Reasons to Choose Cedar Split Rail Fence and Best Construction Practices

Split rail isn't trying to be a privacy fence or a security fence — it's an open, boundary-marking style, and that's exactly why a lot of property owners around Livingston and Onalaska like it. Here's what makes it a good fit, and what goes into building it properly.

A rustic look that fits rural and lakefront properties

Cedar split rail has a natural, unfinished look that suits acreage, wooded lots, and lakefront properties better than a more manicured fence style. It marks a boundary without visually closing the property in.

Cedar holds up outdoors without much help

Cedar has natural oils that make it more resistant to rot and insect damage than most other woods, even left unfinished. That's part of why it's a common choice for a fence style that's meant to weather naturally rather than be repainted or restained on a schedule.

Simple construction keeps costs down

Split rail uses far less material than a solid privacy fence — just posts and horizontal rails, no pickets or panels to fill in. That simpler build typically makes it one of the more affordable wood fencing options for covering a long boundary line.

Low maintenance once it's up

Because it's left to weather naturally and doesn't rely on a painted or stained surface to look right, split rail generally needs less upkeep over time than a solid wood fence. An occasional check for a cracked or sagging rail is about the extent of it.

Flexible for different jobs

Split rail works well as a straightforward boundary marker, but it also pairs with wire mesh or field fencing behind the rails when it needs to do double duty containing smaller livestock or pets while still keeping the open, rustic look on the visible side.

Best construction practices

• Mark the boundary and plan post spacing first. A clean, straight (or intentionally following the terrain) line makes the whole fence look right once it's finished.
• Start with sound material. Rails and posts free of major splits or rot install cleaner and last longer than lower-grade lumber.
• Set posts to the right depth. Posts need to go deep enough, and be secured firmly enough, to keep the line straight as the ground shifts with weather over the years.
• Fit rails so they sit securely in the post mortises without excessive gaps that let them rock or work loose over time.
• A protective finish is optional but extends life. Cedar holds up fine unfinished, but a sealant can slow weathering further if a more uniform look is wanted.
• Check the line periodically. Replace a cracked rail or reset a leaning post before it becomes a bigger repair.

Split rail is one of several wood fence styles we build, and it's a common choice alongside our farm and ranch fencing work for properties that want an open boundary line rather than a solid one.

Frequently asked questions

Will cedar split rail hold back livestock or pets on its own?

On its own, split rail is a boundary marker more than a containment fence — the open spacing between rails isn't built to stop most animals. Adding wire mesh or field fencing behind the rails is a common way to get containment while keeping the look.

Does cedar split rail need to be stained or sealed?

No, it doesn't require it. Cedar's natural resistance to rot and insects lets it hold up well unfinished, though a sealant can help it keep a more consistent color longer if that's preferred.

How does split rail compare in cost to other wood fence styles?

It generally uses less material per foot than a solid privacy fence, since there are no pickets or panels to fill the gaps between rails, which tends to make it one of the more economical wood fencing options for covering longer boundary lines.