How to plan a paling fence: posts, rails and palings
Most of the planning comes down to how far apart the posts are.
A standard timber paling fence has posts set in concrete, two or three horizontal rails between each pair of posts, and vertical palings nailed to the rails. Rail lengths limit post spacing, and 2.4 m is common because 2.4 m and 4.8 m rails are standard lengths.
Counting materials
Fence length ÷ post spacing, rounded up.
Bays + 1 for a straight run. Add a post for each corner, and a pair for each gate.
Bays × rails per bay. Taller fences, around 1.8 m and above, usually take three rails.
Length in mm ÷ (paling width + gap). Lapped palings overlap instead of leaving a gap, so they need more.
Allow a bag or more of rapid-set concrete per post, depending on hole size, plus galvanised nails or screws.
Worked example: 30 m straight fence
| Item | Calculation | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Bays | 30 ÷ 2.4 = 12.5, round up | 13 |
| Posts | 13 + 1 | 14 |
| Rails | 13 × 3 | 39 |
| Palings (100 mm, butted) | 30,000 ÷ 100 | 300 |
| Palings + 5% spare | 300 × 1.05 | 315 |
✨ Key Takeaways
- Posts = bays + 1, plus extras for corners and gates.
- Palings = length ÷ (width + gap).
- Notify the neighbour and check for underground services first.
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