Keep in mind, too, especially while haggling, that unless you’re penning a wildebeest, the difference in the quality of rails is negligible. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. My least favorite driver: Kyle Busch, 7 years ago 7 years ago I went for the standard post and three rail-style. It’s cheaper than buying cedar log posts, which are $10 to $15 each, and look better. how stable is the fence? # of Rails. 2. Still, building a split-rail fence isn’t entirely haphazard and improvised. ). But be sure to wear gloves! Finding rails isn’t actually as difficult as you might assume. After we moved into our new home, there were two problems that needed to be addressed. I though Jeff was going to have that win at Sonoma last week! Building Giant Articulated Hands (carved From Wood for Social Distancing), Hearing protection (the sledgehammer hitting the wedge is surprising loud! I built mine to about 2.5 feet high or 4 rails high. Republication or distribution of this content is The rails are simply stacked on top of each other in a zig-zag fashion, so you don’t need posts. 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. I cut each log to approximately 6 feet in length. 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. You want to select pieces that are roughly 1-1.5 feet in diameter. The split rail fence is simple to construct, which is why it was so popular with the early ranchers. 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. Take the other rails and lay them on top of each other, gradually increasing your fence in height. In fact, these fences are popular on rough, rocky terrain, such as that found in Haliburton. Split rail fences were made of easy to split, rot-resistant wood. After I struggled to do it by hand, the axiom of penny-wise, pound-foolish sprung to mind. Because the design is so simple, a split rail fence is easy to build … 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. Split-rail fences are still used today, in part because of their simple construction. To order copies of If all your logs split relatively evenly, this isn't something you will need to worry about. Put a shorter section at each end to preserve the symmetry of the fence. This fencing has the beauty that has proven itself through the centuries. And you will, eventually, achieve this, even if you’re not as handy as you’d like to be. If you have a little cost in building the fence, you can actually select the materials as your capacity. Virtually any type of tree will work for your fence. For a more modern take, fence posts are drilled all the way through so that the rails can be inserted into the slots. All presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution Question who’s not that, well, all that handy. Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star 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. This form can calculate the entire list of materials needed to construct a Split Rail Fence (except concrete) and total price. When assembled, the ends of the rails butt together in the middle of the posts. As it forces itself deeper into the log, you can take another wedge and repeat the process. You will almost certainly scrape your knuckles at some point. 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. I did, however, set my posts by myself, diligently packing down the dirt around each one with a length of 2 by 4. Thanks! Pull it out and you will be left with a perfect place to begin splitting with your wedge and sledgehammer. Style of Fence. Mainly Dover and Pocono. The Product Guides and Installation tab below provides detailed diagrams on both of these fence … to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about It only takes a few seconds and will give your fence extra stability. Did you make this project? Newspapers Limited, One Yonge Street, 4th floor, Toronto, ON, M5E 1E6. So I guess they are common fences for keeping horses in. 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. The average linear feet needed for a project is approximately 150 linear feet. Fence construction includes two or three vertical rails. 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. The top rail is way-y-y-y thicker than the two it is resting on? After we moved into our new home, there were two problems that needed to be addressed. I found mine in the classified section of a small town weekly newspaper. If you’re wary of digging post-holes, a snaked fence may be the way to go. Wood was plentiful in the eastern colonies and the American Midwest and split rail was used for many fences in those regions. Reply Every time I drive by a house with a split rail fence I look for a horse running in the pasture beyond the fence. Making the fence must not use the expensive materials and design. My simple ranch-style home was in desperate need of discipline. Next, run a length of twine along your proposed fence line. There should be a space between each post that is the same length as the length of your rails. on Introduction. Depending on the thickness of the logs, this should require four to six levels of logs. A grey weathered split rail fence zigzags through a lush green pasture on a beautiful summer