Split Rail Fence Installation
Open, rustic, and the most affordable fence — installed in about three weeks
Mark boundaries without blocking the view — the lowest-cost fence
Itemized 3D quotes, no hidden fees — financing available
It’s Simple: Get a Classic Split-Rail Fence Installed for Your Home
Get in touch with our fence experts
Give us a call or submit a request online and we’ll contact you asap!
Choose one of our fence packages and customize the design
Get an accurate and fair quote for you fence project. Your quote is clearly itemized aided by 3D visualizations.
Choose your installation date, sit-back and relax
Book your installation appointment and have your project installed within 3 weeks.
We offer flexible payment options
Prefer to pay over time rather than all at once? Prequalify for financing today and contact us to learn more about our services!
Our split rail fence team is here to make your fence project happen with zero hassle
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Quality workmanship backed by leading warranty
Licensed and Insured
We are licensed split rail fence contractors
Experts You Can Actually Rely On
Responsive and knowledgeable team
Thousands of happy customers
Homeowners rate Ergeon's fence, deck, and outdoor construction work 4.81 out of 5 based on 22,319 verified reviews across Google, Yelp & HomeAdvisor.
4.81
22,319 reviews
“Kerecia is an excellent communicator who helped me solve my fencing problems quickly and confidently”
Castro Valley, CA
“The service was very professional and I was very comfortable with talking to the sales representative”
Evanston, IL
“Jennie was our project manager. She communicated with me and made sure all was completed as planned. The 2 installers were amazing. So professional, doing an excellent job and getting every detail right. They cleaned up, asked me for verification of questions and completed the project beautifully. I would recommend Ergeon company for all projects they handle. True customer service and quality work.”
Aliquippa, PA
“Kerecia did a great job. Made the mobile quote an easy process with a quick turnaround time.”
Cincinnati, OH
“David did a very thorough job completing our fence proposal. He was also very flexible, revising the proposal several times to make sure we got all the details right for me and the neighbors I share a fence with. I highly recommend him and his company for your fencing needs!”
Modesto, CA
“Alex was awesome with me and I loved the service I was given. I wish all these services could be this easy. Well done”
La Verne, CA
What a split rail fence is for
A split rail (or post-and-rail) fence is an open, rustic fence of two or three horizontal rails set into posts. It marks a boundary or lines a driveway without blocking the view — and at the lowest cost of any fence, since it uses the least material.
Mark boundaries & line driveways
Split rail is the classic way to define a large lot, line a long driveway, or edge a garden or pasture without walling anything off. Its open, country look suits rural and farmhouse properties, and it’s the most economical way to fence a long run.
Add wire mesh for pets
On its own, split rail doesn’t contain small animals — but adding welded-wire mesh behind the rails keeps dogs and other pets in while keeping the open, rustic look. It’s a popular, budget-friendly way to get a contained yard without a solid fence.
Split rail materials
Split rail is built in two materials at very different price points: natural wood for the classic look, or vinyl for a no-maintenance version.
Wood split rail
Natural cedar or pressure-treated wood with the classic, rustic split-rail look. The most affordable option, it weathers to a soft gray and suits country and farmhouse properties.
Vinyl split rail
A maintenance-free version in white or tan vinyl that never rots, fades, or needs staining — the same open ranch-rail look without the upkeep, for a bit more upfront.
Add welded-wire mesh
Welded-wire mesh fixed behind the rails turns an open split rail fence into a pet-safe one, keeping dogs and small animals contained while preserving the open look.
Popular materials and colors
- Cedar
- Pressure-treated
- White vinyl
- Tan vinyl
Popular split rail fence types
Choosing the right design will also improve the curb appeal of your home.
2-rail split rail
The most open and lowest-cost option — two horizontal rails for a simple boundary or driveway edge.
3-rail split rail
Three rails add height and a more finished, traditional ranch look — the most popular configuration.
Split rail with wire mesh
Welded-wire mesh behind the rails contains pets and small animals while keeping the open rustic look.
Wood split rail
Cedar or pressure-treated wood for the classic, weathered country look at the lowest cost.
Vinyl split rail
White or tan vinyl for a no-maintenance ranch fence that never needs staining.
Split rail with gate
A matching rail gate for access through the fence, in the same material and rail count.
Split rail fence characteristics
Split rail fences are a popular choice to provide residential and curb appeal to your home.
What is a split rail fence?
A split rail fence — also called post-and-rail or ranch rail — is an open fence made of two to four horizontal rails set into notched posts. It’s the most economical fence style because it uses very little material, and its open, rustic look marks a boundary without blocking the view. It’s common on large lots, driveways, gardens, and farmhouse-style properties.
How many rails — 2, 3, or 4?
Two rails give the most open, lowest-cost look for simple boundaries; three rails add height and a more finished, traditional appearance; four rails (or adding wire mesh) raise containment for pets and livestock. More rails means more material and a higher price.
Split rail fence costs
A split rail fence typically runs $27 to $57 per linear foot installed, with a median around $34 — the most affordable fence we build, because it uses so little material. Wood costs less than vinyl; adding more rails or welded-wire mesh for pets raises the total. Gates, terrain, and removal also factor in.
| Configuration | Typical installed cost / ft | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wood split rail (2–3 rail) | $27 – $45 | Lowest cost, rustic boundaries |
| Vinyl split rail | $38 – $57 | No-maintenance ranch look |
| Split rail + wire mesh | Rail price + mesh | Containing pets, open look |
Figures reflect completed Ergeon split rail projects; your quote depends on material, rail count, wire mesh, gates, and terrain.
Split rail fence parts
A split rail fence is the simplest fence there is — just posts and rails.
Posts
Notched or drilled posts set in the ground that the rails slot into — the only structural part of a split rail fence.
Rails
The horizontal members (two to four) that span between posts; their count sets the height and look.
Wire mesh (optional)
Welded-wire mesh fixed behind the rails to contain pets while keeping the open look.
Gate
A matching rail gate for access, built in the same material and rail count.
Wood vs. vinyl split rail: which is right for you?
Wood split rail gives the authentic, rustic, country look at the lowest cost, but it weathers and can need a board replaced over time. Vinyl split rail costs more upfront but never rots, fades, or needs staining — a popular pick for low-maintenance ranch-style fencing.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost | $27 – $45 / ft | $38 – $57 / ft |
| Maintenance | Weathers — occasional board | None — won’t rot or fade |
| Look | Authentic, rustic, country | Clean ranch look, uniform |
| Lifespan | Good (cedar longer) | Longer — vinyl |
| Best for | Budget, farmhouse properties | Low-maintenance ranch fencing |
Split Rail Fence Installation FAQ
About $27–$57 per linear foot installed (median ~$34) — the most affordable fence, since it uses so little material. Wood is cheaper than vinyl; more rails or added wire mesh raises the price.
Not on its own — it’s an open fence. Adding welded-wire mesh behind the rails contains dogs and small pets while keeping the open, rustic look.
Two rails is the most open and economical; three is the most popular for a finished ranch look; add mesh or a fourth rail for more containment.
Wood is cheaper and more authentic but weathers; vinyl costs more upfront but never rots or needs staining. Choose by budget and how much maintenance you want.
Yes. Financing is available for monthly payments, shown alongside your itemized quote.