Split rail fence can uplift your property’s curb appeal while providing a convenient way to fence it. This fence style is typically wood or vinyl and has two, three, or four horizontal rails fastened together by posts spaced appropriately apart.
A split rail fence may be a lovely addition to your residential land, and an excellent tool for containing cattle and marking your property border for farming and livestock operations.
But when you install a split rail fence, you will want to ensure you’re doing it correctly and have enough capital to invest in it.
So let’s look at some measures you should consider when building the split rail fence and much more!
Why Split Rail Fence?
Rail fencing is most frequently categorized as a boundary or decorative barrier because its primary functions are to define property lines and offer a traditional aesthetic accent. However, contemporary split rail fences have a variety of uses, such as:
- The wide spaces between the rails make areas outside the fence visible and help the room feel less enclosed. Contrary to privacy fences, wood rail fences allow visibility through the fence yet establish a clear property line.
- Wood rail fences are frequently employed along yards, farms, neighborhoods, commercial properties, sidewalks, and other property borders.
- A split rail fence provides security while making a yard area appear broader and more open.
- Kids who play are aware that the fencing marks the boundary of their playground and can be instructed to respect it.
- Split rail fencing can prevent some wind and debris based on how significant the gaps between the rails are.
- This fence will deter trespassers or stragglers if your house is near a roadway. Split rail fences are distinctive and spunky. Additionally, they are simple to maintain and generally inexpensive to deploy.
Different Types of Split Rail Fences
There are different split rail fence options for you to choose from. Below we are listing various types of split rail fences.
Wood Fence
Wooden split rail fences give your land a feeling of antiquity and charm that most of you will love to increase curb appeal. Moreover, timber wood and oak is often the best material for new fences because:
- Wood is firm and stands the test of time in severe weather conditions.
- Wood fences last for decades when built and maintained correctly.
- Split rail fences made of wood are less costly than other common materials.
- Wood may be varnished and stained, making it simple to create the perfect personalized look to complement your entire house.
Vinyl fence
Another fantastic choice for a new split rail fence is vinyl or PVC material. While you will not encounter vinyl fences frequently, they can withstand harsh weather for a long time, like wood fences.
And the best thing is there are many different design alternatives for vinyl rail fences, for example, white, black, or brown. However, there is more from vinyl fences, such as:
- Vinyl materials are very high-grade and can last a long time.
- Vinyl fences are resistant to environmental factors such as UV light and rain that, over time, could weaken the structural stability of a timber or oak fence.
- You do not need to maintain the vinyl fences now and then because they require extremely little upkeep.
- As Vinyl fences emboss a delicate surface, they are easy to wash off with a hose. In addition, if you notice any dirt or mold over time, you can clean it off to avoid staining.
Round Rail Fence
Round posts and round rails are used to construct a round rail fence, also known as western rail fencing. Typically, it has two or three rails, just like the wood fence, except the ends of round rails, are dowelled or tapered.
So each rail that has tapered ends will get to secure to the posts. There are several reasons to install round rail fences that are:
- If you pressure treats the posts and rails of a round rail fence, it will increase its lifetime and durability by preventing decay and deterioration.
- Moreover, many love to fence property with round rails because of their smooth, rounded appearance.
- You will frequently see chain-link fences linked to round rail fences. And this acts as an additional barrier to keep out other animals without blocking your vision and to safeguard children and pets.
Ranch Rail Fence
Ranch rail fences are constructed with smooth or rough-sawn rectangular wood planks, commonly 2 x 6 lumber. The ranch rail fence’s elegant appearance increases your property’s curb appeal.
While there are different material options for fencing, western red cedar is commonly used to make these rails. Moreover, you can leave these rails unpainted to let nature turn them gray over time.
Hence, you do not need to invest in expensive varnishes. But if you like, you can paint or varnish the fence in any color you like.
Ranch rail fence posts can be either square or round and are frequently fastened to each fence post’s outer border using nails.
If you install a ranch rail fence, your property will have a more polished appearance.
Wood & Metal Rail Fence
The wood & metal rail fence, a more contemporary variation on the wood rail fence, is another wood rail fence.
- This is a fantastic alternative if you want to spend money on a wooden rail fence that will last a lifetime. Why? Because the most rigid posts you may use for a wood rail fence are made of metal.
- Metal fence posts, instead of wooden ones, are entirely bug and rot-proof and can survive for generations.
- The wooden rails and metal pillars create a stunning, rustically modern appearance.
- When paired with a black vinyl chain link fence, these lovely fences provide excellent security.
