Post and Rail Fencing Rails, Green Treated, 3.6m, Rectangular or Half Round

These green pressure treated softwood rails are made for post and rail fencing around paddocks, farm boundaries, gardens and driveways. Each rail is approximately 3.6m long, so it spans two bays on posts set at around 1.8m centres. Two profiles are available: a rough sawn rectangular rail with flat faces, in three sizes, and a half round rail with one flat face and one rounded face, in two sizes. All five are currently available.

Why it works

Two profiles for different looks

The rectangular rail is rough sawn from a pine and spruce mix, giving flat faces and square edges for a traditional, practical fence. The half round rail is machine rounded and then halved, so the flat face sits against the post and the rounded face shows outwards, giving a softer finish that suits gardens, parks and visitor areas.

Long lengths that span two bays

At approximately 3.6m (3.66m for the half round), each rail is long enough to cross two bays on posts spaced at about 1.8m. Fewer joints means quicker fitting, and joints can be staggered from one rail line to the next so that the fence is not weakened at a single post.

Pressure treated softwood

The rails are green pressure treated, which forces preservative into the timber rather than simply coating the surface. The half round rails are treated to Use Class 3 (UC3) according to the supplier. The treatment use class for the rectangular rails is Not published for this line.

Know the limits: rails are not posts

UC3 is an above-ground use class. That suits rails, which are fixed to posts and are not in contact with the ground, but these rails should not be cut down and used as posts or set into soil. Use posts treated for ground contact for that job. Cutting a rail to length exposes untreated timber at the end, so every cut end needs a brush-on end grain preservative.

Where it's used

The rails are typically used for:

• Post and rail fencing for paddocks and equestrian use
• Farm and field boundaries
• Garden boundaries and driveway edging
• Visitor attractions, where a simple open fence guides people
• Parks and other public open spaces

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Start with the profile. Rectangular rails give a flat, square-edged look and are a common choice for paddocks, stock fencing and working farm boundaries. Half Round rails show a rounded face and are often chosen for gardens, driveways, parks and visitor attractions.

Then choose the size. In the rectangular profile, 87mm × 38mm is the lightest section, 100mm × 38mm gives a deeper face, and 100mm × 47mm is the thickest and heaviest of the three. In the half round profile, the size refers to the diameter of the round before halving, so the 100mm rail is the larger of the two.

As a general guide, use 3 rails for horse and equestrian paddocks and 2-3 rails for general stock and gardens. Work out the number of rails by multiplying the number of rail lines by the fence length, then dividing by the rail length.

Installation, use & care

Set your posts first, using round or square posts treated for ground contact, at about 1.8m centres so that each 3.6m rail spans two bays. Fix the rails to the face of the posts with galvanised nails or screws. Stagger the joints between rail lines so they fall on different posts, and make sure each joint lands centrally on a post. Treat every cut end with end grain preservative before fixing. Check the fence from time to time, tighten or replace loose fixings, and re-treat cut or damaged areas as needed.

FAQ

Can I use these rails as fence posts?

No. The rails are made to be fixed above ground to posts. UC3 is an above-ground use class, so use posts treated for ground contact for anything set into soil.

What spacing should my posts be?

For 3.6m rails, a post spacing of about 1.8m is typical. Each rail then spans two bays, with its ends meeting on a post.

Do I need to treat cut ends?

Yes. Cutting exposes untreated timber inside the rail. Brush end grain preservative onto every cut end before fixing.

What does the half round size mean?

The 85mm and 100mm sizes describe the diameter of the round timber before it is halved. Each rail has one flat face for fixing to the post and one rounded face.

Ordering & delivery

Choose your profile and size from the options. A minimum order of 10 rails applies, shown when you add to basket. Delivery charges and lead times are shown at checkout. Long lengths need suitable access for delivery.