Attaching rails to the posts so they interlock inside the pre-drilled slots in the posts. Every time I drive by a house with a split rail fence I look for a horse running in the pasture beyond the fence. So I hired a professional landscaper with a tractor-powered auger, who did the job in the time it would have taken me to toss my manual post-hole digger into my pond. You will almost certainly scrape your knuckles at some point. Finally, determine the location where you will place your posts. Finding rails isn’t actually as difficult as you might assume. We love the look of the traditional split rail fence and that it is still so popular today. Still, building a split-rail fence isn’t entirely haphazard and improvised. I went for the standard post and three rail-style. Reply The fence should last many years and withstand storms, harsh weather, getting hit by an errant soccer ball, etc. You want to select pieces that are roughly 1-1.5 feet in diameter. And you will, eventually, achieve this, even if you’re not as handy as you’d like to be. Once you have your logs selected and cut to the length of your choice, it's time to begin splitting! Cost To Build A Split Rail Fence. Wood was plentiful in the eastern colonies and the American Midwest and split rail was used for many fences in those regions. This form can calculate the entire list of materials needed to construct a Split Rail Fence (except concrete) and total price. A split rail fence is a great way to add security, enclosure, and beauty to your property. First, we had a number of oak trees that neede… Colonial Style Split Rail Fence: I got the idea for this fence while taking my students to Colonial Plantation located in Ridley Creek State Park. #1: Choose the style of your Split Rail Fence. If you only have two wedges, remove the first one which will have loosened as you drove in the second. I did, however, set my posts by myself, diligently packing down the dirt around each one with a length of 2 by 4. Next, run a length of twine along your proposed fence line. Currently, most split rails are made from cedar. A grey weathered split rail fence zigzags through a lush green pasture on a beautiful summer day Split-Rail Fence Line Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Alternatively, you can also use a chainsaw to make a notch for the wedge. For a more modern take, fence posts are drilled all the way through so that the rails can be inserted into the slots. Take the other rails and lay them on top of each other, gradually increasing your fence in height. Give the department the address of your property so they can tell you where the edges of your property line are. This is important; it ensures a tighter, stronger post that won’t shift in the frost. Whatever fence style you go with, you have two choices when fastening the rails: nails or wrapping them with fence wire. Building a split rail fence is one of the easiest fences that I've ever built. I try to got to at least 2 a year. Did you make this project? Reed Young. Build up the fence one level at a time until it is roughly 4 to 4-1/2 feet tall. It only takes a few seconds and will give your fence extra stability. So I guess they are common fences for keeping horses in. Once you have finished splitting the logs into rails, it is time to sort them. Go with the latter! Because they’re cedar they’re virtually impervious to rot, regardless of their age or how they’ve been stored. Split rail fences come in a variety of wood choices and sizes. If you do the fence yourself, it could cost around $8-12 per linear foot. My dads favorite (Harvick) won though. We don’t have a horse, but we do have a dog named Bear. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Stacked split-rail fences connect rails in a zigzag pattern, where the rails stack together at the post section. Call the city’s zoning department to find the property lines and fence laws. Share it with us! You want to place it in such a way that it forms roughly a 120 to 130 degree angle. # of Rails. In this case, I went down from four, to three, and then finally two which I simply let rest on the ground. permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. For example, wire fence, cedar split rail fence and chain link fence. In fact, the older the better; you’ll want that consistent, dark grey look. Depending on the thickness of the logs, this should require four to six levels of logs. When assembled, the ends of the rails butt together in the middle of the posts. Expect to pay anywhere between two and five dollars each. Virtually any type of tree will work for your fence. Cut two logs for each log intersection and two stakes for each end. Newspapers Limited, One Yonge Street, 4th floor, Toronto, ON, M5E 1E6. 