Advice re post and rail fencing

Rexfitzpatrick · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 18 Aug 2014 Posts: 3

Hi everyone

I'm looking for some advice re post and rail fencing.

I am looking to erect 100m of it to fence off a site. Have priced 3 rail pressure treated and it's €850 and creosote is €1500. Getting a professional I know to erect it. Thinking of getting the pressure treated option and putting on the creosote substitute or something similar myself. What are my options?? Is it hard to get the wood preservative/paint in large quantities ??

Would be looking for a black colour. Any recommendations?
I'm in cork area

Thanks

tippben · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 4:25 pm Post subject:

Don't use creosote. It is carcinogenic, It is also poisonous to plants and animals. In hot sun, it becomes sticky on the rails, and will stain your skin and clothes horribly.

Rexfitzpatrick · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 18 Aug 2014 Posts: 3

It was creosote substitute that I had suggested using. But thanks for your reply.

tagwex · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:32 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't bother with a timber fence. What's the point as you will only be replacing it in a decade. Use concrete post and rail, do it once properly and it will last a lifetime. Plus no ongoing preservative treatment. Try Killeshal precast concrete. I think they are in Offaly. I got mine there 14 years ago and no problems yet. Is it likely that agricultural machinery or livestock will be on the other side of the fence?

kindredspirit · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 5:59 am Post subject:

Stud farms use Post & Rail fencing and they seem to last forever.

I put up the same type of fencing when I built my house many moons ago and when I replaced it with an Iron Railing recently the bottoms of the wooden posts were perfect. Mind you, I'd copied the Romans and burnt the bottoms of the posts up to an inch above ground level to prevent rotting. Those Romans knew a thing or two, although they probably copied the idea from the Celts! Smile

I have Creocote (Creosote substitute) on my Pergola. It's only been on a couple of years, though, so I can't say about its longevity. I did use Douglas Fir for the wood, though. I'd say pressure treated would be good; if it's used for stud farms, then it should be.

tagwex · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 7:56 am Post subject:

Ahhhh but those stud farms are awash with money. Some of them actually use plastic fencing that imitate wood. The question remains though as to what environment this fence will be in. As previously stated I put up my precast concrete fence 14 years ago and I have never had to look at it since and I doubt if I ever will. The lichens and moss make it look even better.

Greengage · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:23 pm Post subject:

Why do you want a post and rail fence anyway, you will probably plant in front of it so why not use concrete ence posts and wire.

Rexfitzpatrick · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 18 Aug 2014 Posts: 3

Thanks for the replies. It's for one long edge of a 1 acre site. Lovely view in that direction over a valley so don't think I would plant anything there. Yes it would be on agricultural ground. Just thought post and rail would look nicer in the environment. I don't mind the maintenance.

Greengage · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:18 am Post subject:

What about planting a native hedgerow which could be maintained and not obstruct your views and act as a corridor for birds and animals to other hedgerows in the area.

Sive · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:39 am Post subject:

I would agree with Greengage.....and don't forget if there is a particular direction that you enjoy a view from, maybe from a certain window or patio area etc, you can still preserve that by keeping growth very well trimmed. A "framed" view can look even more impressive.

kindredspirit · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2014 4:08 pm Post subject:

Can you post a picture of the area?

Post and Rail look an awful lot better than concrete posts I think. I hate concrete.

Another idea would be "Estate" iron railings. A coat of two pack black paint every 5 to 10 years and "bob's your uncle".

https://www.google.ie/search?q=Estate+iron+railings&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Ncj0U_qfNurG7AaHo4Aw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1596&bih=889

Good guy · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:28 pm Post subject:

I agree with Sive and Greengage. Not only is a hedge like that easy to maintain it is stock proof if done properly. And you always have the option of letting one or two hedgerow trees grow to 'punctuate' the view.

Greengage · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 8:58 pm Post subject:

Have you given any thought to chestnut paling for a rural setting.

Good guy · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 10:42 pm Post subject:

That's an excellent idea. The paling blends well with planting, too.

Geranimojess · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:16 pm Post subject:

Think the bould' Rex has done a runner...another bites the dust...

Nothing else to do on this bitterly cold Evening except look over old Threads.