Parts of a Wood Fence

What’s the difference between a fence post and a fence picket? How will I know which parts of a wood fence to replace after storm damage? What are horizontal fence boards called? You’ve got questions – we’ve got answers. Check out this quick guide from All Around Fence to learn about wood fence parts.

Fence Posts

Fence posts are the vertical components that anchor a wood fence to the ground. They are typically made from 4×4 wood posts, but they may also be metal poles. The fence posts are secured into the ground using concrete, allowing them to withstand heavy wind and rain. In order for your fence to last, it needs a solid foundation of well-secured posts.

Backer Rails

The backer rails are the horizontal boards on a wood fence. There are typically three rows of backer rails going along the back of a standard 6-foot privacy fence. The backer rails screw into the fence posts to provide a support structure for the pickets. In most cases, the backer rails run along the inside of your fence, leaving the smooth side out. However, you may opt for the backer rails to face outward if it better suits your security needs. If your neighbors’ fences touch your property, you may also choose to orient your backer rails based on their placement.

Fence Pickets

The fence pickets make up the bulk of your wood fencing. They attach to the backer rails to surround your yard. There are many style variations with fence pickets, including the way the top of the picket is cut and the way the boards lay next to one another. We can go over these design options during your fence installation quote.

Fence Gates

Fence gates provide access in and out of the yard. For most homes, there is a gate on the side of the house and a gate along the back of the fencing. The side gate gives access from the front yard, and the back gate gives access to the alley way or anything else behind the property. You can get a wood fence gate to blend in with your privacy fence or a metal fence gate that’s more decorative. Check out Metal Fence Gates vs. Wood Fence Gates to learn more.

Kick Board or Mud Board

A kick board or mud board is a horizontal board that goes along the bottom of the wood fence. This protects the bottom of the pickets from water and mud exposure. If you have a dog, a kick board can prevent digging and protect the fencing from scratches. This is an optional feature that is not necessary for all privacy fences.

Cap Board

A cap board is a board that goes along the top of the fence to ‘cap’ it off. This makes the fencing look more modernized, and it typically looks better than the top of the fence pickets. Once again, this is an optional feature that is not right for every wood fence design. If you already have a wood fence, you may be able to add a cap at a later date to improve the way it looks.

Design the Ideal Wood Fence for Your Property

There are plenty of decorative parts of a wood fence that we didn’t cover here, such as trim boards, post toppers, and lattice toppers. These are great opportunities to customize wood fencing. The talented fence installers here at All Around Fence would love to help you design the perfect wood fence for your property. Contact us at (443) 838-9374 to schedule a quote at no obligation.