Table of Contents
How far apart should posts be for a split rail fence?
Allow enough length to put a new scarf on the rail by use of a chain saw or table saw. 5. When installing our 8’6” rails, posts should be spaced approximately 8′ on center. Note: To compensate for short rails you may want to divide the shortage by reducing the length of rails on both the first and last sections.
How do you make a split rail fence?
Steps to Building a DIY Split Rail Fence Mark and measure your yard to ensure that your fence materials fit. Dig your post holes with your post hole auger. Fill six inches of the holes with gravel. Starting with the end posts, insert posts into the holes. Insert your rails into the holes of the posts, and voila!.
Do you Concrete split rail fence posts?
No, the hole should be filled only with the dirt that came out of the hole and tamped back in . Concrete is bad for the wood (erodes it), and gravel simply creates a porous pocket where water can collect. Well tamped soil is very stable and waterproof. Some people use concrete for gate posts for additional stability.
What is the best wood to use for a split rail fence?
Wood Types When it comes to the type of wood used to make your wood split rail fence, Western Red Cedar and Yellow Pine are the best options on the market.
How high is a 2 rail split rail fence?
The two standard fence styles are two-rail, which stand about three feet tall, and three-rail, which stand about four feet tall. rails are commonly available in eight- and ten-feet lengths.
How do you attach rails to fence posts?
Lay your rails out three per bay for six foot fencing and two per bay for four foot fencing. Mark your post with a crayon at top of rail for each rail. With your posts set at 7′ 10” center to center, start railing your fence at one end of the project, setting the first rail flush to the edge of the post.
How do I keep my fence post from rotting?
How to Protect Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting Set the wooden fence posts in a cool, dry area with plenty of air circulation so the wood can dry. Brush the bottom third or bottom half of the fence post with waterborne copper naphthenate, a wood preservative that is free of arsenic and chromium.
Should I use pressure treated wood for fence rails?
When used for fencing, it must be pressure-treated to stand up to decay and the elements. It resists shrinkage, but it can still warp, crack, or twist. When properly treated, it can last a lifetime, even if it comes in contact with wet soil.
How long will pressure treated split rail fence last?
Pressure Treated Rails Pressure treated wood will usually last about 9 and 25 years, so it comes in just under the natural cedar. This type of treated wood is also filled with chemicals – those can leach out into the surrounding ground, which is why it should never be used near potable water sources or food gardens.
Will split rail fence keep dogs in?
Split rail fence with welded wire is ideal for dogs. It retains the timeless beauty of split rail fence while keeping your furry friends safely enclosed. Unlike electronic fence, split rail does not fail due to power outages, battery issues or broken lines, and it does not shock your best friend.
What is the purpose of a zig zag fence?
During the 1800s, land owners built split-rail fences to manage livestock. They were also used to mark positions on Civil War battlefields. Rails were split from logs with hammers and wedges, and then stacked in a zig-zag pattern. This was a simple way to build a fence because no digging was required for post holes.
Does Ash make a good fence post?
For naturally durable posts, select white oak, bur oak, or northern white cedar with large amount of heartwood. Next best are tamarack, black oak, elm, black ash, hackberry, and hickory.
How tall should a two rail fence be?
The standard height for a 2 rail pole fence is 3′ above the ground but we can also create a custom height for your project as shown below for a beautiful garden fence we did.
How thick should fence rails be?
Rails are the horizontal members to which the pickets are fastened. They are commonly 2″ thick by 3″ – 4″ wide. Posts, which are partially buried underground, are the vertical structural members that support the rails and pickets of a fence.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
2 feet is the minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for. To dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post’s aboveground height, is a general formula. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has.
What size are fence rails?
The most common size for rails is 2” x 3” or 2” x 4”. Maximum post spacing is 8′ between posts; thus, a 2″ x 4″ x 8′ rail would be used. If you are doing an 8′ tall fence, we recommend using a 2″ x 4″ x 12′ rail and setting your posts on 6′ centers. This is the foundation of the fence.
