Fence caps, for decoration or protection?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Fence caps, for decoration or protection?
I have an old cedar picket fence. The section without caps has the picket tops deteriorating. The section with caps shows no such deterioration. Caps seem to prolong fence life. But a fence contractor says caps are for decoration. Is he correct?
#2
Your referring to those copper capps for the 4x4 posts?
Mostly decorative, the top of the post is not the area that causes issues when it rots, what is in/at ground is most important, they look nice, especially when new but dont stay that way for long.
Mostly decorative, the top of the post is not the area that causes issues when it rots, what is in/at ground is most important, they look nice, especially when new but dont stay that way for long.
Norm201
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#3
Forum Topic Moderator
If the boards are straight cut at the top water can be slower getting removed and the caps could help. If the top of each board is cut at a slight angle it will help it shed water. Water soaking into the end grain is what will shorten the board's life.
Norm201
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#4
Group Moderator
Caps can be both for decoration and protection. A cap protects the wood by acting like a little roof to keep water off the end grain. Some can be plain and functional while others can be ornate and decorative.
#5
Member
But a fence contractor says caps are for decoration. Is he correct?
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you for confirming that caps have functional value and not purely decorative.
I am not sure if I used the right word. I mean the 2x6 board sitting on top of the fence (not fence posts), above the top 2x4 rail. Fence posts are galvanized steel pipes embedded in concrete.
I am not sure if I used the right word. I mean the 2x6 board sitting on top of the fence (not fence posts), above the top 2x4 rail. Fence posts are galvanized steel pipes embedded in concrete.