Split rail fence is rough cut so the exact dimensions vary, but line posts are approximately 3” x 6” x 7' long. End and corner posts are 4” x 4” x 7' long. Rails come in a variety of shapes, consistent with the old-time rustic look.
What is the standard height for a split rail fence?
Split rail fences do work for horses and livestock, because a horse is less likely to get hurt or get a hoof hung on this type of barrier. You must build them a minimum of five feet tall to deter horses from jumping and people from reaching over the structure.
How to build a DIY split rail fence?
- Tack cross rails to the posts and mark them for cutting with a framing square.
- Remove the cross rails and make the cuts with a circular saw.
- Fasten the cross rails to the posts with galvanized 10d (3-inch) nails or screw them in place with two 3-inch deck screws.
How to make a rustic wood split rail fence?
How to Make a Rustic Wood Split Rail Fence
- Determining the Size of the Wood Split Rail Fence. It is difficult to purchase materials without knowing how much you need. ...
- Cutting out the Pieces. It is a good idea to measure and cut all of your pieces before you start assembling. ...
- Post Holes. ...
- Building the Wood Split Rail Fence. ...
How to make split rail fencing?
How to Split Fence Rails Out of Logs
- Speak to It and Sink the First Wedge. If you read my article on chopping firewood, you might remember the phrase that I use to describe the process of ...
- Sink Another Wedge. Now that you have one wedge in the end-grain of the log, you should see that the log has started to split.
- Begin to Play Leapfrog. ...
- Split the Two Halves in Half. ...
How tall is a 2 rail split rail fence?
about three feet tallThe two standard fence styles are two-rail, which stand about three feet tall, and three-rail, which stand about four feet tall. rails are commonly available in eight- and ten-feet lengths.
How deep should a split rail fence be?
about 24 inches deepDig holes about 24 inches deep and 10 inches in diameter. The most important measurement, though, is from the bottom of the hole to the string, which should be 36 inches. Use a dig-and-tamp bar to shift any rocks or to grind through stubborn roots.
How do you measure a split rail fence?
0:522:42How to Install a Split Rail Fence | Homeclick.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd about six inches deeper than you need it to be place six inches of gravel in the bottom of theMoreAnd about six inches deeper than you need it to be place six inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole to drain moisture away from the post. Place your posts in the holes.
How tall should a two rail fence be?
3′The standard height for a 2 rail pole fence is 3′ above the ground but we can also create a custom height for your project as shown below for a beautiful garden fence we did.
How far apart do you put split rail fence posts?
Some of the commonly available options are 9 feet long and 11 feet long rails. Knowing this measurement would help you to space the posts accordingly. 9ft rails have post every 8ft and 11ft rails have post every 10ft.
Do you need to use concrete for split rail fence posts?
When you position the fence, you can use compacted dirt or gravel to keep it stable. You can use cement to fill the holes; however, this could shorten the life of your post encased in it. If you set it in concrete, position the post in the hole, fill 12 inches of compacted dirt.
How long is a standard split rail?
The most common materials are pine and cedar. Rails are usually 8 feet or 11 feet long and can be round, half round or square/diamond shaped.
What type of wood is best for split rail fence?
Wood Types When it comes to the type of wood used to make your wood split rail fence, Western Red Cedar and Yellow Pine are the best options on the market.
How tall should a 3 rail fence be?
4-5 feet tallThree rail fences are 4-5 feet tall. Four rail fences are 4.5-5 feet tall.
What is the height of a post and rail fence?
All post and rail fences have matching gates of any size and come in either two, three, or four rail styles, for heights ranging from two-and-a-half feet to five feet tall. Post and rail is a popular choice for horse and livestock fencing as well.
Will split rail fence keep deer out?
Plastic and wood products are also available for deer fencing. You can use them to make a traditional split rail fence or a solid fence, which provides privacy in addition to keeping deer out.
How tall is a 3 rail wood fence?
4'3-Rail Fence Usually the 3 rail is buried 2.5" in the ground with 4.5" above and the center of the top rail at 4'. The rails are primarily 8' long and offered in our standard 3.5" or in a jumbo 4.5" and rails can be custom made to any length to fit your needs.
Preliminary Steps
Before you start a fencing project, a few preliminary steps are in order:
Post and Rail Fence Materials
The most common materials are pine and cedar. Rails are usually 8 feet or 11 feet long and can be round, half round or square/diamond shaped. The rails insert into the holes in the posts and are held in place by their own weight.
Fence Layout
The layout of the fence is somewhat determined by length of the pre-cut fencing rails. The problem is that few landscapes are laid out in 8-foot or 11-foot increments. That's why measuring is a must.
Slope Changes
When dealing with slopes, follow the angle of the slope on steep inclines.
Dig Post Holes
The most important part of a fence is underground: the posts. When planning the height of your posts, plan for a clearance of at least 6 inches from the ground to the lowest rail to allow mowing and trimming. Add a couple of inches for settling over time. The best practice is to put 1/3 of the post in the ground.
