Q. I would like to describe the work I want done to a fence installer. What are the different parts of a fence called?

A. The supporting piece of a fence is called a post. This is the one that is mounted in concrete. Posts can be treated wood or metal. The cross members are called rails. These are attached to the posts. Panels/palings/boards are nailed to the rails. These are the main screening component of a fence and can be placed in vertical or horizontal positions.