Picket Fences & Landscape Edging

Picket Fence Styles

• The traditional white picket fence is built from single wood boards, also known as pickets, secured vertically to a fence rail with consistent spacing between each board. Cedar is a naturally rot-resistant wood, but pressure-treated boards and vinyl slats designed to look like pickets are also used. Pre-cut pickets offer the Gothic-style point pickets, flat, dog-eared ends and other carved designs. Picket fences typically have a simple wooden latch gate.

Picket Fence Installation

• Installing a picket fence is labor-intensive, but within the capabilities of most novice carpenters. The first step is to stake out the patch for each side of the fence with stakes and string. Place the stakes where you intend to dig the post holes, beginning at the four corners. Space them 6 to 8 feet apart. The holes should be 1/3 as deep as the posts as long. Once the posts are secured with quick-setting concrete, attach rails across the top and bottom and screw the pickets to the rails.

Edging Styles

• Landscape edging refers to any material used to add a decorative border to a garden, walkway or other feature. Depending on the type you use, edging can block encroachment, retain soil and add depth and contrast. For a style that will complement a white picket fence, consider using bricks or medium-sized stones. Other options include landscape timbers, pavers and metal, PVC or plastic strips of edging restraints.

Edging Installation

• The installation process for edging depends upon your materials. Strips of restraints are secured to the ground with lawn spikes. These restraints are a fitting choice for a patio or walkway paved with sand instead of mortar. Individual bricks, stones or pavers should be laid over a base of gravel and sand. The base improves drainage and creates an underground barrier against encroachment. It also reduces maintenance by preventing stones from sinking or dislodging.