Split rail fences were originally designed to contain large farm animals. Because if it has an open design, with large spaces between the bars, smaller animals can easily pass through it.
However, the wire-attached split rail fence eliminates large gaps and spaces. As a result, give him theability to contain petsand small farm animals.
For these reasons, wire split rail fencing has become a popular design choice in residential settings.
Split rail fence wire types
The wire mesh attached to the split rail fence comes in three types. welded wire mesh, woven wire mesh andchain link mesh.
All three are popular. However, each style has advantages and disadvantages. What you're trying to contain may dictate the knit style that's best for you.
Sometimes homeowners associations and city codes dictate thesplit rail fence stylewired allowed. The number of rails in the fence determines the height of the wire.
2 rail split rail fences will have a 36″ tall wire. 3 rail fences will be 48″ tall wire mesh.
Welded wire split rail fence
Welded wire mesh is the least expensive option when it comes to wire split rail fencing. Thin strands of wire are crisscrossed horizontally and vertically to form the mesh. Soldiers together where they cross.
Welded wire has 2″x3″ or 2″x4″ spaces between wires. So it is a good option to contain dogs. However, it does have some drawbacks.
The first is that it does not adapt well to changes in terrain slope. Shorter rides and level ground work best.
Second, it's not very durable. Large dogs that chew the fence break the welded wire strands. In addition, larger farm animals also damage welded wire.
However, most dogs won't have a problem with soldered wires.
Soldered wire comes in colors.to help you integrate better. Galvanized is standard. This will be a bright silver color when new. However, after a few years, it will turn a dull gray color.
Vinyl coated welded wire comes in colors. Green and black are standard. Darker colors blend much better than the silver color associated with electroplating.
While still galvanized for protection, the coating hides the silver color of the vinyl-coated soldered wire.
Rail Fence Divided with Woven Wire
Stranded wire is a heavier version of soldered wire, which also has horizontal and vertical strands. However, the wire gauge is heavier. Also, a special knot joins the threads where they intersect.
As a result, stranded wire is much stronger than welded wire. The knot also allows the woven yarn to flow better over uneven terrain. Woven yarn falls in the middle when it comes to price.
Braided wire mesh comes in a variety of sizes.fence without climbingIt's the smallest. It measures 2" x 4" which is good for containing small dogs. A 4" x 4" mesh pattern is popular with large dog owners.
Even larger sizes are available when your split wire fence contains farm animals.
galvanized fabricwire fenceIt is in silver color, but there are manufacturers that offer the black color.
Split rail fence with chain link wire
Chain link wire mesh is the third option. While it's the most expensive option, it's also the most popular. Especially for wired residential split rail fence.
Like twisted wire, it follows the contour of the ground well. Important forcontaining puppiesHe is also strong. However, the diamond pattern of the chain link mesh takes away from the farmhouse and country look that welded and woven wire provides.
Color is the pull factor for chain link mesh.verde,black andBrownthey are all standard colors. Hevinyl siding for wire fenceit is also much heavier than the other two types of yarn.
Making it more durable and long lasting. Repairs are also much easier when needed. Splicing on a new wire mesh to replace the old one is perfect.
How to connect a chain link fence to a split rail fence
Assuming you already have a split rail fence installed, installing wire mesh on it is easy. Fencing professionals easily install 200 to 300 feet of split wire fencing a day.
Hands-on homeowners who only install wire mesh can easily install 200 feet a day or more.
The installation method is the same for all three wire fence types. However, braided wire and chain wire will require some specialized tools.
To stretch wire fences and chain links, use an elastic stretch bar. Available for rent at home center stores.
The soldered wire does not need to be stretched. Doing so will break the solder joints.
Other tools you will need will be a hammer and side cutters or sealing pliers. Finally, to secure the wire to the fence, use a fence clamp or horseshoe nail.
Connecting the cable to an end post
The first task will be to attach one end of the yarn to a starting point. It will probably be a final post.
Welded wire and stranded wire will use sealing clips driven into the post. The same can be done with a wire fence. However, a tension rod, drilled with holes, secured with wood screws is stronger.
Don't skimp on clamps or sealing screws. The weight of the span is supported by this connection.
Pull or stretch the cable
Once attached to the starting post, unwind the wire, resting it against the fence, until you reach the next post or final corner.
For welded wire fencing, take up slack by manually pulling the wire. Two people make the task easier. While one person maintains tension on the wire, the other leads the fence clips to the first post on the line.
Repeat this process until you reach the end or corner post.
When pulling to another end post, one person pulls the cable past the end post. The other will place fence clamps on the end post, securing the end of the wire mesh.
Once the wire mesh is attached to the final post, cut it to length.
When stretching to a corner post, do not cut the wire mesh. Round the corner using a continuous piece.
When you've stretched out the braided wire and wire mesh, uncoil the fence, resting it against the posts. Manually pull as much slack as possible in the stroke.
Then hook the extension bar to the fence, install it just short of the last row post in the gap. Attach the back end of the come-a-long around the corner post or the end where the fence extends.
Slowly rotate the come-a-long by applying tension to the wire mesh. Be careful not to drop it when adding tension.
Bouncing the cable in the center of the travel helps disperse stress evenly. Once tight, nail all the posts to the row first.
Then secure the wire to the end or corner post with weatherstripping clips or a tension rod and wood screws. Finally, release the tension from the come-a-long and withdraw.
Pro Fence tips for wired split rail fencing
- Install the wire inside the fence. When netting is installed outside the fence, dogs learn to climb the fence steps like a ladder. As a result, climb the fence easily.
- After nailing the fence to the post, go back and add a fence clip or two to each rail between the posts. This tightens the wire mesh and prevents loose rails from shifting from side to side.
Conclusion
Whether adding wire mesh to an existing fence or installing a new one, a split wire fence is a great way to contain animals. Both fincas and residential properties take advantage of simple design with a rustic look.
Need a gate for your split rail fence?Check out our blog post here.