Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are used for post and rail fencing?
The materials used for post and rail fencing typically include wood, such as cedar or locust, and sometimes vinyl or metal for added durability and style. Each material offers unique benefits suited for various aesthetic preferences and environmental conditions. When the purpose is to close off access to a pool or property, wire fencing is attached to post and rail fences to close off the openings.
What are the different types of post and rail fences?
The different types of post and rail fences include Diamond Rail, Flat Rail, Round Rail, Split Rail and Rustic Cedar, each offering unique features and styles to enhance your property’s aesthetic and functionality.
What type of wood is best for post and rail fencing?
The best wood types for post and rail fencing include locust and cedar, which are both naturally resistant to decay and are known for durability and strength.
What is the average cost of a post and rail fence?
The cost of a post and rail fence can vary depending on the materials you choose and the layout of your property, but on average, you're looking at $30 to $55 per linear foot for wood, which is the most common option. Vinyl will generally be at the higher end of that range. Installation costs will also depend on the terrain, the number of rails, and whether gates are included.
Is a post and rail fence suitable for horses?
Yes, post and rail fencing is actually one of the most popular choices for horses. It's highly visible, which helps prevent horses from running into it, and it creates a clear boundary without feeling too confined. For added safety, some owners choose to run wire mesh along the inside to keep horses from pushing through or getting their heads between the rails. Just make sure the materials are sturdy and the spacing is appropriate — typically a three- or four-rail setup works best for horses.
What is the purpose of a post and rail fence?
Post and rail fencing is designed mainly for marking boundaries and containing animals, especially on farms and larger properties. It’s not meant for privacy or high security, but it does a great job of keeping livestock in and defining open space in a clean, attractive way. A lot of people also like it for its classic, rustic look, as it blends well with natural surroundings and adds a bit of charm to variety of properties.
Can I build a post and rail fence myself?
Absolutely. If you’re comfortable using tools and have some time, a post and rail fence is one of the more DIY-friendly fencing options. With that said, there is still a difference between a DIY and professional installation. The dimensions and materials might seem simple, but there are many subtle details that go into a good post and rail fence. Terrain also is big factor when evaluating the difficulty of a post
What are the benefits of a post and rail fence?
Post and rail fence provides beatification of your property, delineation of your property lines, pet containment, and safety for your family while keeping your yard open to the outside. It is a great option if you prefer to keep an open an airy feel to your property. Post and rail fence also provides a nice back drop to ornamental gardens.
What are modern post and rail fence design ideas?
Diamond Rail Fence and Flat rail Fence are two modern style rail fences. Different designs can be achieved with rail spacing and the number of rails used on your fence. Flat rail style fence can give a modern farm style design while Diamond rail fence gives a more traditionally modern design.
How tall should a post and rail fence be?
Post and rail style fences should be no taller than 4-1/2’. The most common heights are between 3’ and 4’ tall. Most Rail style fences are sold with two rails at three-foot-tall or three rails at a four-foot- tall.
What is the primary purpose of a post and rail fence?
Pet Containment, Property line delineation, landscape beatification, and garden back drops
Is post and rail fencing suitable for horses?
Yes, post and rail fence is a good choice for horses and other domesticated pets and livestock. Additional wire can be added to the fence for smaller pets.
What materials are used in a post and rail fence construction?
Square edge Post and rail fence can be made from the following materials.
White Cedar, Red Cedar, Cellular Vinyl and Extruded PVC.
Split rail fence is made with locust posts and hardwood rails.
Round Rail fence is made using white cedar.
What styles of post and rail fences exist?
There are several styles of posts available for a post and rail fence. You have square cedar posts for flat rail or paddock fences and round cedar posts for round rail post and rail fences. Diamond rail fences provide and more formal look to any space with 4” x 4” rails on their edge to make a diamond rail have its unique look. There is square Locust posts for split rail or round rail fences. Bark-on-cedar posts are as described and are a great choice for woodland and or rustic setting. Azek flat rail (paddock) fences are also a great choice for the longest lasting of this category.
How durable are post and rail fences?
Post and rail fences last about 8-15 years depending on the site conditions. If you are installing in a wet area, the post will last less time than a well-drained site. Also, the type of wood material will determine how long the post will last. Cedar posts typically last 12-15 years while Locust posts can last over 20 years. Pressure treated posts can last more than 15 years also but are not as appealing aesthetically. Azek post and rail fences can last the longest as the pressure treated posts are wrapped in a man-made material that does not degrade or rot. It is also the most expensive to install.
