Do split rail posts need concrete?

Usually not — tamped gravel and soil let them drain.

How tall is a split rail fence?

About 3–4 ft with two or three rails.

Does it need concrete?

Usually not — tamped soil with gravel at the base.

How long does it last?

15–20 years with rot-resistant or treated wood.

Split rail fence calculator

Fence length, rail length and number of rails: you get sections, posts and rails for a split rail fence.

Purchase quantity

10 unit

Net measurement: 10 unit

Posts11 post
Rails30 unit
Runs10 unit

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Your prices per language/currency. Used when you enable “Use my prices” in calculators. My prices →

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How it's calculated (visible formula)

sections = ceil(length ÷ rail length); posts = sections + 1; rails = sections × rows

Net geometric measurement, no waste.
Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).

See methodology and formula versions

How to calculate it, step by step

Measure fence length.
Enter rail length and rails per section.
Sections = length ÷ rail length.
Posts = sections + 1 (plus corners on closed runs).
Rails = sections × rows.

Worked example: 100 ft with 10 ft rails, 3 rails

100 ÷ 10 = 10 sections
10 + 1 = 11 posts
10 × 3 = 30 rails

→ 11 posts and 30 rails.

Common mistakes

Not adding corner posts on closed runs.
Using untreated wood in ground contact.
Forgetting rails must sit inside the post mortise.

Pro tips

Buy mortised posts or drill them at each rail height.
Bury posts about a third of their exposed height.
For livestock, add woven wire on the inside face.
Use cedar, locust or treated pine.

From calculation to quote

Add labor, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.

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FAQs

Two rails or three?: Two to mark boundaries; three for livestock or dogs (add wire mesh).
What wood is best?: Cedar, locust or pressure-treated pine.
Do split rail posts need concrete?: Usually not — tamped gravel and soil let them drain.
How tall is a split rail fence?: About 3–4 ft with two or three rails.
Does it need concrete?: Usually not — tamped soil with gravel at the base.
How long does it last?: 15–20 years with rot-resistant or treated wood.

Sources and standards

Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.