Split Rail Cedar Fence Styles

Snake Rail

• The oldest form of cedar split-rail fence is known as the snake rail fence, or the zigzag cedar fence. The rails are placed in a zigzag pattern and stacked on top of each other in an interlocking system that supports itself, and is not only easy to create, but also very easy to take apart if you decide that you want to move the fence later on. Plus, since there are no working parts or mechanical sections, no maintenance is required.

Straight Style

• Similar to the zigzag or snake rail fence, the straight style of split-rail cedar fence is easy to build and requires little in the way of tools. Rather than being laid out in a zigