How long do split rail fence posts last?
The longevity of split rail fence posts depends on the wood. A cedar fence can last between 15 to 30 years, spruce and pine posts last half that length, treated or not. Other factors affect the longevity of the wood, such as climate, moisture, soil composition, and maintenance.
How long do cedar fence posts last?
In the Midwest, Eastern red cedar fence posts have been found to last for decades. Here is the life expectancy (in years) of some wood fence posts, from the Virginia Cooperative Extension:
How to build a cedar split rail fence?
Building a Cedar Split Rail fence is very similar to the Pine round rail install. The post and all rails are assembled on a per section basis. You can NOT set post and come back to install the rails later.
What are the different types of wood split-rail fences?
Repack with a solid bar or an actual tamping pole. We offer the wood split-rail fence in both, 2-rail, and 3-rail versions. The rails are available in 10-foot lengths.
How Much Does Cedar Split Rail Fence Cost?
Compared to other types of fence, cedar split rail fence is very affordable. 2 rail fences cost between $3.50 to $5.50 per foot for materials only. 3 rail fences cost $5.00 to $8.00 per foot for materials only. Installation costs from professional installers will vary on region, fence layout and total footage of fence.
How Long Does Cedar Split Rail Fence Last?
On average, cedar split rail fence will last 15 to 25 years. However, many factors will influence the life expectancy. Water and moisture are the biggest factors. Cedar naturally repels water and moisture under most circumstances. Normal changes in weather do not effect the fence.
Planning Ahead Prevents Installation Problems
Very rarely will fence lines measure to workout in even multiples. Therefore, a cut section will be required. Cutting the rails down to shorter lengths requires more work. Not to mention, it can be challenging to get it right. In order to reduce cut sections, layout the fence ahead of time.
Installing Cedar Split Rail Fence
Many homeowners take on the challenge of installing a cedar split rail fence themselves. While it can be labor intensive, the process is simple and requires only a few tools. Digging the holes will be the hardest part. Renting an auger is recommended. However, a set of post hole diggers will get the job done.
How long does a cedar fence last?
If it's treated, a cedar fence may last up to 40 years. Cedar consistently outlasts other wood species. A spruce fence typically lasts only four to seven years. Pine lasts a little longer than spruce but still ...
Why is cedar wood so durable?
The natural oils in the wood protect it from things like rotting and insect damage, which keeps it strong and durable. Cedar holds its shape without the degree of shrinking and warping you get with other wood, even in moist conditions and harsh weather.
What is the purpose of protective coating on cedar?
Protective coatings help shield the wood from potential damage. They also preserve the original color of the cedar. If left unstained or untreated, cedar naturally ages to a gray color. Some people like the look, but others like to preserve the wood's natural color. Advertisement.
Does cedar hold its shape?
Cedar holds its shape without the degree of shrinking and warping you get with other wood, even in moist conditions and harsh weather.
Do cedar fences pay more?
You can expect to pay more for a cedar fence than you would for other wood fences, but you get a longer life out of the wood, so you get a much better return on your investment. Advertisement.
Do sliver gray posts rust?
First, they will let water seep into the heart of the post, which will accelerate rot. Second, they will rust at some point. Unless you like a burnt orange stripe running down your sliver gray post for years I would avoid this. If your soil moves a lot, and rails do start falling out.
Is Cedar Split Rail a good fence?
Cedar Split Rail Fence is a classic choice for your property. You get the most natural look available, and the naturally occurring resistance of cedar to termites and the elements. We are offering Western Cedar Split Rail in 2 and 3 rail options. Cedar is more difficult to come by as the vast majority comes from the Northwest and Western Canada. We also have inventory in Dallas TX.
Can you set a Cedar Split Rail Fence?
Building a Cedar Split Rail fence is very similar to the Pine round rail install. The post and all rails are assembled on a per section basis. You can NOT set post and come back to install the rails later. You must insert the rails in the post, align with the straight line and set the post.
