Which Way Should the Thick Side of Closeboard Pales Face?

When it comes to installing Closeboard fencing, also known as Featheredge or Featherboard (read more on why it is called Featherboard, Closeboard or Featheredge), there’s one question that often crops up: which way should the thick side of the board face?

Let’s clear this up straight away. There is no technical reason why the thicker side of a Closeboard pale must go to the left or right. It simply comes down to how you start your run, what other products you're installing, and personal preference.

Closeboard Thick Side Right or Left?

When you're building a Closeboard fence from kit form (loose components), the direction you start in will determine which side the thick edge of the pale sits.

Start at the left end of a fence run: the thick edge will end up on the left-hand side of each board.

Start at the right end: the thick edge will be on the right-hand side of each board.

That’s because each new pale overlaps the thin edge of the previous one. So the overlap direction depends entirely on where you begin.

Manufacturer Consistency

Most fencing manufacturers tend to have the thicker side of the pale on the right as you face the panel or gate from the front. But this is not a hard and fast rule. The key point is consistency. Manufacturers will always be consistent with their own range.

If they weren’t, and the thick side switched direction halfway across a gate or panel run, it would look out of place. So while there's no technical reason behind the direction, visual consistency across the range is important.

Matching Panels, Gates and Kit Form

If you're installing a kit form Closeboard fence alongside Closeboard panels or a Closeboard gate, it's a good idea to take a moment and check which way the pales are configured on the pre-made items.

This ensures the whole project looks unified. Installing the kit to match the orientation of the panels and gate will make the entire fence run look professionally finished.

Alternating Panels

Some installers like to get creative by installing alternate panels upside down. This creates a zig-zag visual effect across the fence run and can look very striking.

However, there are a few things to be aware of:

• Drainage rails on some panels are angled to shed water. If flipped upside down, they can collect water instead, which can reduce the life of the panel.
• Most manufacturers treat each component differently, with considerable thought going into the design. For example, Jacksons Fencing Featheredge Panels are made so that the bottom of each pale sits slightly within the lower rail. This small detail helps prevent the pales from sitting directly in any water that may collect on the gravel board, reducing the risk of rot. So, it's worth paying attention to these design features.
• Manufacturer’s badges might end up at the bottom, meaning they’ll need to be removed and repositioned if you're aiming for a neat finish from the front.
• From the back, flipped panels can look odd if the structural layout isn’t symmetrical.

Conclusion

While there’s no right or wrong way for the thick side of a Closeboard pale to face, consistency and compatibility with surrounding panels, gates and your overall design are key.

Whether you're working with kit form fencing or mixing it with pre-made panels, take a step back, consider your starting point and match the orientation to suit the rest of your installation. That way, you’ll end up with a smart, professional-looking finish whichever way the boards face.

The above video was produced by FAC Landscapes and shows the boards being attached to a traditional fence system.  All overlapping and giving a attractive consistent look.