What dimension H3 treated pine for the rails of 1.2m picket fence?

[Ari]

Hi Everyone,

What dimensions of 2.4m long H3 treated pine (I'll be painting it) would you use as rails of a 1.2m high picket fence?  The pickets are pine so quite light.

70mm x 35mm?

90mm x 45mm?

Something else?

Many thanks,

Ari

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Ari,

The distance between your posts is what really decides the calibre of your rails. It depends on how far they need to span and the weight of pailings they'll bear. I'd be inclined to think you'd need to go for 90 x 35 H3 Pine or 90 x 45mm H3 Pine.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Ari]

Thanks @MitchellMc !

The palings seem very light.  I am keen to go with 2.4m rails to reduce the number of posts (post holes ... concrete ...) I'll need.

Cheers,  Ari

[MitchellMc]

Typically a maximum post spacing would be around two metres, 2.4m might be pushing it a little @Ari. I understand that you'd like to minimise the amount of work but there's only so far 90 x 45mm timber can span before it starts to bow in the middle. Are you using two or three rails? I'd recommend three if you're going for a 2.4m post spacing.

Mitchell

[Ari]

Thank you Obi Wan - I shall revise my plan to 1.8m rails. 

Two rails planned  (I’ve not seen a 1.2m high fence with three?!)

Grateful for your advice - thank you!

@MitchellMc 

[EricL]

Hi @Ari 

Please keep us updated with your progress, I'm sure our members will be keen to see what your fence will look like.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric