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The Traditional Split Rail Fence

2/15/2013

5 Comments

 
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Traditional Split Rail Fence with Wire Mesh
As the spring season dawns upon us, it’s time for many homeowners to start thinking about landscaping improvement projects.  One of the first things on many homeowners’ agendas is to take care of their fencing.

Whether its repairs to an existing fence, or a brand new fence to help corral that new puppy your daughter wants, fences always seem to be a popular project, especially early in the season.  People like to address security, containment, defining their property, and privacy first before starting to focus on their outdoor living spaces.

And like any home improvement project, there are a lot of options to choose from.  One of those styles is the traditional split rail fence.

Split rail fences are among the least expensive styles of fencing, due to the limited amount of materials needed to complete the fence and the ease of installation. Historically, the split rail fence originated when farm owners would use old trees and branches from their land as the rails, in order to keep livestock in, or outside animals away from their crops.

Today split rail fences are used by homeowners who prefer a rustic look and want to define their property lines without sacrificing wide-open vistas.

The split rail fence is a quite simple design.  The posts include two or three “nesting” slots cut through the width of the post, with the rough-cut rails inserted into the slots spanning the distance between the posts.  Traditionally, posts can be set directly into the earth with no concrete reinforcement if desired, however we typically prefer to set the posts in a concrete footing for added stability.

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Double Split Rail Gate Across Driveway
The type of lumber used for split rail fences varies by region, but here on the east coast the most popular options are usually either pressure-treated southern yellow pine, or non-treated locust.  The locust tends to run a bit more expensive, however the cost difference is minor, and either option is considerably cheaper than some of the other styles out there.

The advantages of split rail fencing are many.  First, as mentioned it’s among the least expensive of custom-built wood fencing styles, pricing out at about 60 percent of the cost of a picket fence, and nearly half the cost of a stockade-style fence.

Secondly, for property owners who want to define or contain their spaces without upsetting the open feel of their yards, or for homeowners who don’t want to seclude themselves from their neighbors, the open design allows visibility without boxing you in.

Thirdly, for do-it-yourselfers it’s among the most straight-forward of fencing styles to install. You don’t need to be a skilled carpenter, it requires very little by way of specialty tools, and there is little, if any, hardware needed to complete the installation.

In addition to helping keep the cost down, the scarcity of materials needed also means the installation process is relatively non-intrusive.  That means you’ll get to keep those beautiful shrubs along the fenceline without hacking them up to complete the installation.

Gates can be custom-built to match the style of the fence, although we strongly recommend setting any gate posts in concrete to help eliminate sag and/or binding of the gate.

And for just a dollar or two more a linear foot, a wire mesh can be mounted to the face of the fence to help keep pets or young children inside the contained space.

What the split rail fence does not accomplish is adding privacy to your yard, so if you’re looking for a fence to conceal your private hot-tub sessions, well I’ll be happy to talk about some other options with you.

If you’re interested in how split rail fencing can work for you, or if you’re interested in any other fencing styles please give us a call, and I’ll be glad to discuss and set up a free consultation.

5 Comments
Matt link
2/16/2013 01:50:14 am

Definitely one of my favorite types of wooden fence, Clark! I

Reply
Bob Dillingham
3/19/2013 12:54:01 am

Hello Clark:

Our Homeowners Association in Cincinnati needs to replace 30 2 slot split rail treated fence posts. The slots are on 26" centers. Do you have a distributor in our area or could you sell us 30 2 slot posts?

Regards,,

Bob Dillingham
Pebble Creek Homeowner Association

Reply
Clark link
3/20/2013 10:30:37 pm

Hi Bob --

I'm not sure it would be either cost-effective for you or if my suppliers would be interested in deliverin 30 fenceposts from PA to Cincy.

I would start bycalling some of the larger fence installer co's in your area. I know te split rail is moreof an east coast thing, so if you're running intodifficlty you could try calling Fenceworks in West Chester PA (google for contact #'s). I get most of my materials from them. If nothing else the might be able to give you the number of the wholesale mill, and then maybe they could give you a vendor closer to you.

Good luck -- Clark

Reply
jennypollard link
7/11/2013 04:06:08 pm

It is very important to take care of fencing surrounding our home. As we know fencing is very helpful to prevent our garden and home property from harmful objects. We should repair our fencing time to time and it is better to choose wooden fence as it is economical and strong also.

Reply
Jack King link
6/3/2017 04:00:16 am

This traditional split rail fence is also known as zigzag fence. It is named so just because it usually splits lengthwise into rails. It is mainly used for agricultural and decorative purposes. When someone is searching for informal, open and natural looking fence then I think split rail fence is one of the best solution for him. Genuinely I did not have enough knowledge on split rail fence but after going through your blog I earned some interesting notes regarding this. So, for me the blog was quite informative and appreciating. Thank you for sharing such nice thought.

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC is a full-service landscape construction company servicing the Pennsylvania communities of Delaware County, Chester County, The Main Line, and the University City, Art Museum, and Manayunk/Roxborough neighborhoods of Philadelphia.  In addition to this blog page, additional information regarding the company and our services can be found on the subsequent pages of the site.
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    Clark Linderman is the president of Clark Kent Creations, LLC, a landscape construction company based in Swarthmore, PA.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.  In addition to his passion for all things outdoors, he counts Michigan football, Phillies baseball, Superman memorabilia, Memphis R&B music, and good craft brews among his many interests.  He currently resides in Swarthmore with his wife, Sheila, two sons, his dog Krypto, and a really, really messy garage full of work supplies and toys.

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC
    Swarthmore, PA
    Design and Construction to Maximize Your Outdoor Experience

    707-290-9410
    clark@clarkkentcreations.com
    Serving Delaware County, PA

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