How To Make The Most Of A Split Rail Fence On Your Backyard

Split rail fences are popular all around the world, in some areas more than others and various different forms. Before we check out some interesting examples, we should cover some of the basics. First of all, this is a rustic type fence often used around country homes, cottages, cabins and rustic structures. They’re made out of timber logs which are typically split in half lengthwise, hence the name. Sometimes diagonal supports are added for extra sturdiness. A traditional split rail fence can be built without nails and any other hardware.

Wood split rail fence

Split rail fences offer many advantages but as with everything else there are also cons to consider, one of the most important ones being the price. It’s not just the materials that cost plenty but also the installation, which makes the option of a DIY fence sound just wonderful. Check out jaimecostiglio to see one interpretation of the project.

Wood split rail fence

Check out another nice tutorial which this time shows how to build a colonial-style split rail fence. The details can be found instructables and show you how to build the fence from start to finish. That includes finding the logs and splitting them in half.

Wood split rail fence

This is a split rail fence used out of salvaged pieces of wood found in various locations. This gives the fence a great look and lots of character. This is not meant to be a very extensive project since finding all the pieces required for a long fence would be time-consuming and difficult. It is, however, a great idea if you want to use the fence as a decoration for the garden or a grapevine trellis as suggested on instructables.

Wood split rail fence

There are two main types of split rail fence, the traditional kind and the mortised fences. The latter require less wood which means they’re also less expensive, an important detail to take into consideration, especially when the intention is to build a long fence along the whole property.{found on paramount-fencing}.

Wood split rail fence

There are many advantages generally associated with split rail fences. One of them is the fact that they offer visibility. That means they’re good at delineating an area and serving as a barrier but they don’t block the view to the other side.{found on integrous}.

Wood split rail fence

Another advantage is the fact that split rail fences look very nice, featuring a rustic appearance but also having a design that’s simple and versatile, this making it suitable for a variety of different environments.{found on hooverfence}.

Wood split rail fence

In addition to looking good and being surprisingly versatile, split rail fences are also very durable. Installation may be more difficult compared to that of other fence types but even so it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.{found on avofenceandsupply}.

Wood split rail fence

Building a split rail fence the traditional way using logs cut in half is a good option if you emphasize the authenticity of the design but otherwise alternative solutions can prove to be more practical and also more cost-effective.{found on riversidefence}.

 

Wood split rail fence

Diagonal supports can be added to split rail fences to make them more sturdy and durable. This is usually a good option for fences which are not following a straight line but have a rather zig-zag structure with twists and turns.{found on ajmillerla}.

Wood split rail fence

A split rail fence is also easier to repair than other types and that is an important detail. Also considering all the other advantages this turns out to be a really great type of project, not just for rustic homes and cabins but for all sorts of other settings too.

Wood split rail fence

Given the structure and design of split rail fences, it’s obvious that they’re not meant to offer much privacy. They’re low and mostly meant to be decorative or to mark boundaries between two properties or two different outdoor spaces.

Wood split rail fence

A traditional split rail fence would have a zig-zagging structure which allows it to be built without using nails or other hardware. It also makes it a good option for rocky soil where it’s generally difficult to insert fence posts.

Wood split rail fence

In cases where the fence is meant to keep pets inside or to prevent wild animals from entering, wire mesh can be added to cover up the voids without also blocking the view. It’s a practical idea which doesn’t really change the overall design of the fence in any major way.

Wood split rail fence

A low split-rail fence such as this one is ideal for gardens, serving as a barrier and looking beautiful and charming at the same time. It’s not visually invasive and the simple, rustic design and low-maintenance structure make it very appealing from both an aesthetic and functional point of view.

Wood split rail fence

Here’s yet another beautiful example of a split rail garden fence. It’s not meant to block the view on either side or to keep the plants and flowers strictly contained which is the main reason why this design and its low profile works so well in the first place.