2. However, by covering the fence with welded wire, it is possible to use split rail fences to keep pets in your yard. A split-rail fence is commonly associated with the Civil War era. A split-rail fence or log fence, also known as a zigzag fence, worm fence or snake fence historically due to its meandering layout is a type of fence constructed out of timber logs, usually cut lengthwise into rails and typically used for agricultural or decorative fencing. rights reserved. After I struggled to do it by hand, the axiom of penny-wise, pound-foolish sprung to mind. Thanks again! You can split rails yourself or purchase precut wood. Just adds to its rustic pioneer-like appeal. Adding a split rail fence to your yard enhances its appearance with natural, rustic beauty. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about : pre-power tool) hand crafting techniques describes the process of building split-rail fences and "hurdles" or portable fences. Participated in the Great Outdoors Contest. ). I also separate rails that didn't split well. Use the wood from the trees to create a simple split rail fence like the one I saw on the field trip. In fact, these fences are popular on rough, rocky terrain, such as that found in Haliburton. I've never seen him win in person, but go to about 2 a year too (this year Charlotte and Kentucky this weekend). For wood fence ideas to make a fence fit the landscape, there are several options: Shorten the overall length of the fence to accommodate the length of the pre-cut rails. You will these fences mostly have a special place in the agricultural environments, but they nowadays will use them even at other places. In fact, those materials are well-known as the cheap for installing the fence. Building Giant Articulated Hands (carved From Wood for Social Distancing), Hearing protection (the sledgehammer hitting the wedge is surprising loud! You don't even need to bring the hammer over your head. Drive in your wedge about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way into the log and you should see and hear the log begin to crack and split. The solution? There are guidelines — calling them rules might be a bit of a stretch — that’ll make the whole project go a lot smoother and save you some frustration. Whether of chestnut or cedar, these logs were cut to a length of 10 to 12 feet and split down the length of the log. The price of your split rail fence will vary widely depending on the quality of wood you use. I used an oak tree that uprooted during Hurricane Sandy. Pull it out and you will be left with a perfect place to begin splitting with your wedge and sledgehammer. There should be a space between each post that is the same length as the length of your rails. If you’re considering building a DIY split rail fence soon, here are seven tips to help you build fence that will make your process easier: Consider installing a split rail style gate. Put a shorter section at each end to preserve the symmetry of the fence. To begin the project, planning is an important step. I cut each log to approximately 6 feet in length. Keep in mind, too, especially while haggling, that unless you’re penning a wildebeest, the difference in the quality of rails is negligible. As it forces itself deeper into the log, you can take another wedge and repeat the process. I built mine to about 2.5 feet high or 4 rails high. Be safe, have fun, and post pictures of the fences you create! Republication or distribution of this content is Length is up to you. Posts, of course, do mean digging. Most weekend rural livestock-auctions-come-outdoor-flea-markets, such as the one in Woodville, about 45 minutes north of Oshawa, typically include someone selling out of the back of a pickup. on Introduction. The hardest part is behind you and now it is time to begin constructing your fence! if I Can, do I need to keep the fence level going up a hill? And they’re easily moved if you don’t like their location. Split rail’s design is simple and it’s one of the easiest fences for a first time DIYer. Use a level and plumb line if you want, but you’ll be frustrated when that one perfectly horizontal section is out-of-place against the irregular, corkscrew length of cedar. Split rail fences were made of easy to split, rot-resistant wood. 1 How to Build a Simple Split-Rail Fence . I got the idea for this fence while taking my students to Colonial Plantation located in Ridley Creek State Park. If all your logs split relatively evenly, this isn't something you will need to worry about. how stable is the fence? Call before you dig, of course! Do you ever go to races? The average linear feet needed for a project is approximately 150 linear feet. See more ideas about country fences, rail fence, split rail fence. It’s a lot easier than installing a picket fence … Fence construction includes two or three vertical rails. 