SPLIT-RAIL & POST-AND-RAIL
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Open & Rustic
Split Rail Fence Installation in Metro Detroit
Open 2 and 3 rail fences that mark a property line, frame a driveway or hold a garden border without blocking the view. We build rustic cedar split-rail and cleaner milled post-and-rail, with welded wire mesh added when you need to keep a dog in.
2-Rail & 3-Rail Styles
Cedar or Treated Pine
Pet Mesh Available
Lowest Cost Per Foot
DIRECT DISPATCH PHONE
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WHY OPEN RAIL
The Most Fence for the Money When You Do Not Need Privacy
Split-rail uses a fraction of the lumber of a privacy fence and goes in fast. Here is where it earns its place.
Marks the Line, Keeps the View
Defines a lot line, corner or driveway edge without walling off the yard. Ideal for larger lots in Oakland County and rural edges of Macomb and Washtenaw.
Open sightlines
Low Cost Per Foot
Two rails and a post every 8 to 10 feet means far less material than any other wood fence, which matters on long runs.
Our lowest-cost wood fence
Pet Containment Option
Black or galvanized welded wire mesh stapled inside the rails keeps dogs in while keeping the rustic look from the street.
Mesh hidden on the inside
SPLIT-RAIL OR POST-AND-RAIL
Rough-Split Logs or Milled Boards: Which Fits Your Property
Traditional split-rail uses rails split lengthwise from cedar logs, so every piece is a little irregular. The rails taper at the ends and slide into mortise holes cut through the posts, with no nails. That natural look suits wooded lots, long frontages, horse properties and lakefront yards. Rails usually run 10 to 11 feet, so posts land about 10 feet apart and a 2-rail fence stands roughly 3 feet tall, a 3-rail about 4 feet.
Post-and-rail uses milled boards fastened to the faces of square or round posts, at about 8 foot spacing. It looks tidier on a subdivision lot or along a front walk and can be painted. For split-rail the end, corner and gate posts take the load, so we set those to 42″ in concrete and line posts in tamped stone or concrete depending on soil. When you need full privacy, see our solid board privacy fencing; for a front-yard picket look, classic wood picket. All wood styles are on the wood fencing hub.
OPEN RAIL COMPARISON
Split-Rail
Post-and-Rail
Rails
Material and fastening
Split cedar, mortised
Milled, face-fastened
Post Spacing
On center
About 10ft
About 8ft
Height
2-rail / 3-rail
About 3ft / 4ft
3ft to 4.5ft
Look
Overall character
Rustic, natural
Clean, uniform
Installed Range
Per linear foot
$14–$24
$18–$30
HOW WE INSTALL IT
Long Runs, Built Straight
Open rail fences show any wander along a long line. We string it, set the anchors first and build from the corners in.
01
Step 1
Walk the Line & Quote
We walk the full run with you, note stakes, trees, wet spots and slope, decide rail count and mesh, and leave a written itemized price.
Survey stakes located
Rail count and mesh chosen
Gate openings planned
PAPERWORK MANAGED
02
Step 2
Permit Check & Miss Dig
Some cities exempt low open fences in rear yards; front and street-side runs usually need a permit. We check, file what is needed and call Miss Dig 811.
Permit need confirmed
HOA approval if needed
Utilities marked first
03
Step 3
Anchors, Lines, Rails
Corner, end and gate posts go 42″ deep in concrete first, line posts follow on a tight string, rails are fitted and any mesh is stapled inside.
Anchor posts in concrete
Follows the ground
Mesh tensioned and trimmed
Bordering a Wetland or Lake?
Lots near lakes, drains and wetlands can have extra local or state rules. Tell us at the estimate and we will check before we plan the line.
CONFIGURATIONS
Split-Rail and Post-and-Rail Options
Mix and match rail count, wood and mesh to fit how you will use the fence.
2-Rail Split Cedar
About 3 feet tall. The classic border for driveways, corners and lot lines where you only need to mark the edge.
3-Rail Split Cedar
About 4 feet tall with a denser look. Better for keeping larger dogs or kids from wandering.
Rail Fence with Wire Mesh
Welded wire mesh on the inside face contains small and medium dogs. Black mesh nearly disappears from the street.
Milled Post-and-Rail
Square posts with face-mounted boards for a tidier subdivision look. Can be painted or stained.
Treated Pine Rails
A lower-cost option for long acreage runs. Use ground-contact rated posts and expect a lighter green tone at first.
Matching Walk & Drive Gates
Rail-style walk gates and wide drive gates on braced frames, hung from deep-set gate posts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Split Rail Fence Questions
Cost, containment and permit answers for open rail fences.
How much does a split rail fence cost in Metro Detroit?
Most 2-rail cedar split-rail fences land between $14 and $24 per linear foot installed. A third rail, wire mesh, gates and rocky or wooded ground add to that. Post-and-rail with milled boards runs a bit higher.
Will a split rail fence keep my dog in?
Not on its own; most dogs walk right through. Add welded wire mesh to the inside of the rails and a 3-rail split fence contains most dogs. See also our dog fencing guide.
Do I need a permit for a split rail fence?
It depends on the city. Some exempt low open fences in rear yards, while front-yard and street-side fences usually need one. We check your city's rules and file anything required.
How deep are split rail posts set in Michigan?
Corner, end and gate posts go 42″ deep in concrete, below the frost line, because they carry the load. Line posts are set deep and tamped or concreted depending on soil and fence height.
How long does cedar split rail last?
Cedar split-rail commonly lasts 15 to 25 years in Michigan. Posts at the soil line wear first, and single posts or rails can be swapped without rebuilding the fence.
Does split rail work on a hilly lot?
Yes. Split-rail follows the ground naturally since the rails sit in mortises, which makes it one of the easiest fences to run over rolling terrain.
FREE SPLIT RAIL QUOTE
Request Your Free Split Rail Fence Estimate
Tell us how long the run is and what the fence needs to do. We will walk the line and leave a written price.
PREFER TO CALL DIRECTLY?
Speak directly with our estimating desk for quick questions or emergency repairs.
Rail count, wood and mesh priced separately
Permit need checked and filed by us
Workmanship warranty and final walkthrough
Get Your Free Estimate
Quick response guaranteed within 24 hours
Online Booking Open
🔒 Your contact info is strictly confidential. We never sell your data or spam you.