What is the standard pale pitch for palisade fencing?

The standard pale pitch (centre-to-centre spacing) is 75mm for most security palisade fencing. With a 25mm wide D-section pale, this gives a gap of 50mm between pales — too narrow for climbing. Some specifications use tighter 65mm pitch for enhanced security. Round/safe top versions for public areas may use wider spacing.

What height palisade fence do I need for security?

Standard palisade heights are 1.8m (general boundary), 2.4m (standard security), and 3.0m (high security). For LPS 1175 rated security, 2.4m with anti-climb features is the minimum. Most commercial and industrial sites use 2.4m as the default security height. Heights above 2m may require planning permission.

What is the difference between D-section and W-section pales?

D-section pales are the standard profile — they are difficult to grip from the outside but relatively easy to manufacture. W-section (or corrugated) pales offer higher security as they are even harder to grip and more resistant to being bent or spread apart. W-section is specified for high-security applications such as prisons and military installations.

What post centres are used for palisade fencing?

Standard post centres for palisade fencing are 2.75m. This suits standard rail lengths and provides adequate structural support. For high-security installations or exposed sites, centres can be reduced to 2.5m. Posts are typically RSJ (I-beam) section: 127×76mm for standard, 152×89mm for heavy duty.

What is anti-climb palisade fencing?

Anti-climb palisade uses features that prevent climbing: triple-pointed pale tops, one-way security bolts (non-return), pale-to-rail fixings on the secure side only, and no horizontal footholds. The pales should be smooth D or W-section. Some specifications also require anti-dig measures such as extending the pales 300mm below ground.

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Palisade Fence Calculator

Calculate pales, posts, rails and fixings for steel palisade security fencing. Includes anti-climb specifications and UK standard sizes.

Total Fence Length

Total perimeter run

Fence Height

Standard: 1.8m, 2.4m or 3.0m

Pale Profile

D-section is standard, W-section for high security

Pale Top

Triple point for security, round for public areas

Anti-climb specification

One-way security bolts, secure-side fixings

Price Per Pale (optional)

Price Per Post (optional)

Price Per Rail (optional)

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the number of pales, posts, rails and fixings for steel palisade fencing. It uses standard UK pale widths and pitch spacing to calculate quantities per bay.

The formula

Bays = Fence length ÷ Post centres (rounded up)
Pales per bay = Bay width ÷ Pitch (e.g. 2750mm ÷ 75mm)
Total pales = Pales per bay × Number of bays
Rails = Rails per bay (2 or 3) × Number of bays

For a 50m fence at 2.75m post centres: 19 bays, 20 posts, 36 pales per bay (at 75mm pitch), totalling 684 pales and 57 rails.

Specification guide

D-section 25mm pales at 75mm pitch for standard security
3 rails for fences over 2.0m height
Post centres typically 2.75m with RSJ section posts
One-way security fixings for anti-climb specification

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.