How to Install a Split Rail Fence

A split rail fence is generally made of cedar and chestnut, which have been proven to be stronger than hemlock, pine or spruce. The strength and durability of cedar and chestnut make them the wood of choice by farmers and ranch owners.

A split rail fence normally doesn't need treatment, but Western cedar wood, when left uncoated with a protective finish, may lose its distinct color and assume a silvery gray shade over time. Lending a rustic charm to its surroundings, split rail fences come in different shapes and sizes and the irregularity of the timber adds to its appeal.

Split rail fences are cost-effective and are ideal as safe enclosures for livestock. A split rail fence is also one of the easiest fence styles to install, making it a well-loved do-it-yourself project. Without the use of concrete, split rail fence posts are set approximately 30 inches deep into the ground. To ensure that the dirt around the split rail fence posts stay compact, a tamping bar is usually used.

If the split rail fence has been installed in a wet area, it is important to retamp split rail fence posts plumb after the soil around it settles to ensure that the posts are kept from wobbling. It is also necessary to pour gravel around the posts to keep them from giving way under the rails' heavy weight. Although most split rail fences are not treated for weatherproofing, it is recommended in order for you to have the longest-lasting split rail fences possible.

Split rail fences have become classic outdoor fixtures in traditional American homes. The split lumber or rough-hewn wood reflects authentic nineteenth-century craftsmanship. Split rail fences are also available in different models such as milled wood, squared wood or tubular wood to give it a more formal and modern touch.

The materials used for constructing split rail fences are inexpensive and can complement a wide variety of home architecture. Normally, split rail fences are constructed with two rails for three-foot-high fences and three rails for four- to five-foot-high fences.

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