Post and Rail Fences: An Enduring Tradition in Fencing

Post and rail fences have been part of the American landscape for years. Not only are they durable; post and rail fences are also attractive in their simplicity and are very easy to install and repair. Over the years, there have been a lot of innovations in fencing, but post and rail fences have been and will always be with us.

The secret to the durability of post and rail fences

Aside from being economical and practical, post and rail fences are designed especially for large areas such as farms, ranches and sprawling properties because they can last for several years. An open design for a post-and-rail fence also provides you with a beautiful view of your property and the landscape beyond it.

Post and rail fences have always been the sensible choice when used as boundary markers, as they do not obstruct the view but nevertheless effectively serve the purpose of defining property lines. Traditionally used as containment fencing for livestock, cattle and horses, post and rail fences are now also widely employed in modern farmhouses and ranches.

Post and rail fences can easily be installed, even by the novice do-it-yourselfer. Before setting it up, plan for a clearance of at least six inches from the lowest rail to the ground to facilitate trimming and mowing. Put about a third of the posts into the ground for maximum support. Don't forget to backfill each of the holes with gravel to drain water away from the post's bottom.

When setting the line posts, begin with the end posts first to maintain proper alignment. Using a plumb level, check each post regularly to make sure that it's plumb. Carefully set each line post, insert the rails, and constantly check the length and the fit. Fill the holes with soil and use a tamper to keep the earth compact.

Keeping up with the times

Although post and rail fences have been constructed with wood material such as cedar in the past, the scarcity of large amounts of timber these days has caused manufacturers to look for other sources of fencing material. Some examples of these alternative materials are vinyl and plastic. Because of their availability and the wide range of colors, styles and sizes to choose from, they are slowly being accepted as durable and inexpensive fencing materials by homeowners all over the country. One can also opt to install a wire mesh on the fence to provide added security.

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