How to Construct a Split Rail Fence
Split rail fences impart a rustic look and feel to a property, and the enduring popularity of this style of timber fencing means that many lumber yards and home improvement superstores sell pre-fabricated materials for split rail fencing. Held together with gravity and friction instead of nails, these fences are both sturdy and attractive, and often require fewer materials than a post and plank-style fence. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Rolling measure
- Stakes
- Twine
- Hand sledgehammer
- Shovel
- Mattock
- Post-hole digger
- Level
- Iron tamping rod
- Hatchet
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of a few rails and determine their average length. This measurement should have been provided when you ordered the materials, but it is always best to double-check.
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2
Walk along your proposed fence line with a rolling measure, a bundle of stakes, a roll of twine and a hand sledgehammer. At intervals equaling the length of the rails, drive a stake into the ground to mark where to set the posts. Tie twine to the stakes as you go, so you can visually determine how straight the fence line is.
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3
Measure a few of the posts and determine their average height and width. This measurement also should have been provided when you ordered the materials, but double-checking your numbers is always a good idea.
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4
Dig the post holes with a mattock, shovel and post-hole digger. The holes need to be 12 inches wider than the posts, and the depth should be between 1/3 and 1/4 the length of the posts. Your lower rails should sit at least 6 inches off the ground, so use your judgment in setting the exact depth of the post holes. Collect the stakes as you dig holes down the fence line.
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5
Set the fence posts. If you have a helper, have him hold the fence post while you adjust its position with a level so it is vertical. Then fill in the hole, solidifying the dirt with an iron tamping rod. If you do not have a helper, this task can be done alone---albeit awkwardly.
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6
Install the rails, starting with the lower rails. Set one end of the rail into the lowest mortise, the open hole in the fence post. On the other end of the fence rail, lift the rail and push the whole length firmly into the first mortise. Then set the other end into its matching mortise. Settle the rail into place by moving it back an inch or two.
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7
Cut down the end of any rails that do not fit into the posts as you go. With one rail already in the mortise, some rails may be too big to fit. Whittle down the end of the rail with a hatchet until it fits into the existing space.
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Tips & Warnings
Before building any fence, always check if you have any easements for underground pipes and cables, local zoning restrictions or permit requirements.
References
- Photo Credit wooden rail fence image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
