I'm putting up a split rail fence and am near the end of the project. I tried to plan the project to use full length rails for the majority of the fence run but I have about 5 locations where there must be.
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A split-rail fence lends a pastoral ambiance to any garden, evoking images of galloping horses and the homesteads of pioneer America. Although these fences work well for containing large animals such as cattle and horses, the wide, gaping spacing between pickets is ineffective against smaller animals. Attaching wire fencing to close those gaps will retain that fence's low visibility when viewed from a distance so won't compromise the split-rail look. The wire fencing can be attached in a few ways.
Understanding Kinds of Wire Fencing
The split rail fence was created at a time when power tools and manufactured fencing materials had not been invented. As a result, building a split rail fence does not require digging holes for posts or the use of many tools. When it comes to installing wood split rail fencing, you’ll find that the process is a little different from installing a fence that uses metal T posts and woven wire fencing. For instance, you’ll need a posthole digger to ensure that your posts are firmly in the ground. The list below is most commonly used during a split rail fence installation. Common hand tools (hammer, tape measure, pencil, shovel, rake, etc). The article is full of both images and video and details how to install a split rail fence, as well as outlining a few tips and cautions along the way.
Wire fencing comes in an assortment of styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Chicken wire fencing is one of the most affordable options, but it is also quite flimsy and suitable for containing only small animals such as chickens. Square mesh utility fencing is another type of rolled fencing, but it's a bit sturdier than chicken wire. Unlike utility fencing with the standard zinc coating, green and brown utility fencing is difficult to spot from a distance. Chain-link fencing, which also is available in green and brown, is a fairly sturdy option suitable for keeping pets in bounds. Hog wire or agricultural fencing panels are the best option for heavy-duty use. Barbed wire fencing is also effective for use with large animals, but small animals easily fit themselves between the strands.
Securing with Ties
Various kinds of ties are available to secure wire fencing to a split-rail fence, which is advantageous if you want a sturdy wire fence that can be removed easily and doesn't leave holes in the split rails. Simply wrap plastic zip ties around the wood, and insert each tie's end through its tab and pull it tight to secure the tie to the fence. Wire ties work well if you want the ties to blend with the wire fence. Cut a long length of heavy-gauge wire, wrap it around the wire fence and a wooden rail or post and twist the wire's ends to secure the materials together. Placing a piece of fabric between the wire and wood prevents the wire from cutting the wood. If you want a quick but temporary wire fence installation, then tie natural twine in a knot around the wire fence and split rails.
Securing with Staples
Staples fasten wire fence tightly against a split-rail fence without the risk of sagging that can occur with plastic, wire and twine ties. Wood staples from a staple gun work well with lightweight wire fences such as chicken wire and utility fencing. Position the staple gun so the staple will straddle the fence wire at a point of contact with the split-rail fence, and push tightly to drive the staple into the wood. Repeat the process with a staple every 12 inches along the posts and rails. Heavy-duty, U-shaped fence staples work best with heavy fencing options such as chain-link and agricultural fencing, and they also are used for securing barbed wire. Each heavy-duty, U-shaped staple has two sharp, pointed ends, much like nails, which need to be driven into the wood with a hammer.
Securing the Bottom
The bottom of the wire fence doesn't always need to be secured at the ground, but doing so may be helpful if you have pets that tend to dig their way out of fenced areas. In many cases, simply digging a trench a few inches deep along the fence row and burying the bottom few inches of the fence in the trench might be enough. Staple stakes actually pin a fence to the ground in much the same way U-shaped staples hold wire fence to a wooden fence. Choose U-shaped staple stakes that are about 18 inches long because they will anchor the fence's bottom well. Arrange the U-shaped stakes so they straddle the bottom of the fence, and drive them in the ground at an angle with a rubber mallet. Space the stakes 12 to 18 inches apart along the fence row.
References (7)
About the Author
A former cake decorator and competitive horticulturist, Amelia Allonsy is most at home in the kitchen or with her hands in the dirt. She received her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle and on other websites.
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Allonsy, Amelia. 'Securing Wire Fencing to a Split Rail Fence.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/securing-wire-fencing-split-rail-fence-101444.html. Accessed 07 September 2019.
Allonsy, Amelia. (n.d.). Securing Wire Fencing to a Split Rail Fence. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/securing-wire-fencing-split-rail-fence-101444.html
Allonsy, Amelia. 'Securing Wire Fencing to a Split Rail Fence' accessed September 07, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/securing-wire-fencing-split-rail-fence-101444.html
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Vinyl fencing is becoming a popular alternative to traditional wood pickets or rails. Though it costs more at the outset, vinyl fencing pays for itself because it lasts longer and requires almost no maintenance. Installing any fence is a two-person job that requires multiple days to complete. Concrete that holds the posts needs time to harden before the installation can be finished. Plan the location of the fence carefully, and you'll avoid costly mistakes that might be difficult to undo.