The finish of a picket is a small detail that strongly influences the appearance of the fence. A straight cut tidies the top line, while a curve emphasises the rhythm of individual elements. The choice is not limited to taste, however. Not every profile offers all end variants. The installation direction and the way it is set into the system may also matter. Metal pickets should be ordered with an unambiguous description of both ends, rather than leaving this decision until delivery. The cross-section describes the spatial shape of the picket. The end finish refers to how its length terminates. The same profile may be available with a straight cut or a rounded top, if the range provides for it. This does not mean a change to the width or depth of the entire element. Both pieces of information should be sought separately in the documentation.

Matt and gloss can distinctly change the appearance of the same profile. One surface shows reflections more strongly, the other creates a calmer impression. This does not, however, result in a simple division into worse and better fence slats. Visual finish must be distinguished from the parameters of the coating system. Metal fence slats can have different protection despite a similar degree of gloss. The right choice combines an assessment of the sample with information about the material and the conditions of its use. On a glossy surface, distinct reflections are easier to notice. Embossings can then stand out more strongly from adjacent fields. Matt gives less intense reflections and can emphasise the overall rhythm of the fence. The effect depends, however, on the angle of light and the colour. It is not worth assessing it solely on a photograph taken under controlled conditions.