Stiles : Design List
General Guidance | Key Design Principles | Design List | Evaluation Summary
3. 1 Timber Step Stile (Version 1)
A two-step stile suitable for installation in existing post and wire fences without the need to cut or alter the fence. The use of timber rails to enclose the top wire makes the stile safer for users and avoids any risk of personal injury or damage to clothing if barbed wire is present.
3. 2 Timber Step Stile (Version 2)
A design of two-step stile, similar to Version 1, which is also suitable for installation in existing post and wire fences. The use of wider steps may make it more convenient for use by people with mobility difficulties.
3. 3 Timber Step Stile (Version 3)
A design of two-step stile, based on one originally developed by the Peak District National Park Authority for production in kit form. It can be incorporated in either post and rail or post and wire fences. Steps can be installed parallel or crossed over.
3. 4 Timber Step Stile (Version 4)
A narrow two-step stile that is suitable for locations where space is limited. To make it easier to use, two hand posts are provided and the steps are crossed over at 70°. This type of stile is more likely to pose problems for people with mobility difficulties. It is suitable for installation in post and wire or post and rail fences, but the latter will need to be cut and tied back to new strainers.
A stile design that is better suited to the needs of elderly people and people with mobility difficulties. It is suitable for installation in post and wire or post and rail fences, but the latter will need to be cut and tied back to new strainers. The 900 top height of the stile means that it will not be stockproof against sheep and lambs.
By virtue of their height and the number of steps, ladder stiles can cause particular access problems for many visitors to the countryside, and especially for people with mobility difficulties. Ladder stiles should therefore only be used in situations, as in this example, to provide access over a stone wall where other designs of stile (except 3. 7 ) would be inappropriate.
An alternative design to a ladder stile that can be used to provide access over a stone wall. It can be relatively cheap and easy to construct, provided there is a local source of suitable stone, and will also require little maintenance. In some situations (e.g. in upland areas) stone step stiles are likely to be more in keeping with the landscape than timber ladder stiles.
A narrow design of stile, shaped like an inverted A, that uses only one step. In common with 3. 4 , users step through the stile, rather than swinging each leg over in turn; this may cause problems for people with mobility difficulties. It is suitable for installation in post and wire or post and rail fences, but the latter will need to be cut and tied back to new strainers.
A design of stile that, by virtue of its appearance, is probably best suited to urban and suburban locations. It has no steps and relies on a narrow gap to restrict access: this may cause problems for some people with mobility difficulties. It can be fabricated by a local blacksmith to the height and width required.
A simple design of dog gate based on one developed by the Peak District National Park Authority. The dimensions used in this example assume that it is being incorporated into an existing standard four rail fence. The sliding 'paddle' is made from a single piece of fencing rail.
An alternative design dog gate that is slightly more complex to construct than 3. 10 in using a framework of battens to form the sliding 'paddle'. The dimensions used in this example assume that it is being incorporated into an existing standard four rail fence.