Allowing for wood expansion on fence capping

[Jupiter01]

I've ordered a custom made capping for my featheredge infill and wanted to know how snug this fit should be within the brick piers as I thought I may need to leave room for expansion?

Also, should I not screw near the ends for this reason too?

 

[foxhole]

Expansion along its length will be minimal , a few mm will do assuming its dry at installation.
Screwing near ends should always be avoided where possible.

 

[Jupiter01]

that's perfect @foxhole. I will screw 20-30mm from the ends?

also, should I screw or nail? I've used corrosion resistant galvanised nails for the featheredge boards

 

[HERTS P&D]

I would leave approx. 75mm from the ends then every 300mm. I would also use screws so that it can be removed and treat underneath and the tops of the feathedge.

Andy

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks. I have posted separately to seek advice on treatment but perhaps you can point me in the right direction please?
The capping is custom-cut which means it has lost all of its treatment. I will eventually ronseal everything but should I apply something before that?

On the featheredge, I've treated the cut ends with a end preservative. I think they are now ready for a coating of ronseal.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I always use a Cuprinol which is spirit based which I find it longer lasting.

http://www.cuprinol.co.uk/fences/index.jsp

Andy

 

[foxhole]

I use decking oil, in my case coloured with a few cans of ebony wood dye as mrs insisted on black.

 

[Jupiter01]

can cuprinol go straight on to the untreated timber?

 

[HERTS P&D]

YES.

Andy

 

[Jupiter01]

Can I also use Ronseal in the same way? I want to match an existing colour and I used Ronseal in that case