Flat Fence Capping, 1.83m x 44mm x 16mm, Pressure Treated Softwood, Green or Brown

Fence capping is the strip of timber that runs along the top of a closeboard fence, covering the exposed end grain of the feather edge boards. This capping is 1.83m long, 44mm wide and 16mm thick, cut from softwood and pressure treated in either green or brown. It is sold in single lengths. The supplier describes it as a flat capping. It finishes the top of the fence and adds a little stiffness along the top edge. Its main job is to stop water sitting on top of the feather edge boards, where rot usually starts. Fencing contractors, landscapers and homeowners fit it to new fences and add it to older fences that were built without one.

Why it works

Keeps water off the board tops

The top end of a feather edge board is end grain, which soaks up water quickly. A capping strip covers that end grain so rain runs off instead of soaking down into the boards. This helps the tops of the boards last longer and look neater.

Adds stability along the top

Nailed along the top of the fence, the capping ties the board ends together. That helps stop individual boards twisting or standing proud, and gives the fence a straight top line.

Pressure treated in two colours

Both colours are pressure treated for outdoor use. Green treated capping weathers over time. Brown treated capping starts a mid brown that suits brown boards. The use class is not published for this line.

Know the size

At 44mm wide, the capping suits standard feather edge closeboard fences. Check the combined thickness of your boards and any counter rail before you order, so the capping covers what you need it to.

Where it's used

• Topping new closeboard and feather edge fences
• Refurbishing older fences with weathered board tops
• Finishing the top edge of timber screens
• Bin and log store tops built from feather edge boards

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Both options share the same size, so the choice is about colour.

Green Treated suits green treated fences. New green capping on an older fence will weather towards the same tone over time.

Brown Treated suits brown boards and posts and gives a finished look straight away. Choose it for brown panels, or if you plan to stain the fence a darker colour.

To work out how many lengths you need, divide the total fence run in metres by 1.83 and round up. Each 1.83m length covers one standard 6ft bay. Add one or two spare lengths to allow for cuts at corners and posts.

Installation, use & care

Trim the board tops level first. Lay the capping along the top of the boards, centred over them, and nail down into the boards at regular intervals with galvanised or stainless nails. Pre-drill near the ends to avoid splitting the thin strip. Butt joints should land over a post or a board, not in mid-air. Treat any cut ends with an end-grain preservative. A coat of fence stain every few years will keep the capping and boards protected.

FAQ

Do I need fence capping?

It is not essential, but it protects the end grain at the top of feather edge boards from water. That is where boards most often start to rot.

How many lengths do I need?

Divide the fence length in metres by 1.83 and round up. Add a spare length or two for cuts.

Can I cut it?

Yes. Cut with a fine saw and treat the cut end with a preservative.

What nails should I use?

Use galvanised or stainless steel nails so they do not rust and stain the timber. Pre-drill near the ends.

Ordering & delivery

Capping is sold in single 1.83m lengths and priced per length. A minimum order of 36 lengths applies, shown when you add to basket. Delivery charges and lead times are shown at checkout.