How to Build a Fence Around a Propane Tank
Often the most economical form of heat is propane. Unfortunately, the tank you store the propane in isn't aesthetically pleasing, presenting itself as a large grey blob in the landscape. Some people paint their tank to blend in, or as giant caterpillar, ear of corn or some other amusing design.
You can also bury your tank, but this may be too expensive. Many people simply erect fences, either partially or fully, around their propane tanks to hide them. The fence cannot be solid, or gases could build up in the enclosed space and explode.
Things You Will Need
- Stakes
- Hammer
- String
- Shovel
- Coarse gravel
- Premixed concrete
- Wheelbarrow
- 4-by-4-inch posts
- Level
- Lattice panels, 8-foot wide
- 3-inch galvanized deck screws
- Drill with Phillips-tip bit
Tip
Check with local regulations concerning fencing a propane tank. Some municipalities don't allow you to fence a tank at all while others only allow two sides to be fenced. If the posts don't stand upright on their own, brace them with bricks or 2-by-4-inch boards. Use a post-hole digger to reduce the amount of concrete you'll need to pour. You can trim the top of the posts off above the lattice panel if desired.
Warning
Never erect a solid wood, brick or stone fence around a propane tank as gases can build up leading to explosion.
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Put a stake at each corner or fence end along the fence line. Tie a string around each stake and use the string as a guide to run the rest of the fence posts straight. Run the fence at least 3 feet from the tank to allow for maintenance access.
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Dig 2-foot deep holes for the fence posts every 8 feet. Pour 4 inches of gravel into the bottom of the hole.
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Use a shovel to mix the concrete with water in a wheelbarrow. Add enough water that the concrete is thoroughly wet but not so much that the concrete is soupy.
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Place the fence posts into the holes and hold them upright. Fill the hole with the concrete evenly on each side. Check that the posts are vertical with the level. Allow the concrete to cure overnight.
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Insert screws half way into the lattice panel prior to holding it up to the fence. Have an assistant hold the other side up to the second post. Center the panel on both posts leaving several inches open at the bottom, check the level of the fence panel and finish inserting the screws into the posts. Repeat for all sections.
The Drip Cap
- Often the most economical form of heat is propane.
- Unfortunately, the tank you store the propane in isn't aesthetically pleasing, presenting itself as a large grey blob in the landscape.
- Add enough water that the concrete is thoroughly wet but not so much that the concrete is soupy.
- Fill the hole with the concrete evenly on each side.
- Center the panel on both posts leaving several inches open at the bottom, check the level of the fence panel and finish inserting the screws into the posts.
Resources
Writer Bio
Writing fanzine-based articles since 1985, Kasandra Rose writes and edits articles for political and health blogs and TrueBloodNet.com and has an extensive technical writing background. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Arts in biology from Wayne State University.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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