3 Reasons Why Split Rail Fencing is Always a Good Idea

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.

Why is split rail fencing always a good idea?

• The fencing is inexpensive
• Easy to install
• And is the ultimate in charming yard accents.

1. Split 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 split 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 split 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. Split 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
• Split Rails and Posts | Available In Store Only

SHOP MATERIALS NEEDED

How to Install Split Rail Fencing 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 split railings 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 split fencing rails into the holes of your fence posts and enjoy!

How to make a rustic wood 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!

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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