Once upon a time, when someone would talk about putting a “post up” they weren’t referring to playing near the key in basketball, they were talking about actual fence posts, specifically split rail fence posts. Used for hundreds of years to keep livestock inside of large corrals, split rail fences never went out of style for farming or ranching operations, but are starting to appear around homes where their rural charm adds to farmhouse or cottage architecture. But what exactly are split rail fence posts and why are they so important?
The Split Rail Fence Post Difference
Think about the typical wood, vinyl or chain link fence. Fence posts are placed periodically to add stability and security to the finished product. In vinyl and wood fences where panels are typically used instead of chain link or single slats, fence post spacing is determined by the width of the panel. The type of fence post you use in each of these fences is determined by where it sits on the fence itself. End posts usually sit at the end of the fence, corner posts where there are a corner and gate posts where there is an opening in the fence. Split rail fence posts are a little different.
For the split rail fence to stand, the post must sit below the ground’s surface. However, unlike chain link or vinyl, split rail fence posts typically don’t have concrete footings. Next, the position of split rail fence posts will determine where the holes are drilled for the slats. End posts have holes drilled on only one side. Corner posts have holes drilled halfway on adjoining sides, so the fence forms a right angle. Line posts have holes drilled all the way through to support the rails on long straightaways.
Split Rail Fence Post Materials
Of course, you are not limited to using wood on a split rail fence. While cedar is one of the most popular wood types for split rail fence posts for its durability, weather resistance, natural beauty as it ages, and insect resistance, split rail fence posts can be made of other materials as well. Vinyl split rail fences are popular for their durability and appearance as well as their relative ease to care for.
Other homeowners have experimented with stone pillars instead of wood fence posts for their split rail fence. Rather than using smaller posts with narrowed ends that are popular for their appearance as well as their price, others use whole logs for their split rail fence posts for a truly authentic look.
Whether you are thinking about installing a split rail fence or are simply looking for the right post, let Atlantic Fence fulfill all of your fencing material needs. Our experts can help you make sure you have enough materials to finish the job on time and budget. See what we have in store for your split rail fence posts and find out more about this beautiful, classic, timeless fencing option. Contact us today for an estimate on your next project