If you are looking to add a touch of rustic flair to your property, split-rail fences provide the perfect look. These simple fences are affordable, easy to assemble, and require minimal maintenance.

The large spaces throughout Gaston Fence also prevent livestock from getting through. This makes them ideal for homes that are located in rural areas.

Homeowners looking to fence their property are faced with a number of options. They may decide that a chain-link fence is adequate, or they could opt for a wooden privacy fence. However, some homeowners may find that the best option for their needs is a split-rail fence. Split rail fences are typically found on farms and ranches, and they can also add rustic charm to suburban properties and acreage homes.

The beauty of a split-rail fence is that it can be molded to fit the style and appearance of your property. If your house is built in a Victorian style, for example, you can choose a wood split rail fence that reflects that look. Conversely, if your property is located in a rural area and you want to give it a more rustic feel, you can choose a dark-stained split rail fence that will complement the surroundings.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, a split rail fence offers an affordable alternative to more expensive fence materials. Because split-rail fences use fewer posts and rails than other types of fencing, they can be constructed at a lower cost. Split rail fences are often made from untreated woods such as cedar, locust, and hemlock, and they have a natural beauty that will add to the visual appeal of your landscape.

One of the primary reasons that split rail fencing was popular among colonial farmers and homesteaders is that it is flexible enough to move as needed. Unlike other fencing types, which require concrete or other permanent hardware to be in place, split rail fences can be easily removed and moved if you need to reposition your land boundaries. This flexibility is also beneficial if you have livestock that needs to be contained or if you decide to change the layout of your property.

Another benefit of a split-rail fence is that it doesn’t obstruct your view of your yard or backyard. The open design of split rail fences allows you to enjoy your outdoor spaces without having to worry about pesky neighbors peering over your property line. If you’d like to keep your neighbor’s eyes off your property, you can always install wire mesh in suitable places on your split rail fence.

Security

Many people choose to have split rail fences put up on their properties because they want a rustic look. This type of fencing looks good and can make a property stand out from others that don’t have the same style. You can also paint or stain this type of fence to suit your personal preferences.

Aside from aesthetics, split rail fencing is a great way to keep trespassers off your land. Having a barrier around your property can discourage any type of trespassing and will let any neighborhood watch members know that someone is on their grounds and they should report it to them.

Another benefit of split-rail fencing is that it can handle rugged terrain better than other fences. This means you can have a split rail fence on your property even if it isn’t flat, and you might need to dig some holes to get it in place. This is a good option for those who have land with a lot of slopes and don’t want to pay to have a retaining wall or another type of fence installed.

If you have kids or pets, a split-rail fence with wire is a good way to keep them from running off into the street. This type of fence can also be used to contain livestock on a ranch or zoo and is a common choice for those who have farms.

It is a good idea to review local building codes concerning fence restrictions prior to having a split rail fence installed. These laws may have different requirements than those for other types of fences, such as height limitations. You should also check with neighbors who might share the property line to find out if they have any requirements for the fence as well.

As you can see, split rail fences have a lot to offer residential and commercial properties. They can be a great visual marker for property lines, provide a decent amount of security, and are easy to construct. If you are interested in this type of fencing, contact the professionals at Fence Craft of Upland today.

Durability

Split-rail fences are a durable option that offers a long lifespan. They can withstand the elements and are a good choice for homeowners looking to keep their property secure and aesthetically pleasing without spending a lot of money. Because they are made from wood, these fences require less maintenance than other types of fencing. They also tend to cost less than fences that use other materials. Depending on the type of wood used, stains or paint can help preserve the life of your split rail fence and make it look like new for a longer period of time.

Originally, the settlers who built split rail fences chose American chestnut due to its ease of splitting and natural resistance to rot. However, the chestnut blight destroyed this species, so today, most split rail fences are constructed from cedar. To build a split rail fence, logs are cut to 12–18-foot lengths and then split into sections that range in size from quarters to eights. Each section produces anywhere from four to over a dozen rails that are then stacked on top of one another.

Since split-rail fences have large openings throughout, they can discourage trespassing. They can also work well to define a property line and help a homeowner keep his or her backyard from being overrun by the neighbors’ livestock. Moreover, the rounded posts and rails are less likely to injure someone who runs into them.

For more security, homeowners can choose to add gates to their split-rail fence. Alternatively, they can opt for wire-mesh split-rail fences. These fences have wires interwoven between the rails to discourage unauthorized entry and can be more effective at keeping out livestock.

While a split-rail fence is not as sturdy as other options, it can offer an adequate level of protection for your home. It can deter a burglar or vandal from entering your home, and it can also discourage neighbors from using your property for illegal activities. Furthermore, a split rail fence can help you identify any suspicious activity by making it clear where your property ends and the neighbor’s begins.

Ease of Installation

Split-rail fences have long been a popular choice for defining property lines and providing a rustic aesthetic. They’re often seen in rural areas and can bring to mind images of sprawling horse farms or large ranches. Their simplicity in construction and design makes them easy to install for homeowners who want to do it themselves.

Because of this, they’re also one of the easiest types of fences to maintain over time. Repairs are rare and usually caused by leaning posts or rotted wood, which can be fixed by simply cutting down the affected part of the fence and replacing it with new material.

As with any fencing project, it’s always recommended that you check local laws and regulations before you start work on your split rail fence. Some municipalities require a permit, and some have restrictions on where or how tall the fence can be. It’s also important to research your deed and locate any easements that may interfere with the location of your fence. Finally, always contact your utility companies to have any buried cables marked prior to digging.

Once you’ve taken care of any legalities, it’s time to dig holes for your evenly spaced posts. You’ll need a post hole digger for this, as you’ll need to dig to the depth of the root ball and then some to allow you to set the posts securely. Start with the end posts and then move on to setting the rails. During this phase, it’s helpful to do a dry layout of the entire fence so you can pre-plan any angled gates or sloping sections that may need special attention.

Though splitting a log was originally a laborious task, modern methods and tools make it possible to create split rail fences without a lot of effort. This is why these types of fences are so commonly found in national parks and private residences alike. They’re a reliable option that provides both function and beauty to your property and will continue to be a popular fencing option for years to come. You can find examples of them everywhere you look—in parks, on someone’s yard, or even at that soccer field you played at as a kid.