38mm x 88mm Rail
Pressure treated flat rails are primarily used as the…
from £5.30
Fencing
Fence Rails
Fence rails are the horizontal timbers that hold a fence together. They carry the feather edge boards of a closeboard fence and give post and rail boundaries their strength. Every rail here is milled in our own Wye Valley sawmill, pressure treated to last and held in stock at all three branches: arris, tenon arris, flat, counter, capping and half round rails from £2.72
Rail | Best for | Size |
|---|---|---|
Arris rails | Traditional closeboard fencing between morticed posts. The triangular shape sheds water and gives a flat face for nailing feather edge boards. | 2 ex 75mm x 75mm |
Tenon arris rails | The same rail with machined ends that slot straight into morticed fence posts. | 2 ex 75mm x 75mm |
Rail 38mm x 88mm | The modern alternative. A strong rectangular rail that screws to the face of the post, ideal for closeboard and slatted fences. | 38mm x 88mm |
Flat rail 38mm x 75mm | Lighter runs, repairs and garden structures. | 38mm x 75mm |
Counter rail | Sits along the top of the feather edge boards beneath the capping to close and strengthen the fence top. | 38mm x 32mm |
Capping rail | Finishes the top of a closeboard fence, protecting the end grain of the boards and shedding rainwater. | 22mm x 75mm |
Half round fence rails | Post and rail fencing for paddocks, gardens and boundaries. | Various lengths |
How many rails does a fence need? As a rule of thumb, fences up to 1.2 metres tall need two rails, and anything taller needs three. A standard 1.8 metre closeboard fence uses three rails spaced evenly up the posts, with the counter and capping rails added once the boards are fixed. Set your posts at no more than three-metre centres so each rail carries its load without sagging. If you are unsure, call your nearest branch and the team will talk your run through with you.
Everything else for the job Rails rarely travel alone. Most customers order them alongside feather edge boards, PermaTimber® fence posts guaranteed for 15 years in the ground, gravel boards to keep timber clear of wet soil, and post mix to set everything solid. Trade customers get discounted pricing and free local delivery with a trade account.
Milled here since 1945 We cut every rail in our own sawmill in the Wye Valley from FSC and PEFC certified timber, then pressure treat it in one of the most advanced treatment plants in the country. That is why our fencing timber is trusted by installers, farmers and homeowners across the Midlands, the South West and the South East.
Fence Rail FAQs
What size fence rail do I need for a 6ft fence? A 6ft (1.8 metre) closeboard fence needs three rails per bay. Use arris rails with morticed posts for a traditional build, or 38mm x 88mm rails screwed to the post face for a faster modern fix.
What is the difference between arris rails and flat rails? Arris rails are triangular in section and fit between morticed posts with the point facing outwards, which sheds rainwater. Flat rails are rectangular and fix to the face of the post with screws, which makes them quicker to install and easier to replace.
How far apart should fence rails be? Space rails evenly between the top and bottom of the fence. On a typical 1.8 metre closeboard fence the bottom rail sits about 200mm above ground level, the top rail about 300mm below the fence top, and the middle rail halfway between the two.
Are your fence rails pressure-treated? Yes. Every rail is pressure-treated in our own plant to protect against rot and insect attack, using timber from certified sustainable sources.