How to Install a Split-Rail Fence
Several measures must be taken while beginning a fencing project. Below is the step-by-step guide to installing a split rail fence.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Permits
Any neighbors whose land extends along your intended fence line should be informed of your activities. They might agree to share the price of installing the fence with you.
In addition, you should also obtain the appropriate construction permits as required by local regulations. Apart from this, you should also make sure that the fence must be on your land, so double-check while planning to install the fence.
Your fence’s style and placement may be restricted by an easement (a right of way granted to another property owner or utility provider). So, you should also check your property for boundaries.
And on top of all, local zoning regulations and neighborhood association guidelines may govern a fence’s size and placement, so it is better to check that out.
Step 2: Drawing Your Fence
By making a preliminary sketch, you may estimate the number of posts and rails required for your split rail fence. This will also provide a precise reference guide you can use while you build the wall.
Step 3: Obtain All of Your Materials
If you’re building a lengthy split rail fence, you are not required to buy all your supplies in one go. But it’s crucial to remember that when a rail is cut, it’s permanently cut so don’t be hasty to cut the rails.
Step 4: Start Measuring
To begin with, your corner posts drive a significant wooden stake several feet beyond where you want to place each corner post. Pull a length of thick string firmly to each other end post after tying it to the corner stake, which should be secured 12 inches above the ground.
Then, spread your rails along each line, 6 inches apart at each end. You will drill your post holes where the rails meet. Mark each post hole placement at the exact distance from the rope line in both locations (approximately 12 inches).
Mark each post clearly 36 inches up from the ground; you’ll use this mark to check that each post is positioned at the proper depth. Add some gravel to each hole as you start putting in your posts so that the depth is 24 inches and there is good drainage.
Step 5: Make Post Hole Digs
Dig the post holes where you previously marked the ground. The distance should be measured from the hole’s bottom to the rope 12 inches above the ground.
Push down any topsoil at the bottom of the hole with a digging tool before adding gravel to make the hole 24 inches deep. If you encounter a rock that won’t move, you can remove up to 6 inches of the post’s bottom. However, you shouldn’t do so because posts set less than 18 inches deep won’t be reliable sources of support.
Set the corner post with the unique cutout vertical in the hole, beginning with the first edge. After that, begin to fill the opening with dirt as the post starts to become relatively stable.
Put the notched rails in their appropriate holes after the post is in position, and check that the holes you drilled for the subsequent posts are in the right places.
Then, install the bases following the same procedures as the end line.
Things You Should Know Before Installing Wood Split Rail Fence
Before making a purchase of a split rail fence, you should be aware of the following:
Installation Methodology
The first thing to understand is that wood split rail fence assembly is more complicated than it first appears. The area where the fence will be installed must be measured, and the fence posts must be marked.
Additionally, you’ll need to dig concrete-filled holes for the fence posts. You can install the fence rails after the fence posts are put in place.
Cost
Another factor to remember is the price difference between a wood split rail fence and a chain-link or vinyl fence. The components for a wood split rail fence are more costly, and installing one requires more work.
Maintenance
Additionally, the wood split rail fences will need more upkeep than other fence types. To protect the fence from the elements, you should stain or paint it frequently.
Additionally, if fence rails or boards sustain damage, you might need to replace them.
Lifespan
With the proper care and upkeep, wood-split rail fences can last for many years. It’s crucial to remember that this fence won’t survive as long as others, like vinyl or aluminum.
You might want to consider another style if you create a fence that will last a lifetime.
How Much Does Split Rail Fence Installation Cost?
A typical homeowner looking to add a fence to their front property (a popular application for split rail fences can anticipate spending between $1,800 and $4000.
However, the particulars of the work, like its scale, materials, and accessibility, might significantly affect such figures. Split rail fencing is commonly used by people with significant lands of an acre or over, like fields for cattle, to designate their property limits and keep livestock in.
Since they need so many supplies and labor hours, big projects like these will be up to the absolute leading edge of up to $24000 for expert installation. Moreover, you can deduct the labor cost if you plan to build a DIY split rail fence.
On the other hand, split rail fencing is a very inexpensive alternative for homeowners wishing to wall in a confined patch, like a vegetable garden, notably if they choose less expensive materials. You might only spend about $800 on labor and supplies for a straightforward timber split rail fence.
Increase Your Property’s Curb Appeal with Split Rail Fence!
Split rail fences provide a convenient way of fencing your property. While you can contain your livestock and property with a fence it also provides visibility to the surroundings of your property.
However, installing the split rail fence is a challenging DIY project. You should thoroughly think it through when you plan to install it. Moreover, you can also seek expert help for adequately installing the split rail fence as well.