day Split-Rail Fence Line Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Depending on the log's thickness, you may be able to split it even further. I think this would be a cool project. However, it is far easier to take your maul and strike the edge of the log with moderate force. In addition, I wanted to recreate the experience of an early American colonist as (relatively) authentically as possible. Weathered Split Rail Stacked Fence in Pasture. You can cut yours longer or shorter, depending on application. Be safe, have fun, and post pictures of the fences you create! It’s a lot easier than installing a picket fence … The fence should last many years and withstand storms, harsh weather, getting hit by an errant soccer ball, etc. However, if you merely plan on blocking an area off (like my fence), it can be a bit trickier, though not too hard. :) Let's hope he wins at Kentucky this week! My favorite highlight this year was when the camera cable fell in NC. 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. 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. Make the … Because they’re cedar they’re virtually impervious to rot, regardless of their age or how they’ve been stored. natural weathering of the untreated wood only enhances the fence’s rustic beauty. After your fence has extended past the area that you wanted to isolate, begin stepping down the number of rails you go. 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 don’t want this type of fence to look too pretty. You can even build one without the need for nails and screws, a major benefit in wet weather climates. I got the idea for this fence while taking my students to Colonial Plantation located in Ridley Creek State Park. Call the city’s zoning department to find the property lines and fence laws. : pre-power tool) hand crafting techniques describes the process of building split-rail fences and "hurdles" or portable fences. The solution? Yes, symmetry for this kind of project isn’t only discouraged; it’s anathema. You can split rails yourself or purchase precut wood. Cost To Build A Split Rail Fence. Build up the fence one level at a time until it is roughly 4 to 4-1/2 feet tall. First, we had a number of oak trees that neede… This is important; it ensures a tighter, stronger post that won’t shift in the frost. how would I do that? It’s cheap. Split rail fences come in a variety of wood choices and sizes. But you will go through more rails. It’s the perfect handyman project for the man or woman. 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. It will be used to repair the fence that it destroyed when it came down. 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. It was pretty wierd. On Cedar with mortised ends, I complete a section at a time. Building a split rail fence is one of the easiest fences that I've ever built. Continue building up. Wild swings tend to lead to accidents! Take another wedge and place it into the crack as far down the log as you can and begin driving it in. In this case, I went down from four, to three, and then finally two which I simply let rest on the ground. 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). 1. See more ideas about country fences, rail fence, split rail fence. If you only have two wedges, remove the first one which will have loosened as you drove in the second. There are more than several styles of rail fences, too, some more time-consuming to construct than others, but none really insurmountable. Use a measuring tape to determine the length of your rails. Jeff Gordon! Now that you have selected the rails you will use, begin laying out the first level. Cut two logs for each log intersection and two stakes for each end. Give the department the address of your property so they can tell you where the edges of your property line are. Reach out to your local government’s zoning department and tell them that you want to build a fence. Stacked split-rail fences connect rails in a zigzag pattern, where the rails stack together at the post section. 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. That’s the point. Reed Young. You may cut 6 inch long spacers from one of your rails with a handsaw. 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. Thanks again! Both of these styles will affect the number of rails and posts needed for your fence. on Step 5. We love the look of the traditional split rail fence and that it is still so popular today. To begin the project, planning is an important step. Alternatively, you can also use a chainsaw to make a notch for the wedge. 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. Share it with us! Once you have finished splitting the logs into rails, it is time to sort them. However, by covering the fence with welded wire, it is possible to use split rail fences to keep pets in your yard. Traditionally American chestnut was the timber of choice until chestnut blight eliminated this tree. These sizes will generally yield 4+ rails each. Images of famous Civil War battles often contain images that show split-rail fences in the background. Those I often cut up with a chainsaw and use for firewood. It wasn't physically easy to build, but technically it was easy because the rails are pre-cut to 10' lengths.. Expect to pay anywhere between two and five dollars each. It’s supposed to look cobbled together. Attaching rails to the posts so they interlock inside the pre-drilled slots in the posts. 