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All fences will have a top and bottom rail. One general rule of thumb is to have a horizontal rail for every 24 inches in height. For a six-foot-high fence, this means three rails. While a middle rail may not be a structural necessity, it will help keep fence boards in place and may limit warping and twisting.
How many rails should my fence have?
It is recommended that you use a minimum of 2 horizontal rails between posts for all fences less than 5′ high, 3 rails for fences 5′ to 7′ high, and 4 rails for 8′ high fences.
How far should fence rails be apart?
Once you verify the style of fence that you are building; you will be able to determine the wood fence rail spacing and location. Typically, the top rail is placed 7-8” from the top of the fence. The bottom rail is typically 7-8” from the grade. And the middle rail is placed even between the top and bottom rails.
How do you stagger fence rails?
Attach the top rail to the first post. Stretch it across the second post and then attach it to the third post over. For the second rail, start at the second post, cross the third post and attach to the fourth post. Continue staggering the rails in this fashion until all the posts are surrounded with rails.
Can I use 2 rails for a 6 foot fence?
One general rule of thumb is to have a horizontal rail for every 24 inches in height. For a six-foot-high fence, this means three rails. If your design calls for the fence boards to be installed horizontally, a middle rail won’t be necessary.
What size are fence rails?
The most common size for rails is 2” x 3” or 2” x 4”. Maximum post spacing is 8′ between posts; thus, a 2″ x 4″ x 8′ rail would be used. If you are doing an 8′ tall fence, we recommend using a 2″ x 4″ x 12′ rail and setting your posts on 6′ centers. This is the foundation of the fence.
Is it better to use screws or nails on a fence?
Nails are faster than screws to install, meaning less labor for you or your builder (which may translate into lower installation cost). However, nails are more likely than screws to grow loose over time. Screws, on the other hand, secure the fence better than nails.
Should fence posts be 6 or 8 feet apart?
Fence posts should be set six to eight feet apart on a 6 foot wood fence. Do not go beyond eight feet or the fence may not be stable enough.
How many rails do I need for a 4 foot fence?
Start this project by setting square fence posts 8 feet apart on center. Two parallel rails are sufficient for fences shorter than 4 feet. Three rails are necessary for taller fences and for heavier privacy fences.
Should I use pressure treated wood for fence rails?
When used for fencing, it must be pressure-treated to stand up to decay and the elements. It resists shrinkage, but it can still warp, crack, or twist. When properly treated, it can last a lifetime, even if it comes in contact with wet soil.
How many bags of cement do I need for a fence post?
1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what’s needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post’s hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.
Should a fence follow the ground?
As you install the fence, let the pickets follow the slope of the land. This option is ideal for pet owners because the base of the fence sits flush with the turf; your furry friends can’t crawl underneath when you’re not looking.
Should I leave a gap between fence boards?
Why do you need a space between the pickets and the ground? When wood pickets touch the ground, they absorb moisture, which can lead to swelling or rot. Leaving a space between the pickets and the ground prevents this moisture absorption from occurring, giving you a longer-lasting and nicer-looking fence.
Can I use 2×3 for a fence?
Significance: Many fence builders use 2×3 rails, which are weaker and will not last as long as 2×4 rails. Significance: Because of cost, many fence companies install cheap pressure-treated rails that warp and cause the fence posts to lean; they are not even made with cedar.
How tall should a fence be for a 6-foot fence?
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to place at least 1/3 the height of the post in the ground. For example, a 6-foot tall fence will need at least 2 feet of post in the ground.
How much do you overlap fence boards?
The fence boards alternate on the sides of the rails, overlapping by at least 1 inch on each side of the boards. Thus, 6-inch fence boards would be spaced approximately 3 1/2 inches apart, since the actual width of a 6-inch board is 5 1/2 inches.
What size timber is used for fence rails?
Standard ‘square’ edged rails for stock fencing, sometimes known as ‘motorway’ rails, two sizes 87mm x 38mm or 100mm x 47mm, and in a variety of lengths. Arris Rails, scarfed or plain, for featheredge (close board) fencing.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
2 feet is the minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for. To dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post’s aboveground height, is a general formula. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has.
How far apart should posts be for post and rail fence?
Prepare for Installation Because of the rail lengths, the posts are usually spaced 6 feet apart and no taller than 5 feet.
How do you make a simple rail fence?
Steps to Building a DIY Split Rail Fence Mark and measure your yard to ensure that your fence materials fit. Dig your post holes with your post hole auger. Fill six inches of the holes with gravel. Starting with the end posts, insert posts into the holes. Insert your rails into the holes of the posts, and voila!.
