Installing a Split Rail Fence - How to Build a Split Rail Fence

In the past, a number of generations have used split rail fences to demarcate their property, protect their livestock and keep them from bolting. This type of fence is simple to construct and easy to maintain. Nowadays, split-rail-fences are built using wood from cedar trees, which are known for their hardiness and their capacity to resist rot creating agents. Wood from pine trees is also used for this purpose. American chestnut wood was preferred for split rail fencing till a disease called chestnut blight, made it extinct. Today, materials like PVC, vinyl and pre-fabricated concrete are used to construct split rail fences. Following are a few instructions for installing a split rail fence, that may answer your question as to how to build a split-rail fence.

Steps to Build a Split Rail Fence
A split rail fence is easy to construct and maintain. It is a wood fence that can be constructed without using nails. Consult the local authorities to know, whether you need a license to build a fence.

• The first task is to decide on where to build it. You can take help from the local utility company in identifying underground utility lines, such as gas lines, etc. that may be buried under your property. Select the part of your property to build a fence on, after making sure it is on your side.
• How long the fence is to be built can be measured using a length of string or a distance measuring wheel.
• While taking measurements, use stakes to mark the corners and gates or other openings you desire in the fence. Drive the stakes firmly into the ground.
• To arrive at the number of posts required, divide the measured length of the fence, by the length of the rail that you are planning to use. After careful measurement, decide in advance where you would like to install each post.
• Rails are generally 8 or 11 feet long. They are inserted into holes in the posts, while making the fence. If you are planning to build a 3-rail fence, then posts of 7 feet in height are suitable. For a 2-rail fence, posts 6 feet in height, are ideal.
• For installing corner posts drill holes halfway on adjoining sides. Rails inserted in the holes should be at right angles with each other.
• Line posts in-between the fence are drilled all the way through, so that a rail-end can be inserted through each end of the hole in the post.
• End-posts are planted at the beginning and at the end of the split-rail fence. These are drilled to make holes halfway through.
• Dig post-holes big enough to bury one-third of each post into the ground. Pour 6 inches of gravel in the post-holes to allow the drainage of water. Maintain proper distance between the lower rail and the ground.
• Install the end-posts before any other post. Install the rest posts in plumb line with the end-posts. Use string and any level marking instrument, to ensure that they are installed correctly i.e. perpendicular to the ground.
• Plant the line post firmly and insert rails in the holes, to check whether the rails fit them or not.
• Shave the ends of the rail, if you are having trouble fitting it into the hole. If this does not work, then enlarge the hole using a drill.
• After completing the installation of the split rail fence, you might want to stain it, by letting it weather naturally. Nothing looks better than a rustic fence stained through time, with a little help from the natural elements.
• To avoid future hassles, always let your neighbors know about your plans of installing a split rail fence on your property. Your neighbor may help you in marking your property precisely, thus avoiding future trouble.

Now that you know how to build a split-rail fence, you can go ahead with the task. By installing a split rail fence, you can add a rustic look to your property. It emphasizes the open space around the house. It is a pleasure to look at a well-weathered and elegant split-rail-fence. It reminds people of the pleasant old days. A house with the split rail fence around it, always attracts the attention of the passers-by.