How to Install a Split Rail Fence: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Charming Addition to Your Property

Before you get started, you need to plan your fence by sketching your outline and measurements on your property survey. Keeping in mind the length of the rails, plot where you want to place your end posts, corner posts, and line posts. 

For an accurate sketch, make sure that you’re calculating the rail lengths from the center of each post. Additionally, don’t forget to mark down where you plan to add any gates or other openings. This is where you can unleash your inner artist. 

Once you have the sketch, you can figure out how many rails and posts you need to complete your project. With this information, you’ll have an estimate for the cost of your split rail fence.

Next, head outside with stakes and string to mark your fence line. You can use spray paint to indicate where you plan to put your posts and any gates or openings. Be sure to use a measuring tape during this process to make sure you’re calculating everything precisely.

As long as you properly measure and mark everything at this step, you should be able to avoid major issues during the rest of your installation, saving yourself more time and money down the road.

One of the most labor-intensive parts of your split rail fence installation is digging the post holes. Each post hole should be 1/3 of the post length, which is likely either 6 or 7 feet. For example, a 6-foot post should be 2 feet in the ground and 4 feet above the ground. The diameter of the hole should be two to three times wider than the post’s diameter.

You can either do the work manually with a post hole digger or make life a little easier with a power auger. Either choice will get the job done; it just depends on which tools you have on hand, what your budget is, and how much labor you’re able to put into digging. 

Your soil type may affect the type of digger you need to use, so keep that in mind as you make your decision. Tougher, more rocky soil may require a powered digger, like an auger, whereas a shovel or standard post hole digger can easily maneuver softer, more loose soil.

Start with setting the end posts first, using a level to make sure your post is perfectly vertical. You don’t have to set these posts in concrete, but you should use 6 inches of gravel at the bottom to allow for proper water drainage and prevent wood rot.

Once your gravel is in and your post is vertical, you can fill the hole back in with the dirt you took out, compressing it firmly around the bottom of the post as you go. Mound any extra dirt around the foot of each post to help excess moisture fall away from the fence.

The final step is adding the rails. Firmly slide them into the holes in your posts and trim them as needed.