All fence types
Split Rail Fence Cost in 2026
A rustic, open-design fence ideal for rural properties and decorative boundaries. Split rail is one of the most affordable options and adds country charm.
Cost per foot
$10 - $26
150 ft fence
$1,500 - $3,900
Lifespan
15-25 years
Average / foot
$18
How much does 100, 200 or 500 feet of split rail fence cost?
Installed price on flat ground, materials and labor included, no gates. Add $150-$400 for each walk gate.
| Fence length | Total installed | Typical average |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $500 - $1,300 | $900 |
| 100 ft | $1,000 - $2,600 | $1,800 |
| 150 ft | $1,500 - $3,900 | $2,700 |
| 200 ft | $2,000 - $5,200 | $3,600 |
| 300 ft | $3,000 - $7,800 | $5,400 |
| 500 ft | $5,000 - $13,000 | $9,000 |
Split Rail Fence cost per foot by height
Installed price per linear foot. Taller fences need longer posts and more material, and most towns ask for a permit above 6 ft.
| Height | Split Rail |
|---|---|
| 3 ft | $9 - $23 |
| 4 ft | $10 - $26 |
| 5 ft | $11 - $29 |
Compare prices: fence cost per foot for every material and height.
Split Rail Fence pros & cons
Pros
- Very affordable
- Rustic, natural appearance
- Easy to install - even DIY-friendly
- Defines property boundaries without blocking views
- Low maintenance (cedar or locust)
Cons
- No privacy or security
- Won't contain small pets
- Not suitable for urban/suburban homes
- Limited height (typically 3-4 ft)
- May not meet HOA or municipal requirements
Best for
Rural propertiesFarms and ranchesProperty boundariesDecorative landscaping
Not ideal for
PrivacySecurityPet containmentUrban/suburban neighborhoods
Other fence types
Wood Fence
$17 - $45 / ft
Lasts 10-25 years
Cedar Fence
$20 - $55 / ft
Lasts 15-25 years
Vinyl Fence
$25 - $60 / ft
Lasts 20-30 years
Chain Link Fence
$15 - $40 / ft
Lasts 15-20 years
Aluminum Fence
$25 - $55 / ft
Lasts 20-30 years
Wrought Iron Fence
$30 - $75 / ft
Lasts 50+ years
Composite Fence
$25 - $65 / ft
Lasts 25-30 years
Privacy Fence
$17 - $65 / ft
Lasts 15-30 years
Fence cost by state
AlabamaALAlaskaAKArizonaAZArkansasARCaliforniaCAColoradoCOConnecticutCTDelawareDEFloridaFLGeorgiaGAHawaiiHIIdahoIDIllinoisILIndianaINIowaIAKansasKSKentuckyKYLouisianaLAMaineMEMarylandMDMassachusettsMAMichiganMIMinnesotaMNMississippiMSMissouriMOMontanaMTNebraskaNENevadaNVNew HampshireNHNew JerseyNJNew MexicoNMNew YorkNYNorth CarolinaNCNorth DakotaNDOhioOHOklahomaOKOregonORPennsylvaniaPARhode IslandRISouth CarolinaSCSouth DakotaSDTennesseeTNTexasTXUtahUTVermontVTVirginiaVAWashingtonWAWest VirginiaWVWisconsinWIWyomingWY
Frequently asked questions
How much does a split rail fence cost?
Split rail fencing costs $10-$26 per linear foot installed for a typical 4 ft fence. A 150-foot split rail fence typically costs $1,500-$3,900, making it one of the most affordable fencing options.
How long does a split rail fence last?
Cedar split rail fences last 15-25 years. Black locust split rail can last 25-30 years. Pine requires pressure treatment and lasts 10-15 years.
Can you add wire mesh to split rail fence?
Yes, adding welded wire mesh ($2-$5/ft) to split rail fencing is a popular way to contain pets or small livestock while keeping the rustic look.
Is split rail fence good for dogs?
Standard split rail won't contain most dogs due to the large gaps. Adding wire mesh solves this problem and keeps the open, rustic appearance.