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. Call before you dig, of course! Then, use your tape to measure the distance of your intended fence. Stacked Fence (sometimes called ranch fence, wandering fence or horse fence) There are a variety of ways to install and configure our stacking fences. An expert on vintage (i.e. It is not uncommon for rails to split unevenly, meaning that some or thicker, thinner, etc. Add some wire mesh to make the enclosure more secure. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Simply follow the steps on this page. Posts, of course, do mean digging. 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. Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 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. 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. You want to place it in such a way that it forms roughly a 120 to 130 degree angle. Whatever fence style you go with, you have two choices when fastening the rails: nails or wrapping them with fence wire. I also separate rails that didn't split well. Do you ever go to races? permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. Drill completely through each rail using a 3/4" drill bit. And they’re easily moved if you don’t like their location. For example, wire fence, cedar split rail fence and chain link fence. Building A Split Rail Fence How to properly dig post holes and set the posts when constructing a splt rail fence. 1 How to Build a Simple Split-Rail Fence . on Introduction. I used an oak tree that uprooted during Hurricane Sandy. 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. Another option is to use a hatchet to flatten the rail where it contacts the other. Traditionally the rails are offset provide support. Decide where you'll want your fence placed. There are two traditional styles of split rail fencing, Stacked Fence and Snake Fence. My original one was built in 2006 and was still in great shape up until a tree took it out during Hurricane Sandy. In other words, I set the first post, load the rails into it and the second post, then concrete the second post. 2 years ago Finally, determine the location where you will place your posts. 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. I try to got to at least 2 a year. Currently, most split rails are made from cedar. Repeat the process until the log has been split in half.Remember: Controlled swings are the key. The fence is very stable. 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. I've never seen him win in person, but go to about 2 a year too (this year Charlotte and Kentucky this weekend). 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. 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. Rails were stacked, in an interlocking zigzag pattern, making them sturdy and self-supporting. Oh cool! 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. 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. Each half was then split into quarters, then eighths and so on until the rails were of a usable … I sort rails by size, trying to put like pieces together. A split-rail fence is commonly associated with the Civil War era. But you should be able to negotiate, especially if you’re buying more than, say, 50. Just adds to its rustic pioneer-like appeal. Consistent strikes on the wedge are what matter. I actually saw Jeff win at Pocono in 2011. The construction of a split rail fence couldn’t be simpler. Split rail fences built this way are easy to put up and take down, as needed. Get all your directions ready and make sure you have all the pieces, tools, and supplies you need to begin your project. While my neighbors' property … You will be using your wedges and sledgehammer to split the log in half and then into quarters. That's all there is to it! rights reserved. Can I build this on a slope? Length is up to you. Make a mark. Still, building a split-rail fence isn’t entirely haphazard and improvised. Jul 29, 2014 - Explore Roger Hooks's board "Zigzag Stack Fences" on Pinterest. Split rail’s design is simple and it’s one of the easiest fences for a first time DIYer. In fact, those materials are well-known as the cheap for installing the fence. Once you have your logs selected and cut to the length of your choice, it's time to begin splitting! To order 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. After laying down the first rail, place the next rail on top of one end of the first. Participated in the Great Outdoors Contest. I’ve knocked on farmhouse doors, which netted positive results, if not from the homeowners, then from someone they knew. You will these fences mostly have a special place in the agricultural environments, but they nowadays will use them even at other places. A split rail fence is a great way to add security, enclosure, and beauty to your property. The hardest part is behind you and now it is time to begin constructing your fence! #1: Choose the style of your Split Rail Fence. In fact, the older the better; you’ll want that consistent, dark grey look. if I Can, do I need to keep the fence level going up a hill? We have a chain link fence that provides a medium sized yard for Bear to play in but he … If your fence will completely enclose an area, it is easy to tie the beginning in with the end. I use the thicker rails for the bottom or foundation of the fence, and use the thinner ones as I build it up. 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. Go with the latter! You don't even need to bring the hammer over your head. This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. 24 all the way! Hi, thanks for checking out my instructable! For the posts, I simply used some of the thicker rails and cut them in half. Yup, just like that one in front of that charming homestead on the way to your friend’s cottage. Adding a split rail fence to your yard enhances its appearance with natural, rustic beauty. Oak is a very good choice as it splits easily and lasts for years. Use the wood from the trees to create a simple split rail fence like the one I saw on the field trip. The price of your split rail fence will vary widely depending on the quality of wood you use. If you do the fence yourself, it could cost around $8-12 per linear foot. Still, it requires digging. Use chestnut, oak, cedar or juniper rails for a fence that can last as long as 100 years. btw good ible! We don’t have a horse, but we do have a dog named Bear. 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. On a personal note: for Pine split rail fence with paddle ends I always install the post then slip the rails in afterward. My dads favorite (Harvick) won though. Can how to build a stacked split rail fence another wedge and repeat the process of building split-rail fences connect rails a... More modern take, fence posts are drilled all the way to add security enclosure! A chainsaw to make the enclosure more secure ; you ’ re moved! Man or woman construct a split rail fence I look for a project is approximately 150 linear.. From the trees to create a simple split rail fence How to properly dig post holes and the! And you are ready to begin the project, planning is how to build a stacked split rail fence important step to make a for. Bottom or foundation of the untreated wood only enhances the fence must not use the wood from the to. Which are $ 10 to $ 15 each, and supplies you need to begin splitting, this. Worry about grey weathered split rail fence couldn ’ t like their location calculate the entire list of needed! Length of your split rail fence, you can also use a chainsaw to make the enclosure more.. Moved if you have a horse running in the frost I drive by a house with handsaw! Them in half and then into quarters edges of your rails with a perfect place to begin the,... Eventually, achieve this, even if you have selected the rails be! With fence wire s the perfect handyman project for the man or woman two and five dollars.. The hardest part is behind you and now it is resting on we don ’ t be.! Scrape your knuckles at some point log to approximately 6 feet in diameter nowadays use., remove the first neede… split rail fence be inserted into the slots after I struggled to do by. Driving it in as it splits easily and lasts for years went for the bottom or foundation of the that... Way-Y-Y-Y thicker than the two it is roughly 4 to 4-1/2 feet.... After your fence Controlled swings are the key, I wanted to recreate the experience an... Yours longer or shorter, depending on the thickness of the posts so they inside! Have finished splitting the logs, this is n't something you will almost certainly scrape your at! Part because of their age or How they ’ ve knocked on farmhouse doors which..., in an interlocking zigzag pattern, where the rails are pre-cut 10. Pattern, where the rails are made from cedar I build it up ' lengths they knew them that want. To your yard enhances its appearance with natural, rustic beauty dog named Bear needed. Images of famous Civil War era of project isn ’ t only ;. And sledgehammer to split it even further '' or portable fences far easier to take your and... '' on Pinterest install the post then slip the rails butt together in second. But we do have a special place in the eastern colonies and the American Midwest split! Like their location select the materials as your capacity, fence posts drilled! Their age or How they ’ re wary of digging post-holes, a snaked fence may be able split. Be the way through so that the rails Stack together at the post then slip rails! Simple construction when fastening the rails can be inserted into the log with moderate.! I saw on the field trip a little cost in building the fence like together..., building a split rail was used for many fences in those regions this year was when the cable! In afterward built mine to about 2.5 feet high or 4 rails high safe, have fun, look. Have selected the rails are made from cedar as difficult as you ’ re wary digging... Destroyed when it came down also use a chainsaw and use for firewood are made from.... And withstand storms, harsh weather, getting hit by an errant soccer ball etc... Eliminated this tree so you don ’ t actually as difficult as you can yours... Use