What is Split Rail Fence?
Split rail fence is a style of wood fence, made up of only two components. Posts and rails. The post is the vertical supporting piece of the fence. Each post has holes milled into them. The rail is the horizontal piece of the fence. Manufactured from logs of lumber that get split apart. Rails insert into the post holes. Split rail fences can have 2, 3 or 4 rails. Different types of lumber are used for split rail fences. Locust, cedar and spruce are the most common. Split rail fences are rustic looking and easy to install. They are great for defining property lines, containing horses and livestock, or simply for decoration.
What Height Does Split Rail Fence Come In?
There are three standard heights. 2 rail fence is installed at 36″ high. 3 rail fence is installed at 48″ high. Lastly, 4 rail fence is installed at 54″ – 60″ high. The height of the fence is measured at the top of the rail. The posts will stick out slightly higher. What the intent the fence is used for will help determine what height the fence should be. Let’s take a look at each height and discuss some examples on where they would be used.
What is the best wood for a split rail fence?
Cedar lumber has oils in it that naturally make it weather resistant. This makes cedar a great choice for split rail fence. Mostly used in western states, cedar split rail fences last for decades in dry open areas like fields and pastures. Cedar posts and rails have a very rustic look. Rails will have a more square shape as compared to other types of lumber. Unlike treated and hardwood rails, cedar rails do not overlap each other at the post. They fit inside the posts like a tenon and mortise joint. In wet areas however, the dryer more porous cedar lumber can wick in and hold moisture. As a result growing a mold or fungus. This causes rot and decay if left unattended.
How high should a 3 rail fence be?
The most common height is a 3 rail fence. Measuring in at 48″, it is popular for many applications. Take a drive to the country and you will see 3 rail split rail fence surrounding many farms and pastures. Because it is inexpensive, it is great for covering large amounts of footage. Combined with its easy installation, it is a popular choice for ranchers and farmers. But 3 rail split rail fence isn’t just for keeping in animals. Homeowners use it in conjunction with a wire mesh backing to keep in pets and children. Builders use it along the road frontage leading up to entrances of developments. Parks and golf courses use 3 rail split rail fences around lakes and ponds, and along parking lots to prevent cars from driving on the grass.
What type of lumber is used for split rail fences?
Split rail fences use three types of lumber. Locust posts with hardwood rails, pressure treated spruce, and cedar. Each type of lumber has proven to last. However, each lumber type also has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each type of lumber used for split rail fences.
What is poplar railing?
Poplar is the hardwood lumber for the rails. Rail inconsistency is common with all three types of lumber. Some rails are larger than others. Poplar rails give split rail a sturdy robust look. But locust and poplar have become more expensive overtime. So manufactures started using treated yellow pine for both.
What is a black locust fence?
Black locust is a dense and strong hardwood. Perfect for fence posts. When I started installing fence 25 years ago, every split rail fence we installed had locust posts. Some of those posts are still standing today. However, the problem with locust posts was consistency. Some posts were 5″ across and others were 9″ across. Some posts would have a nice rectangular cut to them and others would be smooth on one side and have a half radius on the other side with bark hanging off it. When setting posts, it made it more difficult to keep them inline with one another. Split rail is supposed to be rustic. But some locust posts weren’t acceptable to customers. Especially in residential settings.
What is the best cedar tree for a fence?
There are a number of kinds of cedar. Eastern red cedar, found from east of Colorado and into much of New England is actually a juniper, a member of the cypress family. True cedars are members of the pine family. Junipers are tough, resilient trees that make excellent fence posts, either whole or split. You do not need to treat or debark the posts.
Do you need to treat juniper fence posts?
Junipers are tough, resilient trees that make excellent fence posts, either whole or split. You do not need to treat or debark the posts. As to how long they will last, that depends on how moist the soil conditions are and the amount of freezing and thawing the posts will endure over their lifetime.
