Carpentry and Woodworking - Split Rail Fence
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Split Rail Fence
sharond
11-07-01, 10:42 AM
Could anyone help me find good plans/instructions for building a split rail fence? We want to start using split rail fences on some of our vacant lots in Philadelphia.
Thanks
Sharon
Thanks
Sharon
Mike Swearingen
11-07-01, 09:45 PM
You can buy pre-fab split-rail corner and run posts (with either 2 or 3 rail holes) and rails ready-made and very easy to assemble, or you can just get the rails and criss-cross stack them in a zig-zag pattern fence.
Shop around at Building Supply or fence supply companies. Shouldn't be hard to find.
You can set the posts in gravel, concrete or the ground, depending upon how sturdy it needs to be (just for looks or people climbing on them), and insert the rails as you go.
Tack nail (galvanized) the rails in the posts after assembly.
Good Luck!
Mike
Shop around at Building Supply or fence supply companies. Shouldn't be hard to find.
You can set the posts in gravel, concrete or the ground, depending upon how sturdy it needs to be (just for looks or people climbing on them), and insert the rails as you go.
Tack nail (galvanized) the rails in the posts after assembly.
Good Luck!
Mike
11-20-01, 03:47 PM
When building the split rail fence there are several things you can do to make the project go easier.
1. Use a "Bobcat" with an auger attachment appropriate for the size of the fence posts that you are using. If you are going to put in a lot of fence posts, this piece of equipment is well worth the cost to rent. For large split rail fence projects, it's faster and easier.
2. Put the first and last post in and then tie a guide string between them. This will allow you to keep the fence posts in a straight line.
3. Determine how deep you want the fence post to be set. Once the depth is determined, paint a line on the bottom of the post.
*******THIS IS IMPORTANT********
Prior to using any power tool, i.e. the bobcat, contact ALL utility/service companies. You need to have them mark/locate/identify all underground cables, pipes etc. before digging. Most will come out and mark existing underground utilities free of charge. In Alaska, you must dig by hand within two feet of existing underground utilities. Check you local code.
Bruce
1. Use a "Bobcat" with an auger attachment appropriate for the size of the fence posts that you are using. If you are going to put in a lot of fence posts, this piece of equipment is well worth the cost to rent. For large split rail fence projects, it's faster and easier.
2. Put the first and last post in and then tie a guide string between them. This will allow you to keep the fence posts in a straight line.
3. Determine how deep you want the fence post to be set. Once the depth is determined, paint a line on the bottom of the post.
*******THIS IS IMPORTANT********
Prior to using any power tool, i.e. the bobcat, contact ALL utility/service companies. You need to have them mark/locate/identify all underground cables, pipes etc. before digging. Most will come out and mark existing underground utilities free of charge. In Alaska, you must dig by hand within two feet of existing underground utilities. Check you local code.
Bruce