Compared to the boundary wall, the palisade offers a very elegant look. It is equally appreciated for its ease of installation since it does not require a large concrete foundation.
Many materials are used to make this barrier. Among wrought iron, composite, PVC, and aluminum, wood is gaining popularity.
If you are thinking about installing a vertical wooden palisade, this article provides you with different important information to consider. To start, we invite you to consult the definition of this barrier.
📋 **📋 Key points:** Personally, I consider vertical installation the most aesthetic solution to visually enlarge a small garden, as it creates an immediate sense of height. My opinion is that a 5 mm spacing between the slats is vital to allow the wood to expand without warping. It has been proven that this structure reduces wind resistance by 30% compared to a solid fence, thus increasing its longevity.
What is a vertical wooden palisade and how does it work?
Just like a garden path, a vertical wooden palisade is often part of projects during outdoor renovation work. It is a wooden fence that is both ecological and durable, offering a warm touch to your garden.
By planting various posts or stakes, it protects against prying eyes from neighbors. That’s not all, it prevents animals from the surroundings from entering your land. Likewise, it ensures the safety of children when they play in the yard.
A vertical wooden palisade also provides a natural charm to the garden. It not only serves as a true fence but also defines an area.
📍 **My experience:** In 2025, I installed 20 meters of autoclaved palisade at a friend’s house. We made the mistake of placing the slats in direct contact with the ground. The lesson is clear: after only one winter, the bottom of the slats began to blacken due to capillarity. Today, I systematically advise leaving a 5 cm air gap or installing a base rail to protect the wood.
Besides that, it comes in many thicknesses. The thicker the barrier appears, the higher its resistance to weather, especially wind. Moreover, it can last over time.
If you install a palisade at least 18 mm thick, it offers temporary screening in this context. For a version between 18 and 35 mm thick, it mainly serves to shield you from outside views.
For a wooden palisade thicker than 35 mm, it provides better protection as a fence and excellent wind resistance.
Whatever thickness is selected, every palisade generally has a height of at least 2 m. This is more than enough to preserve your privacy.
In most cases, fences must not exceed about 2.6 m in cities with at least 50,000 inhabitants.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a vertical wooden palisade compared to other types of palisades?
🍀 Advantages
- Modern aesthetic
- Increased durability
- Easy one-person installation
🔻 Limitations
- More cuts to plan
- Cost of reinforced posts
- Sensitive to wet ground
Like the mezzanine in the garage, the installation of a palisade continues to attract a number of individuals. Due to its huge success, there are several materials available to make the fence.
Some people prefer a PVC palisade because of its affordable price. However, its lifespan may seem quite limited since it is easily damaged.
Others opt for an aluminum version, as it provides an ultra-modern style to their outdoor space. However, it is only for those with a larger budget due to its expensive cost.
There is nothing like choosing a vertical wooden palisade because of its many advantages. Its aesthetics are among its major benefits.
Pleasant to look at, it enhances the natural effect of your garden. A noble material, wood sublimely improves its visual aspect.
Unlike other finishes, it is also easy to work with. As it is available in a variety of species, it offers a wide choice in terms of the wood used, dimensions, and shape. The palisade made from this natural material is suitable for many types of paint. It can easily match the house decoration.
Besides the aesthetic aspect, this fence also attracts most people because of its ease of assembly. It does not require any solid concrete foundation to be planted in the ground.
Moreover, its installation can be done by yourself. Once you are well equipped, you can very well erect it without difficulty.
In addition, wood is among the very resistant materials, just like steel and concrete. Regardless of the wood species chosen, the palisade promises to accompany you for many years. It is also an ecological option since wood is an environmentally friendly material.
As for its disadvantages, the vertical wooden palisade requires periodic maintenance. To extend its longevity and keep its original state, it needs a coat of microporous paint every two years.
To prevent it from cracking, try to cover it with a saturator. This product serves to deeply revive the material.
How to choose the right type of wood for a vertical wooden palisade based on desired properties and technical constraints?
As mentioned above, there are several wood species that can be used to build a palisade.
The choice can prove crucial, for countless factors. The wood type defines not only the appearance of the fence but also its cost and lifespan.
Three categories of wood types can be classified. First, there is untreated softwood which comes from conifers, for example spruce, European fir, and Scots pine.
Since this finish is untreated, it is the least expensive option, but it is also the least durable. It can last 5 to 10 years. To increase its lifespan, it should be treated with an anti-moisture treatment from time to time.
Impregnated wood is also among the widely used wood types for making a palisade.
Unlike the first category, this one is treated with protective products that enhance its resistance to moisture. Because of this treatment, the material has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
The third type relates to hardwood coming from deciduous trees. Robust, it does not require any treatment to protect it from the weather.
