split rail fence cost

Installed Cost of Split Rail Fencing

Most homeowners pay an average of $17.75/foot for a 3-rail, split rail fence, installed. For the DIY’er out there, you can expect to pay around $10.50 per foot, not including the cost of a powered post hole digger.

The average price for pro installation includes the new fencing, bags of concrete to set the poles, wire if requested, permits and a site survey, as well as marking of the underground wires and utilities on your property. It will not likely include the cost to remove and dispose of an old fence.

Average Costs

Overview of Split Rail Fences

Wooden split rail fences are one of the most common, affordable, and easiest to install fences a homeowner can have installed around their property. While they won’t do much for security, they are perfect for adding curb appeal, and with an easily attached wire mesh, cedar split rail fencing makes the perfect type of fence to contain pets, or give your children a safe place to play in the yard.

Much like chain link and almost every other type of fence, the biggest factor in your split rail fence cost is going to depend on how much of a yard or area you want to enclose.

In this Business Finance News, we’ll help you understand more about options and costs associated with a wood split rail fencing product itself. You’ll have better knowledge of the factors that will determine split rail fence installation cost, as well as helping you decide if this is a DIY project you want to take on yourself, or turn over to a pro. Further down this page you’ll find a table in which you can compare split rail fencing costs from leading websites, as well as what other homeowners like yourself have paid for their own project.

Split Rail Fence Cost Factors

With cedar split-rail fencing there really aren’t that many options to affect the pricing or appearance. That said, the factors below will determine how much a split rail fence cost for materials and supplies, when you’re factoring an estimate.

• Linear Feet of Split Rail Fence Installed – Obviously, if you have 100 feet of area to fence in, it will cost less than 200 feet. The overall length of the fence is the largest cost factor.
• Number of Rails per Section – The number of horizontal rails between your posts will increase material costs for your project. As a preference, 3-rail fences will be a foot taller and also sturdier for longer lasting results.
• Length of Rails – Wooden rails are available in 8 foot or 11 foot spans.
• Height of Fence – Typically, split rail fences are installed at 4′ or 5′ foot finished heights.
• Wire Mesh or Open – Installing a split rail fence with wire mesh screen to the inside will provide containment for animals or children.
• Number and Type of Gates – Each gate you want incorporated into your fence will cost more money. Walk-through gates can be easily installed in almost any slope, however drive-through gates should be on level surfaces.
• Leaving Natural or Sealing & Staining – While some like the natural look, others may choose to seal and stain their wood fence, adding life to the fence and assuring it lasts longer.

Cost of Fencing Materials and Installation Supplies

Cost of Fencing Post, Rails and Wiring

• $20 – $40 each | Gate hinges and latch kits.

Cost of Fence Installation Supplies

Once you’ve decided to have a split rail fence installed around your home, the following supplies will also be needed along with the fencing above. If you chose to use a professional fence installation company, they’ll likely provide these, already included in their estimate or quote.

• $20-$30 | 10-12, eight foot 2×4’s to use for bracing anchor posts while concrete sets.
• $35 – $75 | Concrete or Quikrete.
• $10 – $25 | Miscellaneous supplies like stakes, string, nails, screws, etc.
• $20 – $40 each | Gate hinges and latch kits.

Permits, Inspection, and Installation Costs

Permits and Inspection

• $75 – $150 | Property line site survey.
• $0 to $75 | Buried Utility Locator Service
  
  In most areas of the USA you can dial 811 on your phone, at least 3 days before you plan to begin work, and a utility locator service will come out and mark all public underground utilities in the area you plan to install the fence. The service is free in most cases, but if you need to locate non-public services like an invisible fence wire, or underground pool utilities, they will charge you.

Fence Installation Cost and Time

In most cases, the labor for installation will be based on the number of linear feet installed, plus added costs for gates, wire mesh, etc. In addition, there may be added labor costs due to any of the site conditions below.

• Type of Soil – Added time may be needed for getting through rocks, tree roots etc.
• Time of Year – Prices are higher during the busy season.

Completed Installation Time

• 1 -2 days | Simple Installation
• 2-3 days | Most Common Installation
• 3-5 days | Larger, or Difficult Installations

The projects listed below are commonly related to fences in general, as well as split rail fencing.

DIY or Hire a Pro

I’ve installed my own split rail fence two times, made a few mistakes, and learned quite a bit along the way. (Sometimes, the hard way) The last time we needed a split rail around our current home, we hired a local fence company. The fence was done in 2-3 days and I had no headache of auger rental, finding 3-4 friends to carry tons of wood into the yard, etc. I think its a great DIY project, but you definitely need at least 2 others at minimum, and don’t try to drill your post holes too far ahead. 🙂

Edit: Was asked about my last fence – Our project consisted of: Adding a set of steps to our deck, into the newly fenced area. 3-rail split rail fencing for a total of 440 feet, with a 2×3 mesh wire installed on the inside. (dogs) We also have 2 walking gates and 1 drive-through gate. Cost was $5,250 in 2008.

Compare Costs from Leading Resources

• Lawn Starter: $11 – $29, Per Linear Foot
• HowMuch: $14.30, Per Foot
• HomeAdvisor: $12 – $30, Per Foot, Installed
• Porch: $17.20 – $28.50, Per Foot
• HomeGuide: $12 – $18, Per Foot

Common Questions and Answers