Introduction
Setting up a wood fence may appear to be a daunting job, however, understanding the different parts of a wood fence can simplify it. In this article, we will cover several important topics on the standard components of wood fences such as posts and rails to pickets and hardware.
We’ll begin from the foundation up, starting with the groundwork before proceeding to vertical supports, horizontals, and pickets. We will also discuss some of the different types of fittings that are used in wood fencing construction.
Fence Posts
Wood fence posts are the primary structure and support of a fence and are usually made from timber. They support the major part of the structure and hold the pickets in position to form the fence. Wood fences have posts made up of wood or metal and are buried in the ground.
Wood Fence Posts
The most traditional kind of fence post is made of wood; however, the wood has to be rot resistant such as cedar or pressure-treated pine. Wood posts should be placed in holes that are twice the width of the post to accommodate concrete backfill. The holes should also be dug 6 inches deeper than the planned height of the post because the post bottom will be set in the gravel.
For instance, if you would like your post to go 6 feet high the ground, then you should dig the holes to a depth of 6 feet 6 inches. While pouring the concrete the wood post should be placed in the middle of the hole and supported plumb. To avoid creation of pockets of air, level the concrete.
Many people add gravel at the bottom of the hole beneath the concrete for better drainage. Wood posts are typically spaced 8 feet apart for privacy fencing and 6 feet apart for picket fencing. Use larger dimensional lumber for corner posts and gate posts to provide additional strength.
Metal Fence Posts
Another option is steel fence posts. These are increasingly popular because they do not rot or decay like wood. Metal posts often have pre-drilled holes for attaching rails and pickets with bolts or screws.
When setting metal posts, the holes can be smaller than wood posts since concrete is not needed. The posts can be set into the ground and backfilled with dirt and gravel. Metal posts should be set in concrete when used for gates to provide the most stability.
Rails and Frames
Rails are the horizontal boards that run between the fence posts to frame the overall design. The rails provide attachment points for pickets, panels, or wire fencing. They also add lateral strength and prevent the fence posts from bending or swaying.
Top Rails
Wood fences have a top rail that runs along the tops of the fence posts to frame the upper edge of the pickets. They are often made from 2×4 or 2×6 lumber. The top rail ties all of the posts together and should be securely attached using galvanized brackets, joist hangers, or screws.
Having a proper top rail prevents the wood pickets from warping or bowing out of place over time. It also provides a finished look along the top of the fence. The top rail should be level and follow the contours of the land.
Bottom Rails
Bottom rails are not always required, but are recommended for added strength. They perform the same function as a top rail along the base of the pickets. Bottom rails help keep the pickets aligned and prevent them from being pushed out at the bottom.
Some fence designs have both a top and bottom rail with the pickets sandwiched securely in between. This creates a very rigid fence panel that will not rack or distort. Like the top rail, bottom rails are made from dimensional lumber and attached to each fence post.
Intermediate Rails
For taller fences, an intermediate or middle rail can be added between the top and bottom rails. This provides mid-span support and allows taller pickets to be installed while maintaining the proper spacing and gap. Intermediate rails are commonly used for solid privacy fences over 6 feet tall.
Having an intermediate rail also lets you use narrower pickets since you can divide the overall height into two sections. For example, a 6 foot privacy fence could use two 3 foot pickets with a middle rail in between rather than a single 6 foot picket.
Pickets
Pickets are the vertical boards that fill in the space between the posts and rails to form the main body of the fence. They provide the decorative appeal, privacy, and security that homeowners want from a wood fence. There are several factors to consider when choosing wood pickets:
Board Size
The most common picket size is 1×6 inch boards. This provides good coverage while still allowing some space between pickets for airflow and visibility. Wider pickets like 1×8 or 1×10 are used for privacy fences or if you want to allow climbing vines or roses to grow on the fence.
Narrower pickets like 1×4 inch are sometimes used for picket fences or if you want more air flow. The width of the pickets combined with the spacing gap determines how much visibility your fence will provide. Wider pickets spaced closer together create a more secluded privacy fence.
Picket Length
The length of your pickets is determined by the height of your fence posts and rails. As mentioned above, having a top and bottom rail allows you to use shorter individual pickets while still achieving the overall fence height.
For example, you could use 3 foot long pickets to make a 6 foot privacy fence with a top, middle, and bottom rail. Going with shorter pickets allows the wood to dry better after pressure treatment and reduces warping.
Material
Cedar and redwood are classic wood picket materials because they have natural rot resistance. Pressure treated pine is very common as an affordable option. Hardwoods like cedar provide the most longevity but require more maintenance compared to pressure treated softwoods.
Composite wood-plastic pickets are also popular for their durability and low maintenance. Keep in mind that the material you choose affects both the look and cost of your project.
Spacing
The gap between pickets, called spacing, ranges from 1/2 inch up to 2 inches. Privacy fences typically use a spacing of 1 inch or less. More spacing provides more air flow and visibility.
Wider spacing also allows pickets to expand and contract with changes in moisture and temperature without buckling. Whatever spacing you choose should be consistent throughout the fence for the best aesthetic results.
Conclusion
The anatomy of a wooden fence has been discussed in detail. Familiarity with the functions of each segment will facilitate your project.
A good-looking, durable wooden fence can be developed on your property if you have the appropriate materials and work systematically. Essentially, when the fundamentals are known, everything else becomes easy hence it becomes a fun do-it-yourself job.
