What is Split Rail Fencing?
Split rail fencing is one of the most classic fence styles there is. It consists of evenly spaced, vertical fence wooden posts with two or three horizontal rails connecting lengthwise throughout. Also known as post and rail fencing.
Why is split rail fencing always a good idea?
- The fencing is inexpensive.
- Easy to install
- Post and rail fencing is the ultimate in charming yard accents.
1. Post and Rail Fencing is Inexpensive
Split rail fencing is really a nominal cost for the impact and accent it can add to your outdoor space.
I purchased our post and rail fencing directly from The Home Depot, who also delivered it the following day.
- The “Unbranded 3 in. x 6 in. x 5 – 1/3ft. Pressure Treated Pine 2 Hole Split Rail Line Posts were $14.48 each.
- The Unbranded 3 in. x 4 in. x 11 ft. Pressure-Treated Pine Split Fence Rails were $14.57 each.
- The home delivery cost was $79.00. If you have a truck, however, you can easily avoid the delivery fee. And I later learned that they did fit into my SUV.
For our post and rail fencing, we are keeping it small with 6 rails and 3 posts for a total cost of $224.55 with delivery or $145.55 without delivery.
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.”
2. Post and Rail Fencing is Easy to Install
Split rail fencing is so easy to install and takes no time at all.
What you will need!
- A Hole Digger
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Level
- Rail and Posts | Available In Store Only
SHOP MATERIALS NEEDED
How to Install a 3 Rail Fencing Design in 5 Easy Steps
Layout the split rails and posts as you would like them to be installed.
2. Dig a hole and temporarily place one post into the hole, double-checking the fencing’s overall alignment.
3. Measure the length of the post and rails and dig the remainder of your holes for the posts into the ground, based on these measurements.
Throw all of the dirt into the wheelbarrow so you can fill the holes back up with it later.
The rails will rest within the holes of the posts with an overhang.
So be sure to take into consideration the excess when measuring out your holes.
We dug each of our 3 holes for the split rail posts 28″ deep.
The ground may be uneven. In this case, you want the top of the posts in the ground to be the same height at the top of each hole you dig.
Use a level to be sure the posts are straight.
4. Fill the holes back up with the dirt in the wheelbarrow.
*A common mistake is to fill the holes entirely back up with dirt, packing them in from the top.
Be sure that when you are filling the holes back up with dirt, that you fill the holes up slowly, packing in the dirt as you fill them in. Packing it from bottom to top, not just from the top. Add gravel or stone and water too, for a more tighter and secure fit.
You could also use the Sika Polyurethane Fence Post Mix. You can see how we used this fence post mix in the post The Biggest Red Birdhouse and How to Easily Mount It.
5. Simply, rest your rustic rail fencing into the holes of your fence posts and enjoy!
How to make a rustic pine split rail fence?
We will let our split rail fencing weather naturally. It will turn an innate gray color, which will blend nicely into the mountain’s landscape.
You could also choose to stain the split rail fencing to match your own home or landscaping.
You may want to purchase end posts for your fence too, or let the split rails lie diagonally to the ground, as we did on ours here, creating a rustic split rail fence style.
But after we saw the fence with one split rail post leaning downward, we decided to purchase 2 more railings for a more finished, yet still rustic look.
That is when I also figured out that the railings would have fit easily into my Subaru Ascent SUV…
Which do you like better? With one split rail leaning down or two?
So many options:)
To secure the two-leaning split rails. simply add a screw between the 2 end pieces.
Be sure to check back this winter to see this split rail fencing all decorated for the holidays!
Christmas Decorated Post and Rail Fence
Now, all we need is a little snow!
I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us here today at our Home in Vermont.
Be sure also to check out our Home in Coastal Maine, where we spend summers and weekends when we are craving a walk on the beach or a visit with old friends.
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It looks great and love the two rails leaning on each end. Those pumpkins are so cute, now what for Christmas?
Ann,
It really looks great. I can’t wait to see how you decorate it for Christmas!
Thanks so much, Rachel!
I love the way this looks, Ann! Was it hard to dig the holes? The ground can be so hard!
Thanks, Molly. Not at all, we used a hole digger and Steve did most of it, ha ha!