Arris Rails

Arris Rails are commonly used in the construction of Palisade or Closeboard Fencing. They can also be an alternative to square-sawn rails or half-round rails for Post and Rail fencing.

Do you need help or more information about Arris Rails, Closeboard or Palisade Fencing? Check out our Closeboard Materials and Palisade Materials help pages. Have you got a question about Arris Rails? Our Sales Team will be happy to help.

Repairing a broken Arris rail

Broken Arris rails are easily fixed with purpose-made Arris rail repair brackets. There are two types, one for wooden posts and one for concrete posts. Both types are best attached with external quality wood screws. (pre-drilling is recommended)

Cutting Down (shortening) an Arris Rail

Sometimes, an Arris rail needs to be cut down to make a short or part bay. You can easily re-end shortened rails with a cross-cut saw or an anvil. The Closeboard Materials help sheet picture shows Arris rails that have been re-ended with a saw.

3.6m (12') Bays

We would not recommend using 3.6m (12') bays unless you cannot avoid it. The rails can sag excessively; using two stumps can help.
Trimmed down, they are very handy when the last bay to finish off your fence works out to be a little longer than 3m (10'). Don't be tempted to stretch the bays by having less than 50mm (2") in each mortise, as this will weaken the finished fence.

Retreat any cut surfaces with Cut End Preservative.