What is a picket fence?
A picket fence is a traditional style of fencing used as a domestic boundary. It is characterised by evenly spaced boards, or pickets, attached to horizontal railings. Although long associated with American homes, the picket fence originated in the English countryside, moving to the US with the colonials. It was also used for marking the boundaries of a cricket pitch, hence the term ‘rattling the pickets’ when a cricketer hit the ball to the boundary line.
Where to put a picket fence
While many of us prefer solid feather edge or waney lap panel fencing for the boundaries to the rear of our homes, picket fencing is an ideal solution for borders where security is not a priority. Aesthetically attractive, picket fence panels are often used at the front of a house, finished with a picket gate.
Tips for installing a picket fence
Picket fencing is available as ready-made fence panels or alternatively, the individual pickets plus fence rails can be bought to build your own. Your decision will be influenced by how far apart you would prefer the pickets to be – when you build your own, you can set the pickets as close or as far apart as you want, where ready-made panels have pickets positioned at a set distance. Pickets placed further apart will give an open, airy look, with pickets closer together affording more privacy. Consider the height of the picket fence too; shorter pickets set far apart will create a more traditional fence.
Benefits of picket fencing
Picket fencing will add curb appeal to any property while keeping children and animals safe and secure. A great backdrop for rambling plants, a picket fence will create the perfect boundary without hiding your view completely, and is available in a wide choice of sizes and finishes to suit every taste. The space between the pickets allows the wind to pass through easily, making the fence more robust and wind resistant.
Picket fencing from Witham Timber
At Witham Timber, you can choose between full width picket fence panels with a rounded top or a pointed top, as well as a half panel in each and an Elite picket fence panel with round top. For those wishing to create their own fence, we stock individual picket pales in a choice of flat, round or pointed tops, and wooden rails.
Picket fence panels – pointed top
These panels are available in two heights (900mm/2'112 and 1200mm/3'11") and are 1800mm/5’11” wide. Featuring 13 pickets per panel, the picket fence panels with pointed top are available in a pale green/natural colour and brown.
Picket fence panels – round top
Measuring the same width as our pointed top panels, the picket panel with round top also has 13 pickets but is offered in three heights - 900mm/2’11”, 1200mm/3’11” and 1800mm/5’11”.
Picket fence panel – half panel
Available in two heights but measuring just 900mm (2’11”) wide, our half width picket fence panel has 7 picket pales and is available with either a round or pointed top.
Elite picket fence panel with round top
Available in one standard size of 900mm (2’11”) high and 1830mm (6’) wide, the Elite picket fence panel with round top creates a traditional picket fence and is manufactured from planed timber, chamfered on all edges, to reduce the risk of the timber splintering.
Wooden picket pales and wooden fence rails
All our wooden picket pales and fence rails are manufactured from pressure treated, timber sourced from approved sawmills. Our picket pales are offered with a choice of three top profiles, round, pointed or flat while our wooden rails are square or bevelled edge.
To complete your picket fencing, we have a choice of picket gates with top profiles to match your pickets, plus all necessary gate ironwork for a truly countryside finish.
With over 40 years’ experience in the provision of quality timber products for the garden, we are experts in fencing. To speak to a member of our team to discuss your fencing options, call 01205 359188 today.