As fences age, they start to fall apart and generally look pretty decrepit. I found that although the boards are very old (up to 50 years in some cases), if they are made out of cedar, they can be in pretty good shape, have lots of integrity left, and can be reused for many helpful projects. Some of those follow in this instructable.

Step 1: First Project From Old Fence Boards

In this step, an old time hutch unit is built. I didn't even make plans, just figured out what I wanted and started cutting. Some boards were ripped to 2 and 1/2 inches to be used as leg stock. These were cut to 27 inches in length, 3 pieces are screwed together for each leg.

Step 2: Some Construction Details

Here I've shown some close-ups of the construction methods I used. In just a few hours of work I was able to make these very useful pieces of furniture. There are, of course, an almost unlimited number of things to be built with this lumber. And it is virtually free! I use various woodworking tools, including: table saw; miter saw; drills; pneumatic nailer, clamps, glue, etc.

Step 3: Another Project: Small Router Table

In this step, a small table is made to accommodate my router table. Following the same construction steps, this is an easily made table and takes a minimum amount of time.

Step 4: Cutoff Saw Bench

Here, a bench is made to hold my cutoff or miter saw. This is one of the most used tools I have, and is indispensible for many projects. It is very accurate in cutting angles, and I have used it a lot in framing pictures, making frames for canvas used in art work, and making other, angled cuts for various projects. (See small frame holders, fence gate, etc.)

Step 5: Fence Gate Made With Old Fence Boards

I made this gate out of reused lumber. The cross braces were cut on the miter saw. Prior to having this saw, this project would have been difficult to make.