FenceCostCalculator.us

🌲 Split Rail Fence Calculator — Detailed Study

Calculate the detailed costs for your split rail fence project, including rails, posts, gates, and installation options.

Matches typical rail lengths.

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ℹ️ Understanding Split Rail Fence Calculator Fields
Details about each input for accurate split rail fence cost estimation.

🔧 Main Parameters:

📏 Dimensions & Structure

  • Total Fence Length (ft): The overall length of the fence line.
  • Number of Rails per Section (2, 3, or 4): 2-rail is common for decorative, 3-rail for general purpose, 4-rail for more substantial boundaries or light animal containment.
  • Distance Between Posts (ft): Typically 8ft or 10ft, as rails are often sold in these lengths.
  • Primary Purpose: 'Decorative' might suggest fewer rails, 'Light Animal Containment' might suggest more. The calculator auto-suggests rail count based on this.

🪵 Materials & Construction Style

  • Post & Rail Wood Type: Treated Pine is economical. Cedar offers natural rot resistance. Black Locust is extremely durable and long-lasting but more expensive.
  • Construction Type:Classic (Mortise & Tenon): Rails have tenons (tapered ends) that fit into mortises (holes) in the posts. Authentic look, no metal brackets visible.Bracket Fastened: Rails are attached to posts using metal brackets and fasteners. Easier for DIY but less traditional look.
  • Rail Style: Rounded/Split Rails are traditional. Flat/Sawn Rails have a more uniform, milled appearance.

🚪 Gates

  • Number of Gates & Typical Width: For access points. Split rail gates are usually simple wooden constructions.

⚒️ Installation & Soil

  • Include Installation Cost?: To factor in professional labor.
  • Terrain/Soil Type: Affects installation difficulty and cost. Level soil is easiest.

💲 Unit Costs

  • Use Custom Material Prices: Toggle to input your local prices for rails and posts.
  • Price per Rail & Post: Your specific costs if using custom prices.
  • Labor Rate Type & Rate: Defines how professional installation labor is charged.

📐 What The Calculator Computes:

  • Number of Fence Sections.
  • Total Number of Posts (line, end, gate posts).
  • Total Number of Rails needed.
  • Cost of Rails and Posts based on selected wood type and prices.
  • Cost of Gates.
  • Cost of Hardware (brackets if selected, or nominal fastener cost).
  • Total Material Cost.
  • Total Installation Cost (if selected).
  • Grand Total Estimated Cost with a breakdown.

Split rail fences are known for their rustic charm and relative ease of installation for DIYers, especially the mortise and tenon style which requires fewer fasteners.

Frequently Asked Questions (Split Rail Fence)