Prices last reviewed: October 2026
How much does a split rail fence cost?
Split rail is one of the cheapest fences you can build. With the calculator's default prices, it costs about $9 to $12 per foot in materials and about $17 to $20 per foot installed. The table shows a 150 ft fence in one straight run with one 4 ft walk gate.
| Split rail fence | Height | DIY total | DIY per ft | Installed total | Installed per ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 rails | about 3 ft | $1,400 | $9.33 | $2,600 | $17.33 |
| 3 rails | about 4 ft | $1,798 | $11.98 | $2,998 | $19.98 |
The defaults assume 10 ft cedar style rails. Enter your local rail and post prices for a better estimate.
Split rail fence parts
Split rail rails have tapered ends that slide into holes cut through the posts. That is why the posts come in different types:
- Line posts have holes cut all the way through, so rails from both sides meet inside the post.
- End posts have holes cut only partway, for the end of the fence and for each side of a gate.
- Corner posts have holes cut at right angles, so the fence can turn.
Posts come with 2 or 3 holes to match the number of rails. The calculator counts each type for you from your sides and gates.
Example: a straight 100 ft, 3 rail fence with no gate needs 30 rails, 9 line posts and 2 end posts. A U-shaped fence with sides of 60, 100 and 60 ft and one walk gate needs 66 rails, 18 line posts, 4 end posts and 2 corner posts.
Setting split rail posts
Line posts are usually set in tamped gravel, not concrete. Gravel drains well, which helps wood posts last, and the rails lock the posts together. End posts, corner posts and gate posts take more force, so the calculator puts those in concrete. Posts are set at least 2 ft deep.
The calculator adds two bags of gravel per post: one for the base of the hole and one to tamp around the post.
2 rail or 3 rail?
A 2 rail fence stands about 3 ft tall and is the cheapest way to mark a property line or a garden. A 3 rail fence stands about 4 ft tall, looks more substantial and works better for keeping larger animals in. Neither style holds small pets on its own. For that, attach welded wire mesh to the inside of the fence. The calculator does not include mesh, so add it separately.
More fence calculators
- Wood fence calculator to compare split rail with picket and privacy fences
- Chain link fence calculator for a low cost fence that keeps pets in
- Fence post calculator for posts and concrete
Frequently asked questions
How much does a split rail fence cost per foot?
Using the calculator's default prices, about $9.30 per foot in materials for 2 rails and $12 per foot for 3 rails. With professional installation, about $17 to $20 per foot.
How many rails do I need for a split rail fence?
One rail per section for each row. With 10 ft rails, a straight 100 ft fence has 10 sections, so a 3 rail fence needs 30 rails and a 2 rail fence needs 20.
How many posts does a split rail fence need?
One post per section plus one to finish the run, plus one extra for each gate. A straight 100 ft fence with 10 ft rails needs 11 posts: 9 line posts and 2 end posts.
Do split rail fence posts need concrete?
Line posts are usually set in tamped gravel. End, corner and gate posts are often set in concrete because they take more force. In loose or sandy soil, some builders use concrete for every post.
How far apart are split rail fence posts?
About the length of the rails, usually 10 ft. The tapered rail ends overlap inside the posts, so check the exact spacing your supplier recommends for their rails.
Will a split rail fence keep a dog in?
Not on its own. Attach welded wire mesh to the inside of the rails to keep dogs and other small animals in. Add the cost of the mesh to the calculator's total.