a0 Purchase local, have it installed, and pay 60% more for labor.\u00a0 Purchase local and install myself by digging holes and planting poles in concrete.\u00a0 Or, take a leap of faith and try the new guy. I emailed my design and parts list to Stephen; he quoted me a price and said to let him know what I thought.\u00a0 I called and placed an order with the new guy.<\/p>\n The fence arrived and I was looking at this!<\/p><\/div>\n Thoughtfully packaged and shipped, but ouch, my aching back\u2026\u00a0 I then questioned my sanity for not taking option 1.\u00a0 But I immediately set to task and moved the boxes to the backyard, and then retired to my deck with a few cold-and-wet cans of one of my favorite beverages.<\/p>\n \u00a0Several days earlier, I had received a package from WamBam containing a clip to help self-install the leveling donuts, installation instructions, and a booklet on \u201cMurphy\u2019s Law.\u201d\u00a0 I only scanned the materials then, but now I would attempt to wrap my head around the project while I could now lick, hold, and see the materials.\u00a0 To my surprise, the processes and steps were clearly organized and followed the same principles of any other fence installation BUT<\/strong>\u00a0without digging (still skeptical).<\/p>\n \u00a0The Murphy\u2019s Laws* booklet included some advice about NOT<\/strong> using dynamite!\u00a0 Really\u2026 anyone who has installed fencing knows that blasting is not only fun, but is better than breaking one\u2019s back with digging.\u00a0 The problem is post 911 this stuff is no longer available at the local feed-and-grain store.\u00a0 I also could not find any military grade materials online.\u00a0 But, should I encounter any potential \u201cback breaking\u201d obstacles, I could always improvise.\u00a0 I did not watch all of the episodes of \u201cMacgyver\u201d for nothing and July 4 provided an abundance of raw materials.<\/p>\n In the beginning\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The photographs above visually display the beginning.<\/p>\n Laying out the installation<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, The Boss is in my office chair!<\/p><\/div>\n Notes-to-Self<\/strong><\/p>\n REAL men\u00a0do not\u00a0<\/strong>read or take installation instructions seriously because they:<\/p>\n The pictures demonstrate how I ran my string line, measured off distances, placed the post holders in the ground, and then simply inserted the pipes into the holders to get a picture of what I was doing and where I would go.\u00a0 The rough outline allowed several small design changes that enhanced installation and aesthetics.<\/p>\n All the while, the pressure from The Boss was mounting and I was stressed out from the constant stare.<\/p>\n The FUN Begins!<\/strong><\/p>\n Note the position of The Boss when the real work is taking place!<\/p><\/div>\n With all planning finalized, I began driving the posts.\u00a0 Using the Basic Betty Post Pounder, I easily drove the posts into place.\u00a0 This should not be confused to mean that I did not experience rock issues or correct for level.<\/p>\n When pounding began, a rhythm took over.\u00a0 Since \u201creal\u201d men do not read instructions, and yes there is a warning in the instructions to be careful, be warned least Basic Betty is directed toward one\u2019s head.\u00a0 When the post\u2019s height just slips under your reach, and Betty no longer has contact with the post, steel and bone will meet.\u00a0 The black-and-blue knot on my forehead had a face under it for about a week.\u00a0 Fool me once, shame on you\u2026well it happened a second time when I was kneeling during the final strokes, BUT this time I drove Betty down on my thigh, now shame on me!<\/p>\n Installing Rails<\/strong><\/p>\n Since my installation was designed in two unconnected segments, I chose to complete the small segment that included one of the two gates.<\/p><\/div>\n I hate to waste anything, and yes, I turn all precious liquid containers bottom up to drain all the \u201cnectar of the gods” out. \u00a0So, I cut apart the shipping skids and created spacers to demonstrate spacing before making final installation of rails.\u00a0 What this enabled me to do was once again modify my installation to ensure a continued professional look to the project.\u00a0 Here you can see the beginning of the changes as I modified the design to include 4-rails per post.\u00a0 The Even Stephen style is supplied with 3-rails per post.\u00a0 When installing the post with the gate, I discovered that 4-rails would enable me to:<\/p>\n Post heights have not been modified at this point so that I could ensure a symmetrical and aesthetically professional finish.<\/p>\n Additional Modifications<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The pictures indicate one change in plans.<\/p><\/div>\n Looking to keep an esthetically pleasing look, I made additional modifications and moved from 4 to 5-rails in certain areas in the largest segment. Yes, this did result in a shortage of rails and I did incur additional cost, but the result was so worth it.\u00a0 After all, I made a substantial savings by not buying local and electing self-installation.<\/p>\n 3-rail to 4-5ail and then to 5-rail design change<\/p><\/div>\n These photos demonstrate the rationale for using 5-rails in one part of the fence design, 4, and 3-rails in a few others.\u00a0 My slope was such that this enabled me to maintain a professional look!\u00a0 Is this possible?<\/p>\n Almost There!<\/strong><\/p>\n Being pleased that The Boss could not \u201cleave the building\u201d (sorry to all Elvis fans), and appearances were symmetrical and professional looking, I began utilizing the supplied fasteners.\u00a0 When looking at the materials, I was unsure of the look and stability of the long screws.\u00a0 Yes\u2026. I continued to be a skeptic.\u00a0 However, I found out in the completion of the small section:<\/p>\n The Completed Project<\/strong><\/p>\n Final View?<\/strong><\/p>\n Not quite…<\/p><\/div>\n WELLLLL\u2026\u2026.. NO! I am sorry, but I will have to append that later.\u00a0 I am looking at landscaping and have thoughts on lighting using LED\u2019s.\u00a0 This is at the planning stage and I have thoughts of how to use the cut off vinyl posts to create lighting that also ties into lighting installed into the top of the posts.\u00a0 I do hate wasting anything.<\/p>\n Parting Thoughts!<\/strong><\/p>\n I emailed Stephen during day 2 that:<\/p>\n Total time from receiving materials to demonstrated completion was just 2 weeks.\u00a0 HOWEVER, the time included:<\/p>\n 1) Ordering and receiving an additional rail section<\/p>\n 2) Spending time with The Boss on the deck, where I enjoyed partaking of Johnny Buffet\u2019s\u2026I mean Jimmy Buffet\u2019s favorite beverage.\u00a0 I did tack actual time at 30-hours, this included approximately 6 hours of thought and redesign.<\/p>\n Overall, I am extremely impressed.\u00a0 I experienced a company whose ads \u201ctold it like it is.\u201d\u00a0 The hype that I considered brag was not. \u00a0It was just plain fact. \u00a0And this was quite refreshing.”<\/p>\n What does The Boss think?<\/strong><\/p>\n If he’s even half as impressed as we are, he’s thrilled! Great job, John!<\/p>\n\n\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\n
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