How to Install Palisade Picket Fencing?

Before you begin with your palisade picket fencing project you'll need to decide whether you are going to use the simple post and rail system or the mortice and arris rail option.

  • The Post and Rail option joins from one post to the other using a rail that uses nails (or screws) to hold the rail to the post.
  • The Mortice and Arris rail option joins from one post to the other using a mechanical joint which is a stronger construction which requires more work but arguably a better-lasting fence.

We'll show you how to install palisade picket fencing easily, just follow the below steps...

Step 1: Know your measurements

With palisade picket fencing, there are 3 generic bay sizes, 1.8m, 2.4m and 3.0m.

  • If you are doing the Post and Rail method you will require 12 boards for each 1.8m bay plus 1 for the 1st post. 16 boards for a 2.4m bay plus 1 for the 1st post. 20 boards for each 3.0m bay plus 1 for the 1st post. Each post will have a Palisade board on it hiding the nailed rail joins.
  • If you are doing the Mortice and Arris Rail method, you will need 11 boards for a 1.8m bay. 15 boards for a 2.4m bay and 19 for a 3.0m bay.
  • You should also think about adding a few extra just in case!

Once you have decided on your preferred fencing bay width, you will need to calculate the number of fence posts required depending on the length of the fence run.

Remember to allow 600mm (2 feet) for the post to go into the ground in determining your overall post length. For example, if your fence is to be 1.8m high (6 feet) out of the ground, then your post length would be 2.4m (8 feet) in total.

Step 2: Choose your materials and tools

Suggested parts list for a Palisade Picket Fence:

  • Fence Post - Morticed or Plain Post!
  • Arris Rail Ended or Plain Rail
  • Palisade Pickets
  • 40mm Nails (90 per 1.8m bay, 114 per 2.4m bay, 138 per 3.0m bay - worst case 3 rails post and rail)
  • Post Mix (1.5 per post)

Tools:

  • Rubber Mallet
  • Hammer
  • Spade
  • Spirit Level
  • Tape Measure
  • String
  • Watering Can or Hose Pipe
  • Battens
  • Gap Template - as long as the distance/pitch of the posts is as above, centre to centre, then you should be able to use a palisade board as a gap template which should be 75mm. However if for whatever reason this does not work for you, use the method below to calculate the gap distance.

How to calculate the gap between palisade boards if palisade boards don't work as a Gap Template

Combine the width of the number of palisade boards you plan to use 75mm x 11 = 825mm. Now take away that combined width from the length between the posts of your non-standard length, e.g. 1850mm. 1850 - 825 = 1025. Divide that answer 1 more than the number of palisade boards being used 1025 / 12 = 85.4mm which would be the gap between palisade boards on a 1850mm gap between posts if the palisades are 75mm wide.

Step 3: Preparation of the fence run

Remove any obstructions, old fence posts including concrete etc. Check every 1.8m/2.4m/3.0m plus post width for any issues along the run which would prevent you from digging a hole for the posts. If you prepare it right then you will not have an interrupted installation, otherwise, you will have to stop and start all the time increasing the duration of the work.

Step 4: Install Your Fence...

Follow these instructions carefully...

Palisade Picket Fencing - Post and Rail

How To Install Palisade Fencing - Post and Rail

  1. Dig the hole for the 1st post. This will normally be 600mm (2 feet) deep, and the width of the spade. This allows a sufficient volume of concrete to hold the post firmly. Use a spirit level to check that the post is exactly vertical. Backfill with the concrete and any hardcore that came out of the hole. (be mindful of the top of the post position to be below the final desired height of the palisade level)
  2. Run a line from the first post to the end of the run of fencing, stretching it taut. Measure along the length of the post, and dig the next hole.
  3. Set the second post in the hole, but don't backfill it. Either get someone to hold it, or use battens temporarily nailed to prop the post in position.
  4. Concrete the second post in position, and then repeat the procedure for the remaining length of the fence.
  5. Once the posts are set, you can hammer the nails to fit the rails from post to post without compromising the fit of the posts.
  6. Nail the Palisade Boards in place, and use a block of wood cut at the correct length to use as a 'Gap Template. Using the generic lengths stated above you should be able to use one of your palisades as the Gap Template.
  7. Use the 'Nail Position' diagram above for a reference of where to place your nails.

Notes:-

Mark out on each post where the ground level should be to ensure a consistent professional finish.

Your rail joins should be in the centre of each post, and your palisade should be covering this up.

Palisade Picket Fencing - Mortice and Arris Rail

How To Install Palisade Fencing - Mortice and Arris Rail

  1. Dig the hole for the 1st post. This will normally be 600mm (2 feet) deep, and the width of the spade. This allows a sufficient volume of concrete to hold the post firmly. Use a spirit level to check that the post is exactly vertical. Backfill with the concrete and any hardcore that came out of the hole.
  2. Run a line from the first post to the end of the run of fencing, stretching it taut. Measure along the length of the post, and dig the next hole.
  3. Set the second post in the hole, but don't backfill it. Either get someone to hold it, or use battens temporarily nailed to prop the post in position.
  4. Fit the Arris Rail at this point and hammer them in to get a good fit using a rubber mallet.
  5. Concrete the second post in position, and then repeat the procedure for the remaining length of the fence.
  6. Once the posts are set, you can hammer the nails to fit the rails from post to post without compromising the fit of the posts.
  7. Nail the Palisade Boards in place, and use a block of wood cut at the correct length to use as a 'Gap Template. Using the generic lengths stated above you should be able to use one of your palisades as the Gap Template.
  8. Use the 'Nail Position' diagram above for a reference of where to place your nails.

Notes:-

Mark out on each post where the ground level should be to ensure a consistent professional finish.

If you need further help, or demonstration on how to put up a palisade/picket fence, watch the video below.

A how to video showing you how to put up a Palisade/Picket Fence and what's required.

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