Teak, ipe, padauk, and bangkirai are among the most favored woods from South Asia and South America. As for European species, there are chestnut and oak.
Compared to other wood types, this category is expensive. However, its lifespan is impressive, as it can last up to 25 years.
What are the necessary elements to install a vertical wooden palisade and how to assemble them?
The vertical wooden palisade consists of end posts, curved or flat slats, and intermediate posts. There are also corner posts to meet almost all requirements.
To achieve better finishes, the calculation of supplies must not be taken lightly. The number of slats between each post must be correct to ensure the stability, solidity, and aesthetics of the palisade.
To assemble the slats, you need a chalk line, a hammer, a tape measure, a spirit level, a pencil, flat shims, nails, a screwdriver, small shims, a drill driver, a shovel, a trowel, a spade, an auger, and of course a drill with a 12 mm bit.
Estimez le nombre de lames nécessaires pour votre projet de palissade.
lames
(Inclut un espacement de 5mm entre chaque lame)
If the post is to be set in concrete, use stones, rubble, and preferably ready-mix concrete. If you have some DIY knowledge, you do not have to call a professional. With the help of one or two people, you can manage it without any problem.
How to maintain and repair a vertical wooden palisade in case of damage?
Even if you choose quality wood types, palisades can become fragile over time due to weather, moisture, and insects.
It is therefore essential to take care of them regularly to keep them in better condition and especially to extend their lifespan.
Their maintenance depends notably on the wood type used. Generally, people use autoclaved wood for their palisades.
Since this is already chemically treated, it requires no special care against fungi, insects, and mold. However, it needs a touch-up to protect it from UV rays. Choose an appropriate product that revives its color.
Besides that, exotic wood is among the highly sought-after manufacturing materials for fences. Thanks to its physical properties, it naturally withstands weather, insects, and also fungi.
Over time, only its aesthetic appearance deteriorates. To prevent the fence from losing its shine, consider using a special treatment to nourish the wood and restore it to its original state.
Despite your regular care, it is possible that the vertical wooden fence is damaged. When its post is rotten, it must be removed and replaced with a new element.
The post may also be damaged by bad weather; your first reflex should be to check the condition of the underground base of the fence. If the hole seems shallow, you need to dig deeper and then straighten the post.
| Wood species | Treatment | Estimated durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine / Fir | Class 4 Autoclave | 10 to 15 years | Varnish every 3 years |
| Douglas | Natural (Class 3) | 15 to 20 years | Annual saturator |
| Larch | Natural | 20 years + | Naturally grays |
| Exotic Wood | Natural | 30 years + | Specific oil |
How to install a vertical wooden fence safely and in compliance with current standards?
🌍 **Did you know?**
Vertical installation allows rainwater to drain much faster than horizontal installation. Moisture slides along the wood fibers, which reduces the risk of stagnation and premature rot.
First, level the ground to work easily. Then mark out the barrier using a rope and stakes.
To prepare the foundations, dig holes. Once done, set the supports. Install each post directly into the ground and pour concrete all around.
When it is firmly fixed, now assemble the fence. Plant the battens that connect the stakes. They also serve to fix the vertical boards of the barrier.
Depending on the desired appearance, you can glue the slats together. It is also possible to create spacing between them.
Instead of nailing, choose screwing to go much faster. This method will also last over time. To limit the risk of rust, favor stainless steel screws.
⚠️ **Warning**
The classic mistake is to use zinc-plated steel screws instead of stainless steel. Over time, steel reacts with the tannins in the wood and creates indelible black streaks on your slats. A2 stainless steel is essential for any outdoor fence.
What precautions should be taken before installing a vertical wooden fence and how to check the structure’s solidity?
To ensure the robustness of the barrier, it is strongly recommended to use higher quality wood such as oak, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and chestnut. Although these are often expensive, they guarantee the durability of the structure for several years.
That said, make sure you are well equipped to install the vertical wooden fence with ease. If needed, use electrical tools like the screwdriver or the drill to help you save time.
If the fence is exposed to winds, you can use reinforcements on the posts. Even if the holes seem very deep, choose a reliable sealing.
Let us remind you that building a vertical wooden fence does not require a building permit.
However, most cities require a prior declaration of works, especially if the structure is located near a protected area or a historic site.
To avoid making a mistake, it is wise to inquire at the town hall. This will save you from facing a fine.
💡 **Tip**
For a perfect alignment at the top of your fence, do not cut your boards in advance. Lay them all with a slight margin, then use a chalk line and a circular saw to level the whole in one single cut.
