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Horse FencingSUPPLIES
- Maul, or sledgehammer
- Steel wedges
- Wood
- Chisel
- Auger or power drill
- Clamshell post-hole digger
- Shovel
- Tamping iron, or iron bar
- Loose gravel
Overview
Using the same methods the homesteaders used hundreds of years ago, you can create rustic, split-rail fencing that will look great and provide security for your kids and pets.
Rails
Step 1
Measure and mark out where your posts will be constructed, being careful to leave an equal amount of distance between each set.
Step 2
Split straight-grained 9-12 inch diameter logs by driving a steel wedge into the end with a maul or sledgehammer, creating a 2-foot long split. Be sure to brace the log on either side to prevent it from rolling while you work. Prop up the end with another brace--a piece of wood will do--so that it splits more easily.
Step 3
Drive more wedges into the crack until the log is completely split lengthwise. Try your best to keep the crack centered.
Step 4
Turn the split logs upside down so that they are lying on their flat side. Then, split them again using the wedges, so that you have quarter logs.
Posts
Step 1
Choose sturdy 5-6 inch diameter logs for the posts. Drill groups of 2-inch diameter holes into the upper part of your logs, then clean the excess shavings with a chisel and mallet. Make the top holes about 15 inches from the top of the log.
Step 2
Drill groups of 2-inch diameter holes into the bottom portion of your logs, and remove the excess wood with a chisel and mallet. The bottom holes should be roughly 15 inches from the bottom of the log.
Step 3
Dig post holes with a clamshell post-hole digger. Make the holes at least 2 1/2 feet deep, or one-third as long as the pole.
Step 4
Pour a few inches of loose gravel into the post hole, then alternate pouring dirt and gravel, adding concrete to the top, if you want a more permanent structure.
Step 5
Set the first post, and secure it with soil using a tamping iron or iron bar.
Step 6
Put the second post into the adjacent hole. Do not tamp the soil yet.
Step 7
Install the bottom rail from the first post to the second one. Then, tamp the dirt around the second post once the rail is properly placed.
Step 8
Continue installing the posts and rails by setting the posts loosely, placing the rails, then tamping the soil until your fence is complete.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Add net deer fencing material or chicken wire around your split-rail fence to keep small pets from climbing under and escaping the yard. Dark plastic netting is not visible from a few feet away and can be draped over the fence and pinned with lawn pins to secure. For larger livestock, increase the size of the posts, and include a third or fourth rail.
- WARNING : It's a good idea to wear safety goggles and gloves when working with wood.
Resources
