Wood Split-Rail Fence Repair: Replace a Damaged Rail
- Shovel around the post with a post hole digger until the post is loose enough to move.
- Lift it up far enough to pull out the damaged rail, then pull the rail out from the adjacent post.
- Insert a new rail into the hole in the adjacent post. Then lift the post you dug out and insert the rail into that one.
- Backfill the hole with tamped dirt or gravel.
How do you install a split rail fence?
- Lay out post locations
- Dig post holes up to 3 feet deep
- Set wood posts in concrete
- Install & secure rails
- Includes planning, material acquisition, site prep/cleanup
What is the cost of split rail fencing?
To fence in a square acre, it will cost between $3,320 and $9,960 in materials for the approximate 830 feet of fencing needed. With professional installation, a split rail fence will cost you from $12 to $30 or more per linear foot, $1,200 to $3,000 per 100 feet, and $9,960 to $24,900 to enclose an acre.
How to make a rustic wood split rail fence?
How to Make a Rustic Wood Split Rail Fence
- Determining the Size of the Wood Split Rail Fence. It is difficult to purchase materials without knowing how much you need. ...
- Cutting out the Pieces. It is a good idea to measure and cut all of your pieces before you start assembling. ...
- Post Holes. ...
- Building the Wood Split Rail Fence. ...
How to build a DIY split rail fence?
- Tack cross rails to the posts and mark them for cutting with a framing square.
- Remove the cross rails and make the cuts with a circular saw.
- Fasten the cross rails to the posts with galvanized 10d (3-inch) nails or screw them in place with two 3-inch deck screws.
How do you take apart a split rail fence?
How to Remove a Split Rail PostTake a look at how the fence post is anchored in the ground. ... Remove the rails attached to the post.Dig around the post, removing all the dirt surrounding the base. ... Rock the post back and forth and side to side in the hole to loosen it.Remove the post.
What is life expectancy of split rail fence?
The lifespan of split rail fencing varies. Pressure treated fence, on average, may last up to 12 years. Locust posts, meanwhile, has an average life expectancy of about 20 years. Untreated rails can last as long as 10 years and cedar can survive for up to 10-15 years.
How do you fix a split fence post?
1:527:34How to Fix a Broken Fence Post in Under 30 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're basically going to hammer it in. So the trick here is to get the easy manner wedged in betweenMoreWe're basically going to hammer it in. So the trick here is to get the easy manner wedged in between the concrete and the fence post.
What are the parts of a split rail fence?
MaterialsEnd, Line & Corner Posts.Fence Rails.Gravel.Stakes.String.
What kind of wood is used for split rail fence?
cedarSplit rail fences were made of easy to split, rot-resistant wood. Traditionally American chestnut was the timber of choice until chestnut blight eliminated this tree. Currently, most split rails are made from cedar.
Should I seal my cedar split rail fence?
Staining and sealing are crucial Every fence owner needs to keep on top of this to keep the fence safe from predators. The heat of the summer sun will dry out the wood, causing it to crack. Rain, snow and ice will soak into dry timber causing it to split or break.
How do you fill a split wood post?
An epoxy resin can be used to fill large cracks and splits effectively. It is stronger than a resin glue and creates a strong bond in the wood. This will prevent the split from getting any larger. Its adhesive strength will hold the sides of the crack together and preclude further damage.
How do you fix split pressure treated wood?
2:484:07Treated Lumber Cracking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to use a penetrating wood sealer I have a really good one in the description of this videoMoreYou want to use a penetrating wood sealer I have a really good one in the description of this video if you're not watching this video on YouTube you need to go back to YouTube look at the description.
What causes fence posts to split?
Pressure and moisture are the big crack culprits. New wood is wetter inside than many homeowners realize. Not only is there natural moisture, but lumber is often treated with chemicals to prevent rot. As the sun dries your new wood fence, it sucks out moisture, putting pressure on wood fibers.
What type of fencing lasts the longest?
You shouldn't set split rail fence posts in concrete, as traditionally, these wooden fence posts are designed to be repairable, and setting them in concrete would make them impossible to replace if they rot. Impermeable soil causes water to sit in the pot your hole created and rot.Should A Split Rail Fence Post Be Set In Concrete? (Fact Not Fiction)https://www.houseandgardentalk.com › yard › fencing › s...https://www.houseandgardentalk.com › yard › fencing › s...Search for: Should I Concrete split rail fence posts?
What type of wood fence lasts the longest?
Dig holes about a third as deep as they are tall. For example, a 6-foot post needs a hole at least 2-feet deep, plus add about 4-inches for gravel. The diameter of the hole should be three times the width of the post. Ensure that the bottom rail will remain a few inches above ground.How to Install Split Rail Fence - The Home Depothttps://www.homedepot.com › how-to-install-spit-rail-fencehttps://www.homedepot.com › how-to-install-spit-rail-fenceSearch for: How deep do you dig for a split rail fence?
How long will a pressure-treated fence last?
Cedar can last at least 15 years, and often as long as 30 years. Compared to that, treated pine will last between 9 and 25 years, depending on the chemical treatment used.Jan 15, 2018Cedar Split Rail Fencing vs. Pressure Treated Lumberhttps://fencesupplyonline.com › blog › cedar-fencing-vs-...https://fencesupplyonline.com › blog › cedar-fencing-vs-...Search for: How long does cedar split rail fence last?
How many years does a wood fence last?
What Type of Fence Lasts the Longest? Chain-link fences with a galvanized finish that doesn't rust are the longest lasting fences. All other components of the fence are made of steel and are also galvanized, so there is relatively no maintenance.
To remove a rail, first dig out a post
To replace a rail in a split rail fence you have to first dig out a post so you can slip in the new rail. We show you how.
Replace a split rail fence
Dig to the bottom of one side of the post that holds the rotted rail. Dig like a pro with these tips.
Required Tools for this Repair Split Rail Fence Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Required Materials for this Replace Split Rail Fence Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
What to use to cover split rail fence?
Use Fence Armor. It is one of our best products for maintaining a split rail fence. The Fence Armor wraps around the foot of the posts and comes in a variety of sizes. The metal cover will stop animals from sharpening their teeth or gnawing at the wood, which can weaken the structure.
What is injected into rails and posts to protect the wood from the inside out?
Preservatives, fungicide, UV inhibitors, and sealants are injected into the rails and posts to protect the wood from the inside out, all year long.
What is Split Rail Fence?
Split rail fence is a style of wood fence, made up of only two components. Posts and rails. The post is the vertical supporting piece of the fence. Each post has holes milled into them. The rail is the horizontal piece of the fence. Manufactured from logs of lumber that get split apart. Rails insert into the post holes. Split rail fences can have 2, 3 or 4 rails. Different types of lumber are used for split rail fences. Locust, cedar and spruce are the most common. Split rail fences are rustic looking and easy to install. They are great for defining property lines, containing horses and livestock, or simply for decoration.
What Height Does Split Rail Fence Come In?
There are three standard heights. 2 rail fence is installed at 36″ high. 3 rail fence is installed at 48″ high. Lastly, 4 rail fence is installed at 54″ – 60″ high. The height of the fence is measured at the top of the rail. The posts will stick out slightly higher. What the intent the fence is used for will help determine what height the fence should be. Let’s take a look at each height and discuss some examples on where they would be used.
What is the best wood for a split rail fence?
Cedar lumber has oils in it that naturally make it weather resistant. This makes cedar a great choice for split rail fence. Mostly used in western states, cedar split rail fences last for decades in dry open areas like fields and pastures. Cedar posts and rails have a very rustic look. Rails will have a more square shape as compared to other types of lumber. Unlike treated and hardwood rails, cedar rails do not overlap each other at the post. They fit inside the posts like a tenon and mortise joint. In wet areas however, the dryer more porous cedar lumber can wick in and hold moisture. As a result growing a mold or fungus. This causes rot and decay if left unattended.
How high should a 3 rail fence be?
The most common height is a 3 rail fence. Measuring in at 48″, it is popular for many applications. Take a drive to the country and you will see 3 rail split rail fence surrounding many farms and pastures. Because it is inexpensive, it is great for covering large amounts of footage. Combined with its easy installation, it is a popular choice for ranchers and farmers. But 3 rail split rail fence isn’t just for keeping in animals. Homeowners use it in conjunction with a wire mesh backing to keep in pets and children. Builders use it along the road frontage leading up to entrances of developments. Parks and golf courses use 3 rail split rail fences around lakes and ponds, and along parking lots to prevent cars from driving on the grass.
What type of lumber is used for split rail fences?
Split rail fences use three types of lumber. Locust posts with hardwood rails, pressure treated spruce, and cedar. Each type of lumber has proven to last. However, each lumber type also has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each type of lumber used for split rail fences.
What is poplar railing?
Poplar is the hardwood lumber for the rails. Rail inconsistency is common with all three types of lumber. Some rails are larger than others. Poplar rails give split rail a sturdy robust look. But locust and poplar have become more expensive overtime. So manufactures started using treated yellow pine for both.
What is a black locust fence?
Black locust is a dense and strong hardwood. Perfect for fence posts. When I started installing fence 25 years ago, every split rail fence we installed had locust posts. Some of those posts are still standing today. However, the problem with locust posts was consistency. Some posts were 5″ across and others were 9″ across. Some posts would have a nice rectangular cut to them and others would be smooth on one side and have a half radius on the other side with bark hanging off it. When setting posts, it made it more difficult to keep them inline with one another. Split rail is supposed to be rustic. But some locust posts weren’t acceptable to customers. Especially in residential settings.
Preliminary Steps
Before you start a fencing project, a few preliminary steps are in order:
Post and Rail Fence Materials
The most common materials are pine and cedar. Rails are usually 8 feet or 11 feet long and can be round, half round or square/diamond shaped. The rails insert into the holes in the posts and are held in place by their own weight.
Fence Layout
The layout of the fence is somewhat determined by length of the pre-cut fencing rails. The problem is that few landscapes are laid out in 8-foot or 11-foot increments. That's why measuring is a must.
Slope Changes
When dealing with slopes, follow the angle of the slope on steep inclines.
Dig Post Holes
The most important part of a fence is underground: the posts. When planning the height of your posts, plan for a clearance of at least 6 inches from the ground to the lowest rail to allow mowing and trimming. Add a couple of inches for settling over time. The best practice is to put 1/3 of the post in the ground.
What is split rail fencing?
Split rail fencing can look either rustic or Victorian, depending on whether you have a wood or wrought iron fence. This style complements many architectural styles, but can clash with homes with modern architecture.
How long does it take to put up split rail fencing?
Due to its minimalistic design, split rail fencing requires less installation time. It’s easy to put up in a day or two.
Why do farmers use split rail fencing?
Traditionally, split rail fencing was used by farmers to mark their property line and confine their livestock. They preferred this fencing because it’s less expensive to build, easy to repair, and well-suited for uneven ground. Today, it’s growing in popularity in cities and suburbs too.
What to do if you don't want to make a bold statement with your fence?
If you don’t want to make a bold statement with your fencing, you may want to choose a style similar to other homes around yours. If everyone in your neighborhood has a tall privacy fence or picket fence, you may want to select a similar style.
Is split rail fencing better than privacy fence?
Split rail fencing offers little to no additional privacy. If you want a fence that will prevent nosy neighbors from peeking into your yard, a privacy fence would be a better option.
Can small animals slip through fence rails?
Small animals can easily slip through the gaps between the rails. If you have a small pet that’s an escape artist or a pet that’s easily agitated by seeing what’s happening outside of your yard, a privacy fence may be a better choice for you.
Can you put wire mesh on a fence?
Attaching a wire mesh to the fencing may solve this problem for you as long as your pet isn’t a good climber or jumper. Black and green mesh are the most popular options.