How many rails are there in a split rail fence?
Are there variations in the wood split rail fences? When it comes to split rail fences, there are just 2-rail fences and 3-rail fences. Depending on the purpose of installation, you may choose either of them. However, remember to ask the fence supply company how long each of the rails are.
Why do you need a split rail fence?
There are many reasons why you can choose to have a split rail fence in your ranch. In addition to the looks and the ancient feel, the wood split rail fences have several advantages: 1 Cost-Effective: Though you might enclose your entire ranch with a split rail, the amount of wood used in split rail fences is far less than those high raised complete wooden fences. The actual cost involved depends on what type of high quality wood you choose. Since installation is quite easy, you can do it on your own or try negotiating for a free installation. Moreover, if you order the fence supply online, the cost of transporting also gets eliminated. 2 Durable: When you opt for a high-end wood such as Southern Yellow Pine made by a well-established manufacturer and install it, you can just forget your worries about maintenance for several years to come. 3 Impressive: Split rail fences add a very different charm to your garden space or ranch. A big advantage is that you can quickly and easily customize these fences to suit your surroundings and match the décor of your property.
How long is a 9ft rail?
Some of the commonly available options are 9 feet long and 11 feet long rails. Knowing this measurement would help you to space the posts accordingly. 9ft rails have post every 8ft and 11ft rails have post every 10ft.
What gives a fence its strength?
What gives the strength to the wood fence? Most often, the process involves pressure treating the woods with preservative chemicals like ACQ. Some of the manufacturers use Southern Yellow Pine wood for the rails, as this wood is very strong and adds a very posh look to the surroundings. It is also highly rot-resistant.
Is a split rail fence cost effective?
In addition to the looks and the ancient feel, the wood split rail fences have several advantages: Cost-Effective: Though you might enclose your entire ranch with a split rail, the amount of wood used in split rail fences is far less than those high raised complete wooden fences. The actual cost involved depends on what type ...
Is a wood fence good for outdoor use?
Wood fences seem to be a popular choice among majority of homeowners who look to add value to their property along with a traditional touch. There is nothing to worry about having a wood structure in the outdoor, as there are renowned professional fence suppliers who offer the best quality with unprecedented strength and durability.
What is a stretch fence?
A stretch is defined as an individual straight line of fence unbroken by gates or other end posts. All entries must be in feet (no fractions). Any place where the fence changes direction ends one stretch and starts another.
How many stretches does a gate have?
A gate placed in a stretch actually creates two separate stretches (except on either extreme end of a line of fence). The most common mistake is to ignore the fact that a gate, if positioned within one line of fence, creates two individual stretches, one on each side of the gate.
What is a split rail fence?
A split-rail fence or log fence (also known as a zigzag fence, worm fence or snake fence historically due to its meandering layout) is a type of fence constructed in the United States and Canada, and is made out of timber logs, usually split lengthwise into rails and typically used for agricultural or decorative fencing.
What is a patent fence?
In Canada an attempt was made to patent several cedar fence designs. These styles became known as Patent Cedar Fences , also called Patent Fences or Patent Rail Fences. The use of two rails to form a cross, having a top rail, bench rails and lower heavier rails, allowed it to be free standing, withstand heavy winds and take up less fence bottom than the zigzag or snake fence.
Is split rail fence free standing?
In the United Kingdom (and increasingly in suburban America) a different style of split-rail fence is used. This is not free-standing but consists of vertical posts placed in the ground, having holes ( mortises) in each side into which the roughly pointed ends of split rails (usually of sweet chestnut) are placed. No zig-zagging is necessary.
Can split rail fences be disassembled?
They can even be partially or wholly disassembled if the fence needs to be moved or the wood becomes more useful for other purposes. During the American Civil War, these split rail fences were a major source of firewood for both the Union and Confederate armies.
What is split rail fencing?
Split rail fencing can look either rustic or Victorian, depending on whether you have a wood or wrought iron fence. This style complements many architectural styles, but can clash with homes with modern architecture.
Why do farmers use split rail fencing?
Traditionally, split rail fencing was used by farmers to mark their property line and confine their livestock. They preferred this fencing because it’s less expensive to build, easy to repair, and well-suited for uneven ground. Today, it’s growing in popularity in cities and suburbs too.
What to do if you don't want to make a bold statement with your fence?
If you don’t want to make a bold statement with your fencing, you may want to choose a style similar to other homes around yours. If everyone in your neighborhood has a tall privacy fence or picket fence, you may want to select a similar style.
Can small animals slip through fence rails?
Small animals can easily slip through the gaps between the rails. If you have a small pet that’s an escape artist or a pet that’s easily agitated by seeing what’s happening outside of your yard, a privacy fence may be a better choice for you.
Is split rail fencing good?
A split rail fence isn’t the best option for all homeowners. You may not be happy with split rail fencing if any one of these drawbacks is a major concern for you.
