Benefits of Rail Fencing, When you have a large, rural property, installing fencing can be a major investment in both time and money. You need an enclosure that is durable, affordable, and low maintenance enough to suit the scale of your land. This is where rail fencing really shines as a fencing choice.
Rail fencing, also known as split rail or post and rail fencing, offers numerous advantages for fencing large perimeter areas. If you’re looking to install new fencing or replace old fencing around your sizable property, rail fencing deserves strong consideration.
Durability Made to Withstand the Elements
Constructing fences over long distances means you need them to hold up over years of exposure to weather, animals, and other outdoor elements. The components of rail fencing are designed for maximum durability.
The posts used are typically either treated wood set in concrete or aluminum. Aluminum fence posts will never rot, warp, crack, or splinter after being installed. Most quality aluminum posts even come with a lifetime warranty, giving you incredible value from each post.
The infill “rails” are also made to last. Rough-cut cedar makes a classic rail fence rail that is naturally resistant to decay. For a more budget-friendly but equally sturdy option, pressure-treated lumber can provide decades of service. Whichever material you select, you can feel assured the rails will stand the test of time.
Regular inspection and occasional maintenance will keep the fence functioning properly. However the structural integrity of quality wood and aluminum materials will remain intact for the long haul.
Cost-effective for Large Boundaries
When dealing with fencing off acreage, you want the best return on your fencing investment. The versatile rail fencing style lends itself well to cost-effectiveness over large spaces.
Since the posts are installed 8 feet apart, you need significantly fewer posts than other types of fencing. Fewer posts means saving money on materials and labor. But despite wider spacing, the rails keep the fence secure and enclosed.
Rails can also be installed at whatever height best suits your needs, from 3 feet up to 5 feet or more. Adjusting the height doesn’t increase material costs. So you can contain livestock easily with a taller fence without spending more per linear foot.
The average cost per linear foot of basic rail fencing ranges from $15-30, not including gates or installation. For the perimeter of a 5-10 acre property, rail fencing can easily save you several thousand dollars over other ornamental or privacy fence designs. The cost savings add up quickly when enclosing larger areas.
Flexible, Customizable Layouts
Rail fences aren’t just budget-friendly, they’re also extremely flexible when it comes to layout and configuration. You can follow natural boundaries, create rectangles or curves, and divide spaces however you choose.
Customizing angles and corners is also easy with the use of proprietary rail fence connection systems. These eliminate the need to cut rails or posts to accommodate turns and changes in direction. Fence layouts can flow smoothly across any terrain.
Gates can be built into rail fence lines wherever access points are needed. The simple rail construction makes gate installation straightforward. Gates can also be secured with standard gate hardware available at your local home improvement store.
No matter the scale or complexity of the boundaries on your land, rail fencing can be adapted to match. This creative flexibility enables you to design enclosures tailored to your property.
Classic, Visually Appealing Aesthetic
In addition to its functional advantages, rail fencing also provides aesthetic appeal. The horizontal line design has a timeless, rustic style perfect for large rural properties.
The visibility through the evenly spaced rails enhances views beyond the fence line. Livestock and wildlife can be seen without visual obstruction. At the same time, the rails are close enough together to keep animals safely contained.
Rail fencing has an inviting, approachable look compared to solid privacy fencing. It delineates boundaries while maintaining an open visual flow. For acreage, ranches, and farms, rail fencing’s classic style suits the environment beautifully.
You can also choose from natural wood or coated aluminum rails. Both options blend seamlessly into the landscape. The fence becomes an asset enhancing your property’s curb appeal.
DIY-Friendly for Ongoing Maintenance
Installing rail fencing along mile-long perimeters is made affordable by its DIY-friendly nature. Property owners with basic carpentry skills can tackle most standard rail fence projects themselves.
But rail fencing’s simple construction also lends itself well to maintenance and repairs down the road. Replacing a damaged rail section or rotten post is straightforward. You can upkeep and modify your existing fence as needed without heavy equipment or specialized skills.
For homeowners who want to be more hands-on with fence upkeep, rail fencing’s easy DIY nature is a major perk. You’ll save significantly on repair costs and upkeep versus other more complex fence varieties.
Owning acreage means wear and tear on your fencing from weather, animals, and everyday use. Repairing and improving rail fencing as you go is made possible by its basic modular design.
Ideal for Containing Livestock
Sturdy, cost-effective perimeter fencing is a must when raising livestock on a large ranch or farm. Rail fencing checks off all the boxes for an ideal livestock enclosure.
The strong wood and aluminum construction holds up to years of animal contact. Cattle, horses, sheep, and other livestock won’t damage properly built rail fencing.
A 4-5 foot height variety keeps animals safely contained. Lower 36-42-inch options can help deter coyotes and other predators. You can also use rail fences to divide rotational grazing pastures.
Visibility through the rails allows you to observe livestock behavior. The inviting look of rail fences creates an approachable environment for farm animals.
Rail fencing can be used to enclose entire perimeters as well as sub-divide interior pastures. The customizable lengths and layouts adapt perfectly to establishing paddocks. Both your animals and your farm will benefit from rail fencing’s versatility.
Define Property Lines with a Long-Lasting Barrier
Installing rail fencing around the outer edges of your acreage serves to clearly define your property’s boundaries. This helps restrict unwanted access by people, vehicles, or animals from neighboring land.
Unlike a row of trees or a line painted on the ground, rail fencing sends a clear message of where your property starts and ends. It creates a definitive dividing line that holds up legally when questions of encroachment arise.
The longevity of quality rail fencing materials also ensures your property line remains well-established for decades to come. You don’t have to worry about fence deterioration necessitating frequent replacements.
Install your rail fence just inside your actual property line to avoid any boundary disputes. Make sure to have your land formally surveyed to identify the precise legal boundaries. Then let your new rail fence provide a durable demarcation for years.
Enjoy the Benefits of Rail Fencing on Your Land
If you’ve been searching for the ideal fencing solution for your sizable acreage, rail fencing offers huge benefits over other options. Before investing time and money into your next major fencing project, be sure to explore the advantages of rail fences.
The balance of affordability, strength, customization, and aesthetic appeal found with rail fencing is unrivaled. Your large rural property will benefit for generations to come when you choose to install durable, versatile rail fencing along your perimeter or across open fields.
Enhance functionality and curb appeal while saving money on materials and installation. For ranchers, farmers, and other acreage owners, rail fencing is sure to exceed expectations and provide enduring value.
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