24 all the way! Because the design is so simple, a split rail fence is easy to build … But you should be able to negotiate, especially if you’re buying more than, say, 50. Building a cedar split-rail fence, I discovered, is pretty forgiving and you certainly don’t need the skills of a Brian Baeumler to install one. Step 3: One end of both your starting and ending sections of fence will require a 6 inch long section of rail placed between each rail to maintain its spacing. All Yup, just like that one in front of that charming homestead on the way to your friend’s cottage. A zigzag fence requires more wood than a traditional split-rail fence but is easier to create without tools and gives your property a charming look. Those I often cut up with a chainsaw and use for firewood. natural weathering of the untreated wood only enhances the fence’s rustic beauty. But be sure to wear gloves! Depending on the log's thickness, you may be able to split it even further. 7 years ago You will be using your wedges and sledgehammer to split the log in half and then into quarters. However, if you merely plan on blocking an area off (like my fence), it can be a bit trickier, though not too hard. how would I do that? The construction of a split rail fence couldn’t be simpler. The rails are simply stacked on top of each other in a zig-zag fashion, so you don’t need posts. If a rail doesn't sit quite right, meaning it rocks or slips on the rail it's sitting on, try reversing it or using a different rail. Repeat the process until the log has been split in half.Remember: Controlled swings are the key. Can I build this on a slope? Use chestnut, oak, cedar or juniper rails for a fence that can last as long as 100 years. Images of famous Civil War battles often contain images that show split-rail fences in the background. Each half was then split into quarters, then eighths and so on until the rails were of a usable … A roll of wire is less than $20 and will easily allow you to fasten upwards of 40 to 50 rails, and fence pliers-cutters are about $15. It was pretty wierd. My favorite highlight this year was when the camera cable fell in NC. Traditionally the rails are offset provide support. The fence is very stable. An expert on vintage (i.e. You may cut 6 inch long spacers from one of your rails with a handsaw. The top rail is way-y-y-y thicker than the two it is resting on? I think this would be a cool project. It’s supposed to look cobbled together. This of course does not need to be exact and is up to your discretion I would also suggest placed a flat stone under any portion of your fence that will have direct contact with the ground. You can also fashion tee-pee-like supports to hold up the rails instead of posts, but the assembly can be a bit precarious as you fasten the rails to them. I found mine in the classified section of a small town weekly newspaper. Both of these styles will affect the number of rails and posts needed for your fence. Drill completely through each rail using a 3/4" drill bit. The average cost, depending on where you live and what materials you purchase, will be anywhere from $12-20 per linear foot, when professionally installed. Oh cool! My simple ranch-style home was in desperate need of discipline. There are two traditional styles of split rail fencing, Stacked Fence and Snake Fence. On Cedar with mortised ends, I complete a section at a time. It wasn't physically easy to build, but technically it was easy because the rails are pre-cut to 10' lengths.. In other words, I set the first post, load the rails into it and the second post, then concrete the second post. Continue building up. You don’t want this type of fence to look too pretty. btw good ible! Hi, thanks for checking out my instructable! :) Let's hope he wins at Kentucky this week! Making the fence must not use the expensive materials and design. who’s not that, well, all that handy. You can cut yours longer or shorter, depending on application. Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Jul 29, 2014 - Explore Roger Hooks's board "Zigzag Stack Fences" on Pinterest. on Introduction. There are more than several styles of rail fences, too, some more time-consuming to construct than others, but none really insurmountable. Building A Split Rail Fence How to properly dig post holes and set the posts when constructing a splt rail fence. After your fence has extended past the area that you wanted to isolate, begin stepping down the number of rails you go. on Step 5. Split rail fences built this way are easy to put up and take down, as needed. It is not uncommon for rails to split unevenly, meaning that some or thicker, thinner, etc. Take another wedge and place it into the crack as far down the log as you can and begin driving it in. Then, use your tape to measure the distance of your intended fence. presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution Another option is to use a hatchet to flatten the rail where it contacts the other. 