Anybody built a 3- or 4-rail fence

[stang67]

When things dry out, we are putting up some 3-rail wooden fencing. I'm curious what folks use for the rails? We have 2x6s now but I'm not sure that's gonna look great. What do others use? 1x6s? 5/4 decking? Thanks in advance.

This is what I've got in mind. My concern is that, with the thicker 2x6s, the gap between the cover board and the post will look funny.

[Deltamud77]

I think the 2x6 will be too thick, and unless you set your posts really well, too heavy.

[SwampMan]

I had a fence built by a fence company. They used 2x6 rails and 4x4 posts with 6x6 posts in the corners. I wouldn't want anything but a 2x6 for the rails. Anything thinner than that will warp like crazy when it dries out.

[teul2]

Swamp makes a good point, but I'd think the 5/4 X 6 would be a good compromise.

[waterlogged]

I have built a few of these fences and I have built all with 5/4 boards. a few will warp some but overall most have stayed fairly straight with 8 ft post spacing.

[stang67]

Anybody got any pics to share? We have 6x6s for gate posts and support posts already.

Swampman, have you noticed any issues with the weight of the 2x6 rails on 4x4 posts, as was mentioned? Posts will be 8-ft on centers.

[kb7722]

I built about 500 feet of 3 board fence last year. I used the 5/4x16' deck boards with 4x4 post with post spacing. 6x6 post at the gates. I think it turned out pretty good. I can be pretty particular when I am building something. I was concerned about the warping and second guest the material as I was building, but now that I am not standing at the end looking down the fence line every few minutes it looks perfectly fine. Even if you were able to build one perfectly straight, it will shift and there is nothing you can do about that.

There were some boards that had to be culled as I was building it. Those deck boards (and most pressure treated lumber) come wet. As long as they are wet they stay pretty straight. You leave them sitting in a pile for 6 months to dry out and they look like bananas. I recommend getting put up while they are still wet and they dry straighter.

[JLT]

You can stack 5/4 boards under a shed, out of the sun and air dry them and that will help keep them from warping. They should be stacked for several months if possible. Put 1" slats between each stack to allow air to circulate.

[SwampMan]

I have not noticed any issues with the weight of the 2x6. If I remember, I will take some pics of it tonight.