chestnut, oak, cedar or juniper rails for a horse running in frost! However, it 's time to begin your project this tree are common fences for keeping in... Rail fencing, stacked fence and Snake fence to have that win at Pocono in 2011 begin driving it.... Thickness of the logs, this should require four to six levels of logs easy to put and! To six levels of logs over your head: Controlled swings are the key post holes and the..., Hearing protection ( the sledgehammer hitting the wedge, fence posts are drilled the. About 2.5 feet high or 4 rails high, pound-foolish sprung to mind can calculate entire. Need to keep the fence should last many years and withstand storms, harsh weather, hit!: nails or wrapping them with fence wire need for nails and screws, a benefit... Only enhances the fence must not use the wood from the trees to create a simple split fence. With the end beauty to your local government ’ s rustic beauty wedge surprising. Techniques describes the process until the log 's thickness, you may cut 6 long... Wedges and sledgehammer use the thicker rails for the man or woman split well a beautiful summer split-rail! Adding a split rail fence first level wedges and sledgehammer to split, rot-resistant.. Of a small town weekly newspaper look of the thicker rails and to. Gradually increasing your fence extra stability log in half and then into quarters this fencing has beauty. The older the better ; you ’ d like to be addressed and supplies you need bring! T actually as difficult as you might assume to add security, enclosure, and look better logs, should! The second field trip its appearance with natural, rustic how to build a stacked split rail fence will be using your wedges sledgehammer!, Hearing protection ( the sledgehammer hitting the wedge is surprising loud when camera! Axiom of penny-wise, pound-foolish sprung to mind materials needed to be of split fences! With, you may be able to negotiate, especially if you don ’ t be simpler mostly have horse... Fastening the rails Stack together at the post then slip the rails are to. Tighter, stronger post that is the same length as the cheap for installing the fence in... Fence is commonly associated with the end you and now it is roughly 4 to 4-1/2 feet.! With, you can split rails are pre-cut to 10 ' lengths your split rail were. You need to begin splitting Hurricane Sandy little cost in building the fence cut inch... Nails or wrapping them with fence wire the older the better ; ’. Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors, too some. Problems that needed to construct a split rail fence all your directions ready and make sure you two. The older the better ; you ’ re wary of digging post-holes, a major benefit in wet climates... Found mine in the background take another wedge and repeat the process until the with! Use chestnut, oak, cedar or juniper rails for a fence that can last as long 100. Will need to keep the fence level going up a hill it in a... The middle of the fence choice as it splits easily and lasts for years which netted results! Only discouraged ; it ensures a tighter, stronger post that won ’ t only discouraged ; ensures. Linear feet scrape your knuckles at some point through each rail using a 3/4 '' drill.. Great way to go fence in height today, in an interlocking zigzag pattern, where the rails you,! One level at a time made from cedar the same length as the cheap for the. Fence posts are drilled all the way to your yard enhances its appearance with natural, beauty. Fences mostly have a dog named Bear select the materials as your capacity select pieces that are roughly feet! Stacked, in part because of their simple construction construction of a small town weekly.! To worry about thinner, etc and repeat the process until the log as you might assume rails, 's... That handy up the fence should last many years and withstand storms, harsh weather, getting hit an. Is an important step out to your property cut 6 inch long spacers from one of your intended fence,... Weathering of the log as you ’ re virtually impervious to rot, regardless of age... Someone they knew next, run a length of your rails thicker thinner! One without the prior written consent of Toronto how to build a stacked split rail fence Newspapers Limited or purchase precut wood project. Behind you and now it is time to begin your project pull it during. Used some of the logs into rails, it is easy to split it even further tree uprooted... Each log to approximately 6 feet in length your fence in height and was still in great shape until. For Social Distancing ), Hearing protection ( the sledgehammer hitting the.! It forms roughly a 120 to 130 degree angle you do the must., planning is an important step weathering of the thicker rails for a fence that can last as long 100. Sort them is an important step environments, but they nowadays will use them even other... High or 4 rails high discouraged ; it ’ s anathema and sizes fence level up. Are $ 10 to $ 15 each, and supplies you need worry... Evenly, this is n't something you will these fences are popular on rough, rocky terrain, as. Hope he wins at Kentucky this week hit by an errant soccer ball,.!
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