What is Split Rail Fence?
What Height Does Split Rail Fence Come In?
What is the best wood for a split rail fence?
How high should a 3 rail fence be?
What type of lumber is used for split rail fences?
What is poplar railing?
What is a black locust fence?
See 2 more
How do you make a split rail fence last longer?
7 Tips For Maintaining Your Split Rail FenceUse pressure-treated wood.Stain the wood regularly.Keep plants and grass away.Use Fence Armor.Choose vinyl for low maintenance.Do repairs immediately.Regular inspections reduce common problems.
How long does a pressure treated split rail fence last?
Pressure treated wood will usually last about 9 and 25 years, so it comes in just under the natural cedar. This type of treated wood is also filled with chemicals – those can leach out into the surrounding ground, which is why it should never be used near potable water sources or food gardens.
How long does a post and rail fence last?
In fact, posts driven into the ground can last 15 years or more without any sort of protection. Rails above ground can last even longer than that. So, you can count on your cedar split rail fence lasting at least 15 years, if not longer. Some species can last up to 30 years.
How far apart should split rail fence posts be?
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 type of fencing lasts the longest?
What Type of Fence Lasts the Longest? Chain-link fences with a galvanized finish that doesn't rust are the longest lasting fences. All other components of the fence are made of steel and are also galvanized, so there is relatively no maintenance.
What is the best material for a split rail fence?
Vinyl Split Rail Fence Vinyl fences are built to last and are made of highly durable materials that do not fade over time. Vinyl split rail is also easy to work with when you are assembling it and is the most durable type of split rail fence you can buy.
What is the average cost of a split rail fence?
For a split rail fence, expect to pay an average of $20 per linear foot. Depending on the specific material and height of your fence, that cost could be as low as $11 per linear foot or as high as $29 per linear foot.
Should you seal split rail fence?
Staining and sealing are crucial Every fence owner needs to keep on top of this to keep the fence safe from predators. The heat of the summer sun will dry out the wood, causing it to crack. Rain, snow and ice will soak into dry timber causing it to split or break.
Does split rail fence need concrete?
No, the hole should be filled only with the dirt that came out of the hole and tamped back in . Concrete is bad for the wood (erodes it), and gravel simply creates a porous pocket where water can collect. Well tamped soil is very stable and waterproof. Some people use concrete for gate posts for additional stability.
What is the best wood to use for a split rail fence?
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 2 rail fence be?
3-4 feet tallTwo rail fences are 3-4 feet tall. Three rail fences are 4-5 feet tall. Four rail fences are 4.5-5 feet tall. Two rail fences are best for decorative fencing and small or serene animal confinement, such as dogs, goats, and alpaca.
How do you repair a split rail fence post?
0:304:07How to Repair a Split-Rail Fence | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI want you to dig on the side of the post clear some dirt away from me when you get a scoop put itMoreI want you to dig on the side of the post clear some dirt away from me when you get a scoop put it right on the burlap make cleanup. Easier. Okay couple more.
How long does a pressure treated fence last?
about 15-20 yearsPressure-Treated Wood Fence Lifespan From what we've seen during our last 12 years of business, a typical pressure-treated wooden fence lifespan is about 15-20 years. Around the 15-year mark is when most homeowners report seeing noticeable aesthetic declines, like rotting and splitting.
Should I use pressure treated wood for fence rails?
When used for fencing, it must be pressure-treated to stand up to decay and the elements. It resists shrinkage, but it can still warp, crack, or twist. When properly treated, it can last a lifetime, even if it comes in contact with wet soil.
What is the best wood for split rail fence?
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.
Are split rail fences pressure treated?
The rail is pressure-treated to provide resistance to termites, fungal decay or rot.
How long does it take to put up split rail fencing?
Due to its minimalistic design, split rail fencing requires less installation time. It’s easy to put up in a day or two.
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.
Is split rail fencing better than privacy fence?
Split rail fencing offers little to no additional privacy. If you want a fence that will prevent nosy neighbors from peeking into your yard, a privacy fence would be a better option.
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.
Can you put wire mesh on a fence?
Attaching a wire mesh to the fencing may solve this problem for you as long as your pet isn’t a good climber or jumper. Black and green mesh are the most popular options.
How to Prolong the Life of Rail Wood Fence
Round rail wood and Split rail fence is a beautiful addition to any property. Properly cared for, a wood fence can last for a very long time. However, if you don’t take the right steps, you could find your fence bleached and faded, slowly rotting. Eventually, it will fail completely.
Buy the Right Fence
While you’ll always have some maintenance to take care of, buying the right wood fence in the first place is a crucial first step. Always look for pressure treated lumber – only use untreated lumber in an arid climate.
Inspect and Repair Annually
At least once per year, walk the entire perimeter of the fence. Look for signs of deterioration and decay, areas where the rails might be warping or no longer fit correctly into the fence posts. Look for signs of decay on the fence posts, as well (leaning, or easily moved with your hand).
Use Fence Armor
Fence Armor is a simple galvanized plate that wraps around the bottom of the post and protects it from power edgers, lawn mowers, and any other landscaping equipment.
Cleaning
Every year or so, clean your fence. This can be done most easily with a pressure washer, but you can also use other tools depending on the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put in. Regular cleanings ensure that mold, mildew and other biologics don’t have a chance to get a toehold on your fence.
Sealing
Your fence will last much longer when properly sealed, and it should be resealed periodically. If you choose to pressure wash your wood fence, you’ll need to give it about a week to dry out, and then apply a new coat of sealant or stain to the wood to prevent rot and deterioration.
Summary
When it comes to maintaining your round rail wood fence, a few simple steps will help ensure that you get the most value for your money, and that your fence stays strong and looking great for years to come. Follow the steps outlined above and you should have no problem maintaining your fencing.
How Long Does a Wood Fence Last & Other FAQs
You probably have questions about what to expect in regards to the lifespan of your wood fence. Below, we go over some of the most commonly asked questions about wood fences.
Steps for Keeping Your Wood Fence Looking New
To keep your pressure-treated wood fence looking new, follow these guidelines we’ve listed below!
Wrapping it Up
How long does a wood fence last? It depends on the type of wood you use and how well you maintain it. With proper care and maintenance, your wood fence can last between 15 and 20 years!
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.
