Split Rail Fence Calculator
Estimate how many posts and rails you need for a 2-rail or 3-rail split rail fence. Enter your fence length and configuration — results update instantly.
Split Rail Fence Calculator
Concrete is recommended for end and corner posts; interior line posts are often driven without concrete in firm soil. Full multi-segment calculator →
Split Rail Fence Materials
A split rail fence uses just two components: posts and rails. There are no pickets, boards, or wire mesh in a basic split rail fence. Posts are round logs with two or three mortise holes (drilled or routed into the post), and rails are tapered logs whose ends slide into those holes. No hardware or fasteners are needed — the weight of the rails keeps everything in place.
| Material | Typical Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Line Posts | 5–6" diameter, 7–8 ft long | 2 or 3 mortise holes for rails; set 2 ft in ground |
| End/Corner Posts | 6–8" diameter, 7–8 ft long | Larger diameter for strength; set in concrete |
| Rails | 3–4" diameter, 8 or 11 ft long | Tapered ends slide into post mortises; cedar or locust |
| Concrete (optional) | 80 lb fast-set bags | Required for end/corner posts; optional for line posts |
2-Rail vs 3-Rail Split Rail Fence
The most important decision when planning a split rail fence is whether to use 2 rails or 3 rails per bay. Both styles use the same posts — the difference is in the number of mortise holes drilled into each post.
| 2-Rail | 3-Rail | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | ~3 ft above ground | ~4 ft above ground |
| Rails per 100 ft (8 ft spacing) | 24 rails | 36 rails |
| Pet containment | Limited | Better (smaller gaps) |
| Best use | Property borders, decorative | Livestock, horses, yard definition |
| Material cost | Lower | 50% more rails |
Common Uses for Split Rail Fencing
Split rail fencing is one of the most versatile and rustic-looking fence styles available. Its open design makes it ideal for:
- Property line marking — defines boundaries without blocking views
- Horse and livestock areas — 3-rail is a classic horse fence; often paired with wire mesh inside for smaller animals
- Garden borders — low 2-rail fences frame raised beds or ornamental gardens
- Decorative landscaping — adds rustic charm to suburban yards without a sense of enclosure
- National parks and nature areas — the classic American wilderness fence style
Split Rail Fence with Wire Mesh
Many homeowners add welded wire mesh or chicken wire to the inside of a split rail fence to contain dogs or keep out deer and rabbits. The wire is attached to the rails with staples or wire ties and is sold separately in rolls (typically 50–100 ft lengths).
For dog containment, use 2×4 welded wire mesh (openings too small for paws). For deer, use 8-foot-tall hexagonal wire. The wire mesh does not change the post or rail quantities — only add the wire roll count to your shopping list based on your fence length.
Wire mesh rolls are not included in the calculator above since they vary widely by product type. Estimate: divide your fence length by the roll length (usually 50 ft) and round up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rails do I need for a split rail fence?
A 2-rail split rail fence uses 2 rails per bay (the space between posts). A 3-rail fence uses 3 rails per bay. For a 100-foot fence with 8-foot post spacing, a 2-rail fence needs 24 rails; a 3-rail fence needs 36 rails.
How far apart are split rail fence posts?
Split rail posts are typically spaced 8 to 10 feet apart. 8-foot spacing is most common for 3-rail fences and works with standard 8-foot rails. 10-foot spacing uses 11-foot rails (the tapered ends overlap inside the mortises by about 6 inches on each side).
How long is a split rail fence rail?
Split rail rails come in two standard lengths: 8 feet (for 8-foot post spacing) and 11 feet (for 10-foot post spacing). The tapered ends of an 11-foot rail overlap inside the post by about 6 inches on each side, filling the mortise hole completely.
Does a split rail fence need concrete?
End posts and corner posts should be set in concrete — they bear the load of the fence run. Interior line posts are often simply driven or tamped into firm soil without concrete, which makes installation faster. In sandy, wet, or loose soil, concrete is recommended for all posts.
What wood is best for split rail fences?
Cedar and locust are the most common woods for split rail fencing. Black locust is extremely rot-resistant and can last 20–40 years in ground contact. Cedar is lighter, easier to work with, and widely available. Pressure-treated pine is sometimes used for posts but is less common for rails.