Post & Rail Fencing
An open, boundary-marking fence rather than a privacy screen
Post and rail fencing marks a boundary without enclosing it — an open structure of horizontal rails between posts, suited to larger gardens, paddocks and rural or semi-rural properties where defining a boundary line matters more than blocking the view across it.
Unlike a panel or closeboard fence, which is built specifically to block sightlines and provide privacy, post and rail fencing is deliberately open — typically two or three horizontal rails fixed between posts, with visible gaps between each rail rather than a continuous screen. This makes it particularly suited to larger plots, paddocks, driveway boundaries and rural or semi-rural gardens where the goal is a clear, defined boundary line and, in some cases, containing livestock or pets, rather than screening the garden from view. Construction is more straightforward than a closeboard fence since there's no board-by-board fixing involved — posts are set in concrete at regular intervals and horizontal rails, either morticed into the posts or fixed with brackets, run between them. Because it's an open structure, post and rail doesn't carry the same wind loading a solid panel or closeboard fence does, which means posts can often be set at slightly wider intervals than a privacy fence requires, though the exact spacing still depends on the rail material and the loads it needs to carry, particularly where livestock containment is part of the job.
When Post & Rail Fencing Is the Right Choice
- Larger gardens, paddocks or rural boundary lines
- Defining a boundary without blocking the view across it
- Driveway or field-edge boundaries where an open structure suits the setting
- Properties needing to contain livestock or pets rather than screen the garden
- Rural and semi-rural properties where a solid fence would look out of place
What's Involved
Boundary Layout
The boundary line and post spacing are set out to suit the rail material and intended use.
Post Installation
Posts are set in concrete at regular intervals along the full run.
Rail Fixing
Horizontal rails are morticed or bracket-fixed between posts to the chosen height and rail count.
Finishing
The completed run is checked for level, secure fixing and, where relevant, gap widths suited to containment needs.
Local to South Mimms, North London & Hertfordshire
Essendon, the rural Welwyn Hatfield parish near Hatfield, and Northaw, the small Hertfordshire village next to Northaw Great Wood near Cuffley, both have the kind of larger rural and semi-rural plots where post and rail fencing suits the setting far better than a solid privacy fence would, marking a boundary while keeping the open, rural character of the garden intact.
Post & Rail Fencing — FAQ
Q.Is post and rail fencing suitable for privacy?
No — it's deliberately an open structure designed to mark a boundary rather than screen it, so if privacy is the priority, a panel or closeboard fence would be the more suitable choice.
Q.Can post and rail fencing contain animals?
Yes, with appropriate rail spacing and, where needed, additional wire mesh fitted to the rails, post and rail fencing is commonly used to contain livestock or keep pets within a boundary.
Q.Does post and rail fencing need less maintenance than a solid fence?
Because it's an open structure with less surface area exposed to wind loading, it generally experiences less structural stress than a solid fence, though the timber itself still needs the same periodic treatment and post-condition checks.
Common on These Property Types
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