Metro Detroit's Wood Fence Experts
Split-Rail & Post-and-Rail Fence Installation in Metro Detroit
Rustic 2- & 3-Rail Wood Fencing for Open Properties, Landscaping & Acreage
Split-rail and post-and-rail fencing brings a natural, rustic charm to Metro Detroit properties - from large residential lots to acreage, equestrian properties, and decorative yard borders. At All Fenced Up, we install both traditional split-rail and milled post-and-rail styles in cedar and treated pine. Durable, affordable, and beautiful. Call for a free estimate.
Licensed & Insured
5-Star Rated
500+ Happy Homeowners
Request Your Quote
Split-Rail vs. Post-and-Rail: Understanding the Difference
Split-rail and post-and-rail fencing are often used interchangeably, but they're slightly different systems. Both are open, non-privacy fence styles that define property lines, create visual borders, and add natural character to any outdoor space. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right style for your Metro Detroit property.
What Is Split-Rail Fencing?
Traditional split-rail fencing uses natural logs that have been split lengthwise - not milled square. The rough-hewn, irregular shape gives split-rail its characteristic rustic look. Posts have round or oval mortise holes routed through them to accept the rails. The natural irregularity is part of the aesthetic appeal.
What Is Post-and-Rail Fencing?
Post-and-rail uses milled, dimensional lumber (typically 2x4 or 2x6 boards) as rails attached to round or square posts. The result is a cleaner, more uniform look that still maintains the open, rustic character of split-rail. Post-and-rail is often preferred by homeowners who want the natural fence look but in a more structured, precise format.
Which Is Right for Your Property?
For truly rustic, natural, or equestrian settings, split-rail is the classic choice. For decorative yard borders or subdivision lots where a cleaner look is desired, post-and-rail is often preferred. We recommend split-rail for large properties over 0.5 acres and post-and-rail for smaller decorative applications.
Our Split-Rail & Post-and-Rail Fence Options
We offer complete flexibility in your split-rail or post-and-rail fence design. From the number of rails to the species of wood, we help you configure the right fence for your property type, terrain, and intended use. Here's what's available across all of our Metro Detroit service area.
Classic 2-rail cedar or locust split-rail fence. Posts 7–8 ft on center. Ideal for large property borders and low maintenance applications.
Three-rail system provides additional visual height (~4.5 ft) and a denser appearance. Popular for keeping animals contained or defining cleaner property borders.
Clean milled 2x4 or 2x6 rails on round cedar posts. Perfect for suburban properties that want the rustic look with a more finished aesthetic.
Three horizontal milled rails for added definition. Great for landscaping borders and front yard fence projects in Metro Detroit.
Western Red Cedar naturally resists rot and insects. Beautiful silver-grey weathering. Preferred for its longevity and natural aesthetic.
ACQ-treated posts with milled PT rails for budget-friendly large-acreage fence projects. Sealed posts last 20+ years.
How We Install Split-Rail & Post-and-Rail Fences
Split-rail and post-and-rail fencing is more straightforward than privacy or picket fencing, but proper post setting depth and precise rail alignment are still critical for a fence that looks sharp and lasts for decades. We bring the same dedication to every open-rail fence project as we do to our more complex installations.
We walk your property line, measure total footage, discuss rail count and wood species, and provide a written estimate usually completed within 24 hours of your request.
Split-rail fences often don't require permits for rear-yard applications, but front-yard and street-adjacent installations usually do. We check your city's requirements and pull permits if needed.
Posts drilled 30"–42" deep depending on fence height and terrain. Set in concrete for maximum stability. Line posts spaced 7–8 ft on center.
Rails slid into mortise holes (split-rail) or fastened to post faces (post-and-rail). All rails leveled, end posts braced. Final inspection and cleanup included.
Split-Rail & Post-and-Rail Specifications
Whether you're installing a decorative property border or a functional boundary for a larger parcel, knowing the construction specifications helps you plan and budget accurately. Below are the standard specs we use on all split-rail and post-and-rail installations throughout Metro Detroit.
