How Far Off the Ground Should a Picket Fence Be?
When installing a picket fence, it's important to make sure the fence panels are off the ground. Wood panels can begin to show signs of rot if they are in direct contact with ground moisture, and even vinyl fencing will be more susceptible to mildew and discoloration.
The Ideal Height
Therefore, you should set your fence panels 2 to 5 inches off the ground. The distance ensures that you maintain a secure boundary for pets or young children while still protecting your fence from the elements.
When to Deviate
Although 2 to 5 inches is the height you should aim for, there are times when you will want to raise you fence panels a little higher off the ground. If you have a lot of long vegetation growing around your fence line, 5 inches may not be high enough to keep away severe moisture. In that case, raise your fence panels up just high enough to avoid the dense base of vegetation.
Bottom Line
Most situations call for a picket fence that is 2 to 5 inches off the ground. However, it's important to pay attention to the environment around the fence line, and if necessary, position the fence a couple of inches higher.
The Drip Cap
- When installing a picket fence, it's important to make sure the fence panels are off the ground.
- Although 2 to 5 inches is the height you should aim for, there are times when you will want to raise you fence panels a little higher off the ground.
References
Writer Bio
Jake Damon has his Ph.D. in English from Texas Tech University. Damon has been a writer and editor since 1998. He edits two professional journals, has published books including "Catullan Consciousness" and "Re-Reading Thomas Traherne," and written articles for various academic and trade presses, including Oxford University Press, Associated University Presses and the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Arizona State University.
Photo Credits
- house with picket fence image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com
- house with picket fence image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com
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