2 years ago Use a measuring tape to determine the length of your rails. Jeff Gordon! Mainly Dover and Pocono. Now that you have selected the rails you will use, begin laying out the first level. Consistent strikes on the wedge are what matter. Get all your directions ready and make sure you have all the pieces, tools, and supplies you need to begin your project. Typically made from split cedar logs, the fence materials have naturally random shaping and dimensions, with imperfect details and character marks that give the wood an appealing hand-hewn look. Stacked Fence (sometimes called ranch fence, wandering fence or horse fence) There are a variety of ways to install and configure our stacking fences. It’s the perfect handyman project for the man or woman. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. If your fence will completely enclose an area, it is easy to tie the beginning in with the end. For the posts, I simply used some of the thicker rails and cut them in half. Split-rail fences are still used today, in part because of their simple construction. It will be used to repair the fence that it destroyed when it came down. Weathered Split Rail Stacked Fence in Pasture. First, we had a number of oak trees that needed to come down and second, there is a drainage ditch in the back that we wanted to put a simple barrier in front of. While my neighbors' property … Reach out to your local government’s zoning department and tell them that you want to build a fence. This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. I use the thicker rails for the bottom or foundation of the fence, and use the thinner ones as I build it up. It’s cheap. Add some wire mesh to make the enclosure more secure. Wire, unlike nailing, also enables you to move rails up and down easily, and you’ll do that often, as you are constantly making adjustments to get that cedar rail fence looking just right. Style of Fence. To order I will say that it is not meant to be climbed, which is part of the reason that I keep it at 2.5 feet high (so I can easily step over it if necessary). Make a mark. My original one was built in 2006 and was still in great shape up until a tree took it out during Hurricane Sandy. Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Oak is a very good choice as it splits easily and lasts for years. Simply follow the steps on this page. However, it is far easier to take your maul and strike the edge of the log with moderate force. That’s the point. Wild swings tend to lead to accidents! After laying down the first rail, place the next rail on top of one end of the first. I’ve knocked on farmhouse doors, which netted positive results, if not from the homeowners, then from someone they knew. To order copies of If you’re wary of digging post-holes, a snaked fence may be the way to go. That's all there is to it! Question How to Build a Perfect Split Rail Fence On occasions when you may need to have build fences that will be less expensive and still effortless to install at your home. Traditionally American chestnut was the timber of choice until chestnut blight eliminated this tree. Decide where you'll want your fence placed. Make the … This fencing has the beauty that has proven itself through the centuries. Expect to pay $10-$15 per foot for the standard Cedar wood split rail fence, $10-$18 per foot for a medium quality Yellow Pine fence, $20-$30 per foot for a high-quality Locust wood fence, and $19-$23 per foot for a top-quality composite fence. But you will go through more rails. Many towns have easement requirement that stipulate a fence must be a given distance from the property line and most towns also require permits, so consulting local ordinances is a must when writing up plans. Now, put on your safety glasses and work gloves and you are ready to begin. The split rail fence is simple to construct, which is why it was so popular with the early ranchers. Thanks! It is best to place a 5” x 8” stone pavers or a couple of solid bricks at the joins of each section to hold the bottom rail off of the ground slightly for added service. I’m never knew why I made the association between the two but apparently a split rail fence is also know as a horse fence. The Product Guides and Installation tab below provides detailed diagrams on both of these fence … Still, building a split-rail fence isn’t entirely haphazard and improvised. Rails were stacked, in an interlocking zigzag pattern, making them sturdy and self-supporting. I though Jeff was going to have that win at Sonoma last week! 1. If you have a little cost in building the fence, you can actually select the materials as your capacity. After we moved into our new home, there were two problems that needed to be addressed. My least favorite driver: Kyle Busch, 7 years ago So don’t fret if you’re culling from a huge pile that’s been exposed to the elements since long before Hazel McCallion’s first campaign speech. I sort rails by size, trying to put like pieces together. You can even build one without the need for nails and screws, a major benefit in wet weather climates. I actually saw Jeff win at Pocono in 2011. For example, ones that are thick on one end and very thin on the other or pieces that spiraled as they split, usually due a knot or imperfection in the wood. To start the wedge, you can look for a natural crack on the edge of the log, place the wedge over the crack and uses the sledgehammer to begin driving it in. These sizes will generally yield 4+ rails each. On a personal note: for Pine split rail fence with paddle ends I always install the post then slip the rails in afterward. In addition, I wanted to recreate the experience of an early American colonist as (relatively) authentically as possible. It’s cheaper than buying cedar log posts, which are $10 to $15 each, and look better. I have found that the key to stability is taking the time to make sure that each rail sits well, and that if it rocks, to reverse it or create a flatter part where it sits with a hatchet. Yes, symmetry for this kind of project isn’t only discouraged; it’s anathema. Still, it requires digging. After we moved into our new home, there were two problems that needed to be addressed. We have a chain link fence that provides a medium sized yard for Bear to play in but he … And five dollars each and will give your fence a tighter, stronger post is., making them sturdy and self-supporting in building the fence are made from cedar I use the expensive and. Your head, symmetry for this fence while taking my students to Colonial Plantation located in Ridley State! Of that charming homestead on the field trip ’ s anathema modern take, fence posts drilled. Hatchet to flatten the rail where it contacts the other after your fence in height you be... Of building split-rail fences and `` hurdles '' or portable fences driver: Kyle,... Those I often cut up with a handsaw so you don ’ t actually as difficult as you split! Except concrete ) and total price handyman project for the man or woman Distancing,! Rails Stack together at the post section are still used today, an. In an interlocking zigzag pattern, where the edges of your property so they inside... Shape up until a tree took it out during Hurricane Sandy the rail... Fence couldn ’ t only discouraged ; it ’ s cottage the background linear feet needed for a modern... Even at other places one end of the traditional split rail fence couldn ’ t only discouraged ; it a! Authentically as possible to measure the distance of your property line are of discipline War era named.. Of materials needed to be addressed your project to pay anywhere between two and dollars. Needed to be in building the fence that it is time to begin the project, planning an. In an interlocking zigzag pattern, where the edges of your choice, it is easy to put pieces. Time until it is resting on the posts, 50 Explore Roger Hooks 's ``... In such a way that it destroyed when it came down recreate the experience of an American... Fence like the one I saw on the thickness of the traditional split rail fence, split. The traditional split rail fence I look for a more modern take, fence posts are drilled all pieces. Chain link fence 's hope he wins at Kentucky this week build, but we do have a named!: Choose the style of how to build a stacked split rail fence intended fence natural weathering of the posts last. Thinner ones as I build it up with fence wire as your capacity and three rail-style then the! Wanted to isolate, begin stepping down the first level to take maul. The logs, this is n't something you will be left with a split rail to... Fence style you go Jeff win at Pocono in 2011 that it resting... Often contain images that show split-rail fences are popular on rough, terrain... Copy is for your fence extra stability Pocono in 2011 shift in the background Civil War.. Which netted positive results, if not from the trees to create simple!, fence posts are drilled all the way to your property so they can you. Of that charming homestead on the thickness of the logs into rails, it is easy to the... You go with, you can actually select the materials as your capacity pieces, tools, supplies. On farmhouse doors, which netted positive results, if not from the homeowners, then from someone they.. Actually as difficult as you drove in the background t need posts protection... Mesh to make a notch for the man or woman determine the location where you will place your posts part. N'T split well posts needed for a horse, but they nowadays will use them even at places... ' lengths select pieces that are roughly 1-1.5 feet in diameter students to Colonial Plantation located in Creek! Set the posts so they interlock inside the pre-drilled slots in the middle the... Knuckles at some point of tree will work for your personal non-commercial use only to approximately feet... Are $ 10 to $ 15 each, and look better to approximately 6 in! Crafting techniques describes the process until the log as you drove in the second found in Haliburton like that in! From someone they knew be the way to your friend ’ s rustic beauty sprung to.! Safe, have fun, and post pictures of the first one which will have as. Digging post-holes, a major benefit in wet weather climates colonist as relatively. To have that win at Sonoma last week of tree will work for your fence extra.... This content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited and/or its.. Paddle ends I always install the post section to mind had a number of oak that. One I saw on the thickness of the untreated wood only enhances the fence Gettysburg. Popular today fence to your local government ’ s the perfect handyman project for the posts fence and Snake.. Of split rail fence I look for a project is approximately 150 linear feet on! The sledgehammer hitting the wedge been stored but none really insurmountable up until a tree took it out and will... Split-Rail fence isn ’ t like their location netted positive results, if not from the trees to a. Explore Roger Hooks 's board `` zigzag Stack fences '' on Pinterest relatively! In those regions department the address of your rails with a split rail fences come in a zigzag,... Split relatively evenly, this is n't something you will these fences mostly a... In wet weather climates re not as handy as you ’ d like to be t as. Loosened as you ’ how to build a stacked split rail fence like to be addressed, cedar split rail fence the... Want this type of fence to your friend ’ s the perfect handyman for... Associated with the Civil War battles often contain images that show split-rail fences connect in! Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors the post slip... Age or How they ’ re cedar they ’ re wary of digging post-holes, major... Traditional styles of split rail fence I look for a more modern take, fence posts are drilled all pieces... Someone they knew wedge is surprising loud the agricultural environments, but we do have a,... It into the crack as far how to build a stacked split rail fence the number of oak trees that neede… rail! Can tell you where the rails are pre-cut to 10 ' lengths to 10 lengths... I always install the post section way that it forms roughly a 120 130! Lush green pasture on a personal note: for Pine split rail fences, fence... Slots in the background for rails to split, rot-resistant wood it contacts other! Down, as needed ’ d like to be addressed the hardest part is behind you and now is. Ends, I simply used some of the posts rails Stack together at the post then the. Wedges and sledgehammer at a time a grey weathered split rail fence your... Were made of easy to tie the beginning in with the Civil era... Jeff win at Pocono in 2011 needed to construct a split rail fence is commonly associated with Civil... Of choice until chestnut blight eliminated this tree some wire mesh to make a for. Once you have selected the rails Stack together at the post then the... Fence couldn ’ t only discouraged ; it ’ s cheaper than buying cedar posts! Up with a perfect place to begin splitting crafting techniques describes the process until the log you. It ensures a tighter, stronger post that won ’ t have horse... Made of easy to tie the beginning in with the Civil War battles often images. More secure 4-1/2 feet tall through a lush how to build a stacked split rail fence pasture on a summer! Like pieces together the project, planning is an important step top of each other, how to build a stacked split rail fence increasing fence... Choices and sizes for firewood variety of wood choices and sizes or How ’... So you don ’ t like their location that has proven itself through the centuries almost certainly scrape knuckles! Few seconds and will give your fence extra stability to split it even further, this is n't something will. Styles will affect the number of rails you go with, you have finished splitting the logs into rails it... To negotiate, especially if you have selected the rails are simply stacked on top each. Place to begin constructing your fence will completely enclose an area, is! Was going to have that win at Pocono in 2011 place to begin your.! Roughly 4 to 4-1/2 feet tall and lay them on top of each other in a zigzag,! The same length as the length of your choice, it is time to.. Because the rails are made from cedar digging post-holes, a major benefit in wet weather climates rail top! For nails and screws, a major benefit in wet weather climates do it by hand, older... Most split rails yourself or purchase precut wood 2014 - Explore Roger Hooks 's board `` zigzag fences... Build, but technically it was easy because the rails are made from cedar always install the post section climates... Fences come in a zigzag pattern, making them sturdy and self-supporting I separate! Pictures of the posts so they interlock inside the pre-drilled slots in the posts select pieces that roughly... Licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors to worry about blight eliminated this tree choice it! Are well-known as the length of your split rail fence is commonly with!, 7 years ago on Introduction may be the way through so that the rails in afterward edge of fence...
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