Description
Quick answer: Treated softwood motorway rails are pressure treated fence rails used as the horizontal support behind featheredge boards, closeboard fencing and other timber fence builds. They are suitable for exterior above-ground fencing work and are normally fixed between or across fence posts to support the boards.
What is this used for?
These treated softwood motorway rails are used as horizontal fence rails in traditional timber fencing. They provide the support that featheredge boards, closeboard fencing and other fence boards fix to between posts.
Typical uses include featheredge fencing, closeboard fencing, boundary fencing, garden fencing, fence repairs and replacement rail work.
Is this the right rail for your project?
Choose motorway rails when you are building or repairing a timber fence and need strong horizontal rails to carry the fence boards. They are a practical choice for featheredge and closeboard fencing because the squared profile gives a solid fixing face for boards and fixings.
These rails are pressure treated for exterior above-ground use, but they should not be used as fence posts or as a substitute for timber that needs to be buried or used in ground contact. For a full fence run, you will usually need suitable fence posts, featheredge boards, gravel boards and fixings or postmix.
Which length should you choose?
These motorway rails are available in 2.4m, 3.6m and 4.8m lengths. Choose the length that best suits your post spacing, transport, handling and cutting plan.
| Rail length | Best used for |
|---|---|
| 2.4m | Shorter fence sections, repairs, easier handling and smaller jobs. |
| 3.6m | General fencing work where fewer joins are preferred. |
| 4.8m | Longer runs where you want to reduce the number of rail joins, subject to transport and handling. |
Size note: Imperial sizes are provided as a familiar reference only. All timber is sold in metric measurements, so please use the listed metric size when ordering or checking suitability for your project.
How are motorway rails used in featheredge fencing?
In a featheredge or closeboard fence, the posts provide the upright support, the motorway rails run horizontally, and the featheredge boards fix vertically to the rails. The rails are a key part of the fence structure because they hold the boards in line and help spread the load across the fence run.
The number of rails needed depends on the fence height, design and exposure. Taller fences usually need more horizontal support than low screens or small repairs.
Key features
- Pressure treated softwood: Treated for exterior above-ground fencing applications.
- 38 x 88mm section: A practical rail size for traditional timber fencing and board fixing.
- Squared profile: Gives a straightforward fixing face for featheredge boards and other fence boards.
- Multiple lengths available: Choose from 2.4m, 3.6m and 4.8m rails depending on the job.
- Useful for repairs: Suitable for replacing damaged or rotten rails in existing timber fencing.
- Trade and DIY use: Practical for full fence runs, boundary fencing and garden fence repairs.
Things to check before ordering
- Fence design: Check how many rails are needed for your fence height, board type and exposure.
- Post spacing: Choose rail lengths that suit your post layout and minimise waste where possible.
- Supporting materials: A full fence run will usually need fence posts, featheredge boards, gravel boards and fixings or postmix.
- Above-ground use: These rails are for exterior above-ground fencing work and should not be used as posts or buried in the ground.
- Cut ends: Re-treat freshly cut ends where possible after cutting.
- Fixings: Use suitable exterior-grade fixings for treated timber and outdoor fencing.
- Natural timber movement: Allow for normal movement, checking, bowing or slight twist that can occur with sawn treated timber.
Complete the job
For a full featheredge or closeboard fence, use these rails with suitable fence posts, featheredge boards, gravel boards and fixings and postmix. You may also need suitable nails or exterior-grade screws for fixing boards and rails.
To plan a featheredge fence before ordering, use the Featheredge Fencing Calculator. To compare related fencing materials, view the full Fence Rails collection.
