Question
Is there a rule-of-thumb for rail length for a 2-rail post-and-rail wood fence?  Rails of my replacement fence are 10' long and I am concerned about stability over time.

Thanks much!

Answer
Hello,

The main problem with using only two rails and with using long rails is warpage. Longer rails tend to warp and if the boards are supported by only two rails the boards tend to warp.  Also,keep the height of the boards above the top rail about a maximum of 6 inches. Beyond 6 inches the tops of the boards tend to curl.

Mark  Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email: [email protected]

http://www.scribd.com/markscrib47