Split Rail Fence Cost: Price Per Linear Foot
Pine from $15/ft · Cedar $25–$35/ft · Vinyl $15–$30/ft · Average project $3,500 · Calculator + wire mesh pricing
$3,500Average project
$15–$35/ftInstalled (wood)
$1K–$7.5KTypical full range
+$10–$15/ftWith wire mesh add-on
⚡ Quick Answer
A split rail fence costs $15–$35 per linear foot installed for wood, or $3,000–$7,000 for most residential projects. Pine is cheapest at $15–$25/ft. Cedar runs $25–$35/ft and lasts significantly longer. Vinyl is $15–$30/ft with zero maintenance. Adding wire mesh (for pet containment) adds $10–$15/ft to any material. Labor is 25–40% of total cost at $5–$15/linear ft.
🧮 Split Rail Fence Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
Per linear ft
Labor (~30%)
Lifespan
Split Rail Fence Cost by Material
| Material | Installed / Linear Ft | Lifespan | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | $15–$25 | 10–15 yrs | Annual stain/seal | Budget, short-term, rural properties |
| Cedar | $25–$35 | 20–30 yrs | Every 3–5 yrs | Best long-term value; natural insect resistance |
| Black locust | $20–$40 | 20–25 yrs | Minimal | Extreme weather; strongest wood option |
| Vinyl | $15–$30 | 20–30 yrs | None | Low-maintenance; humid climates; caution in extreme cold |
| Composite | $20–$35 | 20–30 yrs | Minimal | Eco-friendly (recycled content); wood look + durability |
| Aluminum | $20–$40 | 30–50 yrs | None | Long-term value; more industrial aesthetic |
Cost by Project Size
| Fence Length | Pine (installed) | Cedar (installed) | With Wire Mesh (cedar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 linear ft | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,500–$3,500 | $3,700–$5,000 |
| 200 linear ft (typical lot) | $3,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$7,000 | $7,400–$10,000 |
| 300 linear ft | $4,500–$7,500 | $7,500–$10,500 | $11,100–$15,000 |
| 835 linear ft (1 acre) | $12,500–$21,000 | $20,900–$29,200 | $31,000–$42,000 |
What Else Affects Your Price
- Post setting method: Tamped dirt/gravel (standard, cheaper) vs. concrete footing ($2–$4 extra per post). Concrete is required for livestock containment and gates.
- 6-foot height for livestock: A 6 ft fence with 4 rails costs ~25% more than a standard 4 ft fence due to additional rail material and post depth.
- Gates: Walk gate adds ~$250. Driveway gate adds $400–$1,500 depending on size and whether it's manual or automated.
- Permits: Most split rail fences under 6 ft don't require a permit, but verify locally. Permit fees run $20–$60 when required.
- Wire mesh add-on: Welded wire fencing attached to rails for pet/critter containment adds $10–$15/linear ft. Essential if you have dogs — standard rail gaps allow pets to pass through easily.
⚠️ Vinyl split rail in cold climates. Vinyl becomes brittle in temperatures below -10°F and can crack under impact. If you're in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Michigan, or other extreme cold states, cedar or black locust are better long-term choices than vinyl despite its maintenance advantage.
Find Fence Installers Near You
AN
Angi — Fence Installation Pros
All 50 states · Licensed installers
Search "split rail fence installation" specifically. Ask each contractor about post depth and setting method — properly set posts (18–24 inches deep) are the most critical factor in how long your fence lasts.
Marketplace
HG
HomeGuide — Fence Contractors
All 50 states · Compare itemized quotes
Submit your linear footage and material preference for competing quotes. Ask for a materials-and-labor breakdown so you can compare actual pricing vs markup.
Marketplace
Get Free Split Rail Fence Quotes
Compare local licensed fence contractors — free estimates, no commitment.
🏡
Adding more to your outdoor space?
See Screened Patio Cost → and Patio Cover Cost → for complete outdoor living pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a split rail fence cost?
Split rail fence installation costs $15–$35 per linear foot for wood (pine or cedar), or $1,000–$7,500 for most residential projects. The national average is about $3,500. Pine is cheapest at $15–$25/ft. Cedar runs $25–$35/ft but lasts 20–30 years vs. 10–15 for pine. Adding wire mesh for pet containment adds $10–$15/ft.
Will a split rail fence keep dogs in?
Standard split rail fencing will NOT contain dogs — the gaps between rails are large enough for most breeds to slip through, and dogs can easily jump a 4 ft fence. To contain dogs, attach welded wire mesh or hardware cloth to the inside of the rails. This adds $10–$15/linear ft but makes the fence functional for pet containment.
How long does a split rail fence last?
Pine: 10–15 years (requires regular staining/sealing). Cedar: 20–30 years with periodic maintenance. Vinyl: 20–30 years with no maintenance. Black locust: 20–25 years, very rot-resistant. Aluminum: 30–50+ years. The main longevity killers for wood are ground contact moisture and UV exposure — properly set posts and regular sealing significantly extend lifespan.