How Much Does a Split Rail Fence Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A split rail fence ranges from $1,000 to $7,500, with most homeowners spending an average of $3,500. Your final price depends on the length of the fence, the material you choose, and site conditions such as slope or soil type. Build a realistic budget and partner with a qualified fencing pro so the finished fence looks great and stands up to the elements.

Split Rail Fence Cost Factors

Several factors will affect the costs of installing a split rail fence. These include the type of soil and terrain you’re building on, the slope of the area, the desired height of the fence, and the area’s accessibility.

Soil and Terrain

If you’re installing your fence on ground that’s difficult to work with, the process will take longer, meaning more labor hours to pay for. Here are a few common soil types you might find on your property:

• Sandy soil: While easier to dig through, sandy soil requires a significant amount of water to properly pack around fence posts, which can potentially increase costs.

• Loamy soil: Loamy, moist soil is very easy to dig and work with, but it can prove unstable, especially in rainy seasons. Your contractor may need to install gravel or concrete around the posts to secure them in place.

• Rocky soil: While very secure for fence posts, rocky soil is tough and time-consuming to dig through, greatly increasing labor costs.

You’ll also pay more to install fencing in areas with existing landscaping that your local fence installation expert will need to work around, or if any trees or stumps are in the way. If your fence is being built on wet, soft ground, you may need to secure wooden posts with concrete to ensure they don’t dislodge, which could further increase the project's cost.

Slope

Although split rail fences are well-suited to hilly areas, some slopes on your property might be too steep for installation. If this is the case, your fence contractor will have to excavate and regrade the land to make the slope more gradual. This can add between $900 and $3,000 to the project cost.

Accessibility

A split-rail wood fence costs more to install when the site is difficult to access. If your fence installers need to work around rocky or steep terrain, accommodate landscaping, or even trudge through wet, swampy soil, they’ll require more time and equipment to complete the job, resulting in increased labor hours and overall cost.

Fence Height

Most split rail fences are four feet tall, but some people opt for a taller fence to contain livestock or outdoor pets. A six-foot split rail fence costs about 25% more than a four-foot fence due to the additional materials and labor required.

Fence Length

Fence length significantly impacts total cost. With split rail fences costing between $15.50 and $39 per linear foot, installing a 300-foot fence could cost over $10,000. Knowing the exact length you need helps you budget accurately.

Labor

Labor costs for installing a fence add an extra $4 to $8 per linear foot to your project. Challenging terrain or steep slopes can further increase labor costs.

Permits

You’ll often need a permit to legally build a split rail fence. Building permits cost between $20 and $60 for an average-sized fence. A fence contractor obtains the permit, but you’ll still pay the fee.

Surveys

If your fence runs along a property line, you may need a survey to confirm the boundary placement and avoid disputes with your neighbors. A land survey costs between $1,000 and $3,200.

Add-Ons

Additional services may be required depending on your property and aesthetics:

• Tree and debris removal: Removing trees, stumps, or obstacles costs $385 to $1,070 per tree, or about $10 to $14 per foot of plant height.

• Painting and staining: To enhance aesthetics, painting or staining a fence costs between $500 and $3,000, depending on the fence size and coating quality.

• Gates: Installing gates for pedestrians or vehicles costs $200 each, varying by gate size.

Split Rail Fence Cost by Material

Your chosen fencing material has a significant impact on total costs. Cost-effective options, such as cedar and pine, start at $11.50 per linear foot, while high-end materials like black locust and aluminum can cost up to $30 per linear foot.

Replacing vs. Repairing a Split Rail Fence

If just a few sections of your split rail fence are damaged, spot repairs are the more budget-friendly option—pressure-wash away mildew, restain the rails, and replace any that sag. However, if large portions have collapsed or multiple areas are deteriorating, investing in a new fence may be more economical in the long run.

Does a Split Rail Fence Increase Home Value?

When installed properly, a split-rail fence can significantly enhance your property's value. The rustic charm adds instant curb appeal, potentially increasing home value by 50% of the fence's cost. Beyond aesthetics, these fences create defined boundaries that appeal to buyers looking for clear property lines. A well-maintained cedar or black locust split rail fence makes a particularly strong impression during resale, offering both character and functionality that stand out in listing photos and during showings.

Budgeting for a Split Rail Fence

These tips can help you save on your split rail fence project:

• Purchase materials yourself: If you’re flexible on the type of wood (e.g., cedar or pine), buying materials directly may yield cost savings.

• Opt for a shorter fence: A fence with fewer rails costs less than a taller one—choose the minimum height that meets your needs.

• Choose affordable materials: Cedar or pine are more economical than composite or black locust.

• Schedule wisely: Fencing contractors may offer lower labor rates during off-peak winter months.

DIY vs. Hiring a Fence Installation Pro

Building a split rail fence is a significant undertaking, even for a handy homeowner, and DIY material costs can be high. Hiring a local fence installation professional ensures high-quality construction and long-lasting results. A fencing pro can create a project plan and budget tailored to your property’s specifications. Hire a local fence expert now for a lasting, high-quality installation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.