Picket Pales

Buy Picket Pales to Build a Charming, Secure Frontage

Ready to assemble a classic British boundary that looks welcoming from the street and works hard day to day? Picket pales let you build a bespoke run that matches your garden’s exact rhythm—spacing, height and top profile tailored to your plot. At East Coast Fencing our pressure‑treated timber pales arrive ready for UK weather, with rounded, pointed or flat tops that set the tone, and smooth, consistent sections that make neat work of long paths and tight corners alike. Order the quantity you need, pair with matching rails and posts, and enjoy free delivery on orders £99+ when you check out.

Why buy individual pales instead of pre‑made panels?

Buying pales gives you freedom: choose your gap for pet security or openness, step gracefully across slopes, and resolve awkward widths without filler pieces. Repairs are simple (swap a single pale, not a whole panel) and styling is flexible—mix rounded tops at the frontage with flat tops down the side return, or change spacing as you move from driveway to lawn. The result is a frontage that reads designed, not forced.

Top profiles and what they say about your home

Rounded tops feel friendly and child‑safe, softening modern façades; pointed tops nod to tradition and suit brickwork, bay windows and cottage planting; flat tops read minimal and contemporary, especially with dark stains and porcelain paving. Pick one language and repeat it across the run (and on your gate) for a composed look; small details like cap shapes and latch finishes do a lot of visual work.

Choosing posts and rails for a solid framework

Great picket runs start with straight, reliable structure. For warm, easily trimmed builds, use treated timber posts; set them to consistent centres and embed properly for a fence that stays quiet in wind. Fix pales to sturdy, straight square rails sized for the span; two rails suit most picket heights, three for taller, breezier frontages. Prefer ultra‑low maintenance? Mix with slotted concrete posts and mount rails between—just keep your fixings exterior‑grade and consistent in finish.

Heights, spacing and sightlines near pavements

Front gardens benefit from modest height—often around a metre—to maintain visibility at drive and footpath edges. Tighten gaps for small dogs; open them near planting for a lighter feel. Keep the top line level with windowsills or hedges for a harmonious street view, and step neatly across slopes so spacing and head height remain consistent bay to bay.

Installation steps that deliver straight results

Set end and corner posts first, pull a taut string at top‑of‑pale height and at rail datum, and mark centres. Pre‑drill near edges to avoid splitting, then fix pales with galvanised or stainless screws from our screws, fixings & fasteners range. On soft ground, increase embedment depth and compact in lifts to eliminate voids. A shallow gravel margin along the base keeps mulch and soil off the timber for longer service life.

Working around gates, drives and tricky returns

Carry the pale spacing across your gate leaf so the rhythm doesn’t break at the entrance—our matching picket gates make it easy. At drive entries, pinch the gaps slightly near the reveal so vehicles don’t “read” a wider opening than exists. On side returns, transition to a more private boundary further back with ready‑made picket fence panels or even slatted/closeboard styles, depending on exposure.

Hardware and finishing touches

Choose hinges, latches and bolts that match the gate scale and exposure; consistency of finish is the hallmark of a professional job. You’ll find durable T‑hinges, ring latches and bolts in our dedicated ironmongery selection. For a neat top line on adjacent solid panels, add a simple capping rail; at the base, protect nearby cladding with discreet timber gravel boards where lawn meets fence.

Colour, care and longevity

Pressure‑treated pales can be left to mellow naturally, stained brown to ground taller runs or painted in heritage tones for cottage charm. Dark charcoals modernise and make planting pop; light hues brighten shaded entries. Treat any fresh cuts during installation and avoid forcing water into end grain with aggressive jet‑washing. Seasonal checks—tighten a few screws, brush off algae, keep planters off the rail line—are all that’s needed.

Plan, measure, order—then enjoy the upgrade

Measure your frontage, sketch gate positions and confirm slopes and step points. Order the number of pales you need (plus a few spares for odd widths), add posts, rails and hardware, and set solid footings. If you’re tackling hardstanding, bolt‑down shoes or fence post spikes & supports can help on lighter runs, but concrete‑in posts remain the default on exposed plots. When everything’s aligned, stand back: a crisp picket boundary transforms kerb appeal and makes daily life easier. Add to basket and check out now—free delivery applies to orders £99+ at East Coast Fencing.

The finishing word

Picket pales are the flexible, budget‑friendly route to a boundary that feels personal and purposeful. Specify the look, control the spacing, install with care—and enjoy a frontage that welcomes guests, contains pets and frames your planting for years to come.