Fence rails
Fence rails: two sections, two lengths
Rails are the horizontal timbers fixed between posts, and the boards are nailed onto them. Most garden fences use 75 x 38mm; taller fences and gates call for 100 x 50mm.
How many rows?
Two rows
Boards up to 1.2m: one rail near the top, one near the bottom.
Three rows
Boards of 1.5m and 1.8m: add a middle rail to stop boards bowing.
Three heavy rows
Boards of 2.1m and over: use 100 x 50mm rails for extra stiffness.
3.6m or 4.2m?
With posts at 1.8m centres, a 3.6m rail spans two bays exactly and joins on a post. Choose 4.2m where your posts are further apart or you'd like fewer joins.
Questions
How do rails fix to posts?
Either notch them into the post faces and screw through, or fix them to the face with galvanised brackets. Stagger the joins so they don't all land on one post.
Build your fence list
Add boards, rails, posts and post mix to one basket. Enter your postcode at checkout for delivery.