What is the top of an iron fence called?

Decorative fence often designating domestic property lines

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This article is about the fence variety. For other uses, see Picket fence (disambiguation)

Classic white picket fence next to a sidewalk showing some signs of aging

Picket fences are a type of fence often used decoratively for domestic boundaries, distinguished by their evenly spaced vertical boards, the pickets, attached to horizontal rails. Picket fences are particularly popular in the United States, with the white picket fence coming to symbolize the ideal middle-class suburban life.

History

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Picket fences are particularly popular in the United States, where the style has been used since America's earliest colonial era and remains popular today. Pickets were historically sharpened logs used to defend positions and used as such by early colonists.[1] Now they are a decorative way to contain pets and children without blocking views, and are used around both front and back yards. Traditionally picket fences were made out of wood and painted white (or whitewashed), but now picket fences are also widely available in low-maintenance polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl).

Until the introduction of advertising on fences in the s, cricket fields were usually surrounded by picket fences, giving rise to the expression "rattling the pickets" for a ball hit firmly into the fence.

Design

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A picket fence is generally 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 cm) tall. A horizontal top rail and bottom rail are attached to fence posts, which are installed upright into the ground. Evenly spaced boards are affixed vertically to the rails. These boards with pointed tops are called "pickets" for their resemblance to the pointed stakes historically used by infantry to repel cavalry.[citation needed]

Picket fences can be made of several types of materials. Historically, wood has been the most popular material used for picket fences. This wood can be untreated, treated, or naturally insect and rot resistant. Available non-wood options include vinyl (PVC) and aluminum.[citation needed]

Installation

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The first step in installing a picket fence is to insert the posts into the ground. Traditionally this is done by digging deep holes (usually 36 inches (91 cm) x 12 inches (30 cm)) either manually or with a power auger. The posts are then placed upright into the ground and concrete is poured to cement them into place. Once they are set, the horizontal rails are affixed to the posts using fasteners, and finally the pickets can be attached to the horizontal rails. By far the most time-consuming part of installing a picket fence is setting the posts.

Painting with a picket fence

There are some vinyl picket fence systems on the market that are installed without digging holes or pouring concrete. These are installed by driving pipe deep into the ground, which is how chain link fence has been installed for years. This is the most popular way to install vinyl fence in Western Canada, where the deep frost can heave concrete footings out of the ground.[2]

Symbolism

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The picket fence, particularly when white, has iconic status as Americana,[3] symbolizing the ideal middle-class suburban life, with a family and children, large house, and peaceful living. This stems from the fact that houses in quiet, middle-class neighborhoods often have yards enclosed by picket fences.[4] This symbolism is also common to works critical of the middle-class lifestyle. For example, the director David Lynch uses ironic images of the picket fence in his film Blue Velvet.[5]

In popular culture

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• Botticelli shows a picket fence in his painting Agony in the Garden, painted c. .[6]
• The phrase "picket fence" also describes text without spaces between words. Such texts are very common in Old Latin, with documents often lacking both spaces and punctuation.[7]

Gallery

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See also

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References

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Finials are what gives an iron or aluminum fence that authentic, traditional look.  Does the fence you are looking at provide welded-on, solid iron and aluminum finials at no extra charge?

We&#;ve often heard folks confused on what to call those decorative elements on the top of our fences and gates.

&#;Pointy things?&#;

&#;Spike tops?&#;

&#;Toppers?&#;

&#;Tip things?&#;

Finial (fin&#;ē əl) &#; A finial is an element marking the top or end of some object, often formed to be a decorative feature

That decorative item we weld to the top of our fence and gate pickets is the called a finial and we think they are a core element of any true iron or aluminum piece. Why? Because that finial is what gives this type of fence and gate its iconic look.  

It&#;s the decorative element that makes the fence and gates more art than simple building material. Finials are one of the key elements that set Iron Fence Shop apart from all our competitors. We weld a solid iron or solid aluminum finial tip on top of all our fence and gate pickets STANDARD.

Not convinced that the finials are a defining element of a beautiful iron or aluminum fence? Let&#;s compare Iron Fence Shop with the competition:

Iron Fence Shop Finials:

• Made of Solid Iron or Aluminum
• Welded to the Picket Straight and Permanently
• Sand-Cast for Rough, Authentic Texture
• Safety Ball Tip for No Sharp Edges or Points
• Included at No Extra Charge

Our Competitor&#;s Finials:

Option 1 &#; The Pinch or Crimp Top Picket

• Just a Pressed Picket Tip
• Very &#;Builder&#;s Grade&#; Appearance
• Doesn&#;t Look Authentic
• More Likely to Have Rough or Sharp Edges

Option 2 &#; The Add-On Finial

• Only Pressed onto the Picket &#; Can Be Pulled Off
• Press-on Finials Tough to Keep Straight and Level
• Costs More than Our Products with Finials Welded On
• Made of Thin Die-Cast Aluminum or Plastic
• Coloration of Finial Often Doesn&#;t Match or Fades Differently

An iron or aluminum fence or gate is a permanent addition to your home.  Don&#;t end up with a cheap &#;builders grade&#; fence or gate without finials. Make the right choice with our Stronghold Iron® or Infinity Aluminum® fence and gates that give your home a more authentic, timeless and up-scale appearance.

Are you interested in learning more about Metal Fence Factory? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!