Get matched with top animal fencing pros in Tabor, SD

You’ve likely been considering lots of wood fence ideas for your yard. There are many reasons why people choose split rail fences time and again. For one, they’re one of the most wallet-friendly fencing options, especially since you don’t need to use much hardware and setting the posts doesn’t require concrete or foam. So if you have a large property and want to fence it in, your best bet may be a split rail fence.

When considering how much of a gap should be under a fence or gate, a good rule of thumb is to keep gaps between 2 and 5 inches tall. This allows for some ground clearance for the gate but still provides safety for children and pets, who shouldn’t be able to squeeze through a gap of that size.

How long a fence should last depends on the type of fence, but a common split wooden fence should last seven to 10 years. Chain link can last much longer, with wrought iron and concrete lasting decades. If you're interested in your fence lasting as long as possible—and it's made of wood—consider sealing and treating the wood so it can stand up to the environment. Wood is the only fence type that requires this, as concrete and metal are almost always waterproof.

You’ll need to bury the garden fence about 1 foot underground. It’s tempting to save on materials by burying the fence just a couple of inches, but if you do so, determined pests will still be able to dig under the fence and access your plants. Burying your garden fence deep into the soil is an important step that allows you to attach a wire barrier to the fencing. 

Burrowing animals (like voles, moles, rabbits, and gophers) can’t dig or chew through this wiring, meaning that you’ll be keeping your prized petunias or your robust veggie garden from being eaten.