Homewyse Calculator: Cost to Install Rail Fence (2024)

FAQs

What is the average labor cost to install a split rail fence? ›

Labor alone costs about $4 to $8 per linear foot of fencing, and you may need to pay more than that for any or all of the following reasons: The soil on your property is rocky (requiring more labor hours to dig holes). You're having your fence built on a steep incline.

To calculate the number of posts required, divide the total length in metres of the boundary by 1.8 (post centres) and add 1 post at the end. To calculate the number of rails required, divide the total meterage required by 3.6 (rail length) and multiply the number by 3 (for three rail fencing).

Calculating Labor Cost

You can calculate your labor cost by: Multiplying the estimated number of hours by the average labor cost per hour, or the total linear footage by the average labor cost per linear foot, Let's look at an example: Total linear footage of the fence: 150 feet.

Dig holes about a third as deep as they are tall. For example, a 6-foot post needs a hole at least 2-feet deep, plus add about 4-inches for gravel. The diameter of the hole should be three times the width of the post. Ensure that the bottom rail will remain a few inches above ground.

No, you don't need gravel or concrete for your fencing. Simply put back the soil or dirt that you dug out of the hole.

All fences will have a top and bottom rail. One general rule of thumb is to have a horizontal rail for every 24 inches in height. For a six-foot-high fence, this means three rails.

POST SPACING

With rail fencing, the maximum recommended spacing is 8'-1/2" from post center to post center. Rails are available in 16' standard lengths.

Number of Rails

It is recommended that you use a minimum of 2 horizontal rails between posts for all fences less than 5' high, 3 rails for fences 5' to 7' high, and 4 rails for 8' high fences.

posts should be concreted into the ground 0.6m (2ft) which will leave 1.2m (4ft) above ground and fence rails should be spaced evenly. Simply select how many rails high and adjust the quantity box to how many meters you would like to purchase.

What is the standard length of a fence rail? ›

Post and Rail Fence Materials

The most common materials are pine and cedar. Rails are usually 8 feet or 11 feet long and can be round, half round or square/diamond shaped. The rails insert into the holes in the posts and are held in place by their own weight. Posts are made to accept either two or three rails.

Compared to some other types of fencing, timber post and rail fencing can be more cost-effective, especially when using locally sourced materials. First Fence stocks a 125mm x 75mm post in both 1.8m and 2.1m heights. The rail is available as a 3.6m x 87mm x38mm format.

The national average cost to install a fence is $3,000 to $7,000, with most people paying around $4,500 to install 200 linear feet of 4' tall cedar wood picket fencing with a gate. This project's low cost is $2,000 for 200 linear feet of installed 3' tall galvanized chain link fencing.

Equations used in the fence calculator

Post length = fence height * 1.5. Total number of rails = number of rails per section * number of sections. Total number of pickets = fence length in inches / (picket width + picket spacing) (round the result up) Volume of concrete = (hole volume – post volume) * number of posts.

Vinyl split rail fences are impact-resistant, sturdy, and pest-resistant. They underpin property value enhancement with their heavy-duty construction and resistance to wear and tear, making them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a cost-effective and reliable fencing solution.

3 rail fence is about 4' high at the top rail. 2 rail fence is about 3' high at the top rail. Most 3 rail posts are 7' long (A 3 rail western red cedar post is 6.5' long). Most 2 rail posts are 6' long (A 2 rail western red are 5'4").

Shape: A post and dowel fence is made with rounded rails and posts. In comparison, a split rail fence uses raw wood that is more square or triangular in shape. Made from split logs, the rails are often more irregular in shape.

Rails for a split rail fence are 11' tip to tip. The ends of rails are tapered or “paddled” so they can overlap when they are put in the post. If you set you posts 10'6” from the center of post to center of post, this will give you the perfect space to accommodate the rails. Rails should overlap 3” on either side.