Standard Dimensions
Split rails: 8–11 ft length, 3–5" diameter. Post diameter: 4"–5" round cedar or treated pine. 2-rail fence height: approximately 3 ft. 3-rail fence height: approximately 4–4.5 ft. Post depth: 30"–42" set in concrete mix.
Post Spacing & Material Quantity
Standard post spacing: 7–8 ft on center. Per 100 linear feet: 2-rail fence uses approximately 15 posts and 28 rails. 3-rail fence uses 15 posts and 43 rails. Material quantities are calculated during our on-site estimate.
Wood Species & Longevity
Cedar split-rail: 15–25 years lifespan with natural weathering. Treated pine post-and-rail: 15–20 years. Black locust (premium specialty option): 30–40 years - extremely rot resistant. We source from Michigan lumber suppliers for all standard installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our split-rail and post-and-rail fencing? We've compiled the most common questions from Metro Detroit homeowners below. Call us at (734) 977-0554 anytime.
Does split-rail fencing provide privacy?
No - split-rail is an open fence style designed for property definition, decoration, and livestock/pet containment, not privacy. For privacy, see our Solid Board or Shadowbox fence pages.
Can split-rail fence contain dogs or livestock?
A 3-rail split-rail fence (4.5 ft tall) can contain most larger dogs and livestock. For smaller animals, you can add welded wire mesh behind the rails for containment without changing the appearance.
How deep do split-rail fence posts need to be in Michigan?
We set split-rail posts 30"–42" deep depending on height and terrain. Michigan's frost line is 42" - we always set structural corner and end posts to full 42"+ depth.
Do split-rail fences need permits?
In most Metro Detroit municipalities, rear-yard split-rail fences under 4 ft don't require permits. Front-yard installations almost always require permits regardless of style.
What's the cost of split-rail fencing in Metro Detroit?
2-rail cedar split-rail typically runs $10–$16 per linear foot installed. 3-rail adds approximately $3–$5 per linear foot. Exact pricing depends on property terrain and access.
How long do split-rail cedar fences last in Michigan?
With Michigan's climate, expect 15–25 years from cedar split-rail. Posts that contact the soil will deteriorate first. We can replace individual posts or rails as needed years after installation.
We Serve All of Metro Detroit
All Fenced Up installs split-rail and post-and-rail fencing throughout Metro Detroit - from large residential lots in Oakland County to smaller decorative yard borders in Wayne County townships. We serve over 70 cities across Southeast Michigan and bring the same quality standards to every project.
Wyandotte•Woodhaven•Wixom•Westland•Wayne•Warren•Walled Lake•Utica•Troy•Trenton•Taylor•Sylvan Lake•Sterling Heights•St. Clair Shores•Southgate•Southfield•South Lyon•Royal Oak•Roseville•Romulus•Rockwood•Rochester Hills•Rochester•Riverview•River Rouge•Richmond•Pontiac•Plymouth•Pleasant Ridge•Orchard Lake Village•Oak Park•Novi•Northville•New Baltimore•Mount Clemens•Memphis•Melvindale•Madison Heights•Livonia•Lincoln Park•Lathrup Village•Lake Angelus•Keego Harbor•Inkster•Huntington Woods•Highland Park•Hazel Park•Harper Woods•Hamtramck•Grosse Pointe Woods•Grosse Pointe Shores•Grosse Pointe Park•Grosse Pointe Farms•Grosse Pointe•Gibraltar•Garden City•Fraser•Flat Rock•Ferndale•Fenton•Farmington Hills•Farmington•Ecorse•Eastpointe•Detroit•Dearborn Heights•Dearborn•Clawson•Clarkston•Center Line•Bloomfield Hills•Birmingham•Berkley•Belleville•Auburn Hills•Allen Park
Free Estimate for Your Split-Rail or Post-and-Rail Fence
Whether you're defining a large property line or adding a decorative touch to your front yard, we'll design and install the right open-rail fence for your Metro Detroit property.