What are Stacked Rail Fences?

Used by carpenters in years past, stacked rail fences were perfect for any area -- from livestock corrals to golf courses. The stacking is usually done by using a heavy rail for the bottom, followed by attractive-looking rails for the second and third layers, thin rails for the fourth layer and finally, medium-sized sturdy rails for the top layer. Thin rails aren't used for the last layer as the rails get leaned on and should be able to handle considerable loads. Tapered rails are best for the ends where you would finish without using a post. Stacked rail fences may come in various sizes and shapes. They can be flat or tapered, thin or thick, and flat or twisted.

Cedar logs are split from one end to another to form several pieces from a single piece. These rails are then stacked on top of each other in various ways. A zigzag style facilitates repair and are easy to install and disassemble.

Split rail fences or log rail fences were simple structures that were constructed in areas that have been recently cleared. A few timber fences had their rails stacked on top of each other and were secured with double fence posts. This procedure made the stacked rail fences more permanent but they were nevertheless still easy to repair.

What are stacked rail fences used for?

Stacked rail fences can be painted to suit any personal style. Using steel reinforced posts and rails, stacked rail fences possess unmatched beauty and durability. In the "even-stacked" method of construction, each log has both ends atop the log before it, while the "uneven stacked" method has each log's one end on top of the log before it and the other end below the next log.

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