Stiles should be erected on boundaries crossed by rights of way where gaps, gates or kissing gates are not appropriate.
British Standard 5709:2001 Gaps, gates and stiles. Specification specifies the following requirements:
- Stiles shall have a maximum of two steps with a minimum width of 200mm (8″), except on sloping ground where a third step, forming a platform, should be provided of double step-width on one side of the stile only.
- The distance between the ground and the first step, and the distance between the tops of the steps shall be a maximum of 300mm (1′).
- Handposts shall be included on wooden stiles.
For further requirements, refer to British Standard 5709:2001.
Two general patterns are specified. The wide stile has a minimum width of 1.2m (4′) between stile posts, and is designed to be climbed by swinging the leg over sideways. The narrow stile has a width of 600-700mm (24-27″) between the stile posts, and is stepped over without swinging the leg sideways. Examples are shown below, but other designs and methods of construction which comply with the BS specifications may also be suitable.
The following timber is required for the wide stile:
Posts: 100 x 100mm (4 x 4″), 4 ways weathered, set 750mm (2’6″) into the ground
Rails: 75 x 50mm (3 x 2″), stub mortised into posts
Steps: 900 x 200 x 50mm (3′ x 8″ x 2″), drilled and skew-nailed with 125mm (5″) nails
Top step support: 150 x 75 x 1100mm (6 x 3″ x 3’6″)
Bottom step support: 150 x 75 x 700mm (6 x 3″ x 2’4″)
The following timber is required for the narrow stile:
Posts: 100 x 100mm (4 x 4″), 4 ways weathered, set 750mm (2’6″) in the ground
Rails: 100 x 38mm (4 x 1 1/2″)
Steps: 900 x 200 x 50mm (3′ x 8″ x 2″), drilled and skew-nailed with 125mm (5″) nails
Top step support: 150 x 75 x 1250mm (6 x 3″ x 4′)
Bottom step support: 150 x 75 x 1100mm (6 x 3″ x 3’6″)
If the stile needs to be proof against sheep and lambs, consider how dog owners will get their dogs through the stile. Fitting a dog gate alongside will avert problems from people damaging the fence in order to get their dogs through.
The construction of the dog gate can vary, and is best designed at the same time as the stile alongside, so that the rails coincide. The critical dimensions are as shown, to create a space large enough for a dog, but to leave gaps small enough to prevent the passage of lambs. A single piece of wood 150mm (6″) wide can be used for the gate instead of the structure shown, but does tend to be rather heavy to lift. Make sure that the gate cannot be completely removed. In the design shown, the metal straps prevent the gate being lifted out.
Stiles with integral dog gates, and ‘stand alone’ dog gates are available from Centrewire Ltd.
Materials and construction
Pressure treated softwood or durable hardwoods are suitable. Hardwoods are more difficult to cut, drill and nail, and heavier to transport to the site, but their use has environmental advantages.
Mortised joints are strong, but can only easily be made in a workshop. They are the best method for easy sites on flat land, but prefabrication is more difficult for stiles on sloping or rocky ground, where variable conditions may require unexpected alterations.
A rebated joint, which can be cut and assembled on site, may be more practical for some sites. The joints can be fixed with a coach bolt or a length of studding fastened at each end with a washer and nut. A neat and secure finish is made if this is counterbored and tightened with a socket.
The step should not rest on a rail, or a see-saw action can develop as the step supports settle into the ground with use. The step should overhang its support by about 40mm (1 1/2″), to help protect the top of the support from wear and weather. The easiest method of fixing is to drill and skew nail using two 125mm (5″) galvanised nails at each end. A more secure fixing is made by using a coach screw.
Procedure
This describes the procedure for erecting a stile, taken to the site in kit form, and bolted together through rebated joints.
Concreting of posts is not normally necessary, but may be advisable in shallow soils.
- Dig holes for stile posts to the required depth.
- Lay posts and rails on the ground, assemble with coach bolts or studding, but do not fully tighten nuts.
- Set posts into position, check uprights and rails with spirit level, and tighten nuts.
- Ram soil around posts using punner or other suitable tool, compacting it in layers.
- Dig holes for step supports, positioning them so the step projects about 40mm (1 1/2″) beyond the support.
- Set step supports in position. Level, using step and spirit level. Ram securely.
- Attach step to supports using nails or coach screw.
- Chamfer step and top rail to give neat finish. Weather and chamfer handhold.
- Attach wire as necessary to make the fence stock proof.
For other designs of stiles, see Footpaths – Stiles and gates.