What finishes are available for post and rail fences?
Typically post and rail fences are left natural. Part of the appeal of a post and rail fence is the natural look. If requested, a clear coat wood preserving stain or a stain with a color can be applied.
How does post spacing affect fence strength?
The farther apart the posts, the weaker the rails will be. Typically, most post and rail fences are 8’ or 11’ long based on the industry standard of what length the posts are fabricated to. You can always make the section shorter by cutting down the rails if necessary.
Can post and rail fences withstand severe weather?
Post and rail fences are a great fence choice to endure severe weather. Wind is not an issue with a post and rail fence based on the open style. Snow will not sit on the fence much due to its narrow profile. Post and rail fences are made from cedar or locust which allows for good weather proofing to a better degree than most other types of wood.
What are common uses for post and rail fences?
Some common uses for post and rail fences are: flat rail or paddock fences to hold in horses or livestock. Split rail, round rail or diamond rail can all be used to enclose a property or a specific space in the yard such as a pool or enclose pets when welded wire is added to the outside. Bark-on-cedar and split rail provide a very rustic, country farm feel for any property. Post and rail fences are often used to mark property lines although you should not count on a fence to mark the property line. Only a stamped legal survey can attest to a property line location.
How do I maintain a post and rail fence?
There is very little maintenance required with a post and rail fence. There are several different styles of post and rail fence. They are split rail, diamond rail, flat rail or paddock and round rail. If you stain the post and rail there may be some maintenance needed but typically there is very little maintenance needed with a post and rail style fence. Overtime the post and rails may rot and will need to be replace. If wire is installed on the fence overtime the wire may get bent and need repairs.
What heights are available for post and rail fences?
Post and rail fence heights are typically 3’ or 4’ high.
How do post and rail fences enhance property value?
Post and rail style fencing can enhance the property value in many ways. Post and rail style may be used to meet pool code, provide pet containment, safety for children and aesthetic and curb appeal.
What design options are popular for fencing?
Popular fence styles include picket, tongue and groove, horizontal boards, deer fence wire and post and rail. More modern homes may select cable rail fencing.
What innovative materials are used in fencing?
Cellular vinyl, glass and cable rail are just a few of the innovative materials used in fencing.
How are post and rail fences installed?
The first step is to dig post holes approximately 2 ½ to 3 feet deep. Posts are typically set in concrete footings for stability and longevity of the fence. Depending on the style of post and rail fence, posts are spaced 8 to 10 ½ feet apart. Rails are then installed. If flat rail, rails are typically screwed to the posts. If round or diamond rail or split rail, the rails are installed into the openings on the posts. If installed on a slope, post and rail fences will follow the grade.
What are the disadvantages of post and rail fencing?
Post real fences don’t offer privacy as you can see right through them. If pet containment or wildlife exclusion is desired, wire mesh would need to be attached to the fence to close the openings under and between the rails.
How can I personalize my post and rail fence?
The different post and rail styles offer the opportunity to personalize. Split rail offers a classic and rustic feel while diamond rail is elegant. Flat rail, or paddock fencing, is commonly associated with horse country. If made of wood, a post and rail fence can be painted any color to complement the home. If PVC, the manufacturers offer the styles in many colors.
What are the most cost-effective materials for fencing?
Cedar is the most cost-effective type of wood for fencing. It is a high quality, dense wood and therefore lasts longer than spruce or pine. Once installed, cedar fences not only look beautiful, but they last longer than other types of wood. Cedar fences compare favorably to PVC and cellular vinyl in terms of cost, unless the cedar fence is being painted or stained after installation which increases its cost.
What safety precautions should I consider for fencing?
Fences offer protection for families with young children as they are an effective barrier around a swimming pool or in front of a busy street. Pool code requirements vary by state so consulting with a reputable fencing company or town zoning official is advised to be sure the fence complies with local laws. Older fences should be maintained and checked to be sure fence posts and rails are securely in place.
How can I incorporate lighting with my post and rail fence?
Tension wire can be attached to the fence with screw eyes and lighting can be wrapped around the tension wire, creating a warm and festive environment.
