A resourceful woman in the UK has shared her experience of being quoted a staggering £10,000 for a privacy fence in her back garden, prompting her to take matters into her own hands and build it herself on a budget. Celene Francis, a 25-year-old resident of a council house, has been gaining attention on social media for her cheap but stylish home renovations. She recently showcased her garden’s transformation, which included the construction of a privacy fence that cost her a mere £600. By doing the job herself, Celene managed to save an impressive £9,400.
Celene documented the entire process of building the fence on TikTok, where she goes by the username @61thecouncilhouse. In her video, she explains that she was quoted over £10,000 for the project, leading her to take on the challenge herself. The short clip shows Celene diligently working on the fence, while providing step-by-step instructions for viewers who may want to try a similar DIY project.
To begin, Celene advises digging holes approximately two feet deep for each fence post. She then suggests using one slat to measure the distance between each post, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Celene emphasizes the importance of using a spirit level to ensure the posts are level. For the gaps between the slats, she recommends turning one slat on its side and placing it on the bottom slat as a spacer. Celene then demonstrates how to build up the fence using this method.
As she reaches the top of the fence, Celene advises cutting off any excess post length based on the desired height. She also suggests adding a vertical slab of wood to cover the joints where the screws are located, creating a neater appearance. If the wood used is untreated, Celene recommends treating it with paint or varnish to protect it from the elements. However, she notes that treated wood is more expensive, so the choice depends on one’s budget.
In the final part of the video, Celene proudly showcases her finished fence and expresses her hope that viewers will like it. The TikTok clip has garnered nearly 20,000 views, along with 658 likes, 8 comments, 246 saves, and 44 shares. Social media users have been impressed by Celene’s DIY skills, with many leaving positive comments about the fence’s appearance.
Celene’s cost-effective and visually appealing privacy fence serves as an inspiration for those looking to transform their outdoor spaces without breaking the bank. Her resourcefulness and determination have not only saved her a significant amount of money but have also garnered praise from the online community.