What installation of split-rail fence means with Fenced.ca
Installation means we bring the crew, the materials, and the equipment. Site survey, posts set below local frost depth, mesh or panels tensioned to spec, hardware torqued, debris hauled, warranty registered. For homeowners, property managers, school boards, and commercial GCs who want a single-source quote covering everything from permit support through final walk-through.
What's included in Split-Rail Fence installation
A clear scope cuts surprises. Here's what every split-rail fence installation quote covers and what it doesn't.
| Item | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site survey & layout | ✓ | Pre-build walk-through |
| All materials & hardware | ✓ | Spec'd to your project |
| Post-hole augering | ✓ | To local frost depth |
| Concrete footings | ✓ | 8″–12″ diameter standard |
| Mesh / panel installation | ✓ | |
| Hardware torqued to spec | ✓ | |
| Job-site clean-up | ✓ | |
| Workmanship warranty (5 yr) | ✓ | Material warranty per mfr. |
| Permit application | — | Coordination support available |
| Locate-service (call-before-dig) | ✓ | We initiate |
Split-Rail Fence — what we stock
Split-rail is the rural property line — the fence that says "this is the back-of-the-property" without being a hard barrier. Cedar (eastern red and western red varieties) and black locust are the two species we stock; both naturally rot-resistant and aesthetically appropriate. Rails are split (not sawn) for the rough-hewn appearance, with mortised post holes accepting tapered rail ends.
Configurations: 2-rail (rails at 16″ and 32″ above grade) for purely decorative use — front lanes, orchards, vineyards; 3-rail (rails at 16″, 32″, 48″) for taller appearance and partial enclosure. Add welded-wire mesh backing (4″ × 4″ openings) to retain decorative front while creating a livestock-grade fence on the back face.
Installation: split-rail is one of the few Canadian fence types installed without concrete. Posts are 6″–7″ diameter cedar set 3′ into the earth with a gravel drainage base. The split-rail design tolerates earth heave because the rail-to-post connection is mortise-and-tenon with some flexibility. Service life: 15–25 years for cedar, 25–35 for black locust.
Rail counts: 2-rail (most common, 1.2 m height) for pasture borders and rural property lines. 3-rail (1.4 m) for horses and contained livestock. 4-rail (1.7 m) for tall horses and decorative estate use. Rails are typically 8 or 10 feet long with mortised posts at ends.
Wood species: Eastern white cedar is the historic Canadian choice — splits cleanly along the grain and lasts 30–40 years. Locust rails (where available) last 50+ years. PT pine for budget rural fencing.
Installation: Posts set in gravel-tamped footings (no concrete) for rural drainage. Rails slot into mortised post sockets — no fasteners needed for traditional installs. Modern installs may use stainless steel screws at corner posts for wind-load resistance.
Pricing & lead time: Split-rail pricing: 2-rail cedar runs $15–25 LF installed, 3-rail cedar at $22–35 LF, 4-rail at $30–45 LF, locust upgrade adds $8–15 LF. Wire backing for livestock containment adds $5–10 LF. In-stock at most dispatch hub; next-day delivery in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta metros.
Common applications
- rural property
- farm decorative
- acreage perimeter
→ See the full Split-Rail Fence guide (specs, gauges, finishes, full description)
How installation works
- 01
Site visit & survey
Free measure-up. We confirm property lines, locate utilities, flag any obstacles (rock, slope, drainage).
- 02
Detailed quote
Material spec, installed price, schedule window, warranty terms. CCDC-2 format available for commercial.
- 03
Permits & locates
We coordinate the call-before-dig locate. You handle the municipal permit (or we assist for a flat fee).
- 04
Build week
Posts set day 1 (concrete cures overnight), mesh/panels installed day 2, hardware and gates day 3 on standard residential runs.
- 05
Walk-through & warranty
Site walk-through, deficiency list, sign-off. 5-year workmanship warranty registered on completion.
Split-Rail Fence installation — pricing & lead time
Pricing band
Installed pricing typically runs $35–80 per linear foot residential, $50–120 LF commercial. Includes materials + labor + standard footings.
Final pricing is project-specific — terrain, gate count, hardware grade, and material colour all move the number. Get an itemized quote in 24 hours →
Lead time by region
| Region | Lead time |
|---|---|
| Toronto / GTA | 2–4 weeks (residential) |
| Montreal / Quebec | 2–4 weeks |
| Calgary / Edmonton | 3–5 weeks |
| Vancouver / Lower Mainland | 2–4 weeks |
| Atlantic Canada | 4–6 weeks |
| Prairies (rural) | 4–8 weeks |
| Commercial / multi-phase | Per project schedule |
Common questions — Split-Rail Fence installation
How deep do you set posts for split-rail fence?
Do you handle the permit for me?
What's covered under the 5-year workmanship warranty?
How long does a typical residential split-rail fence installation take?
One quote. Every material. Every province.
Tell us material, project size, postal code, and contact — we come back within 24 hours with pricing, lead time, and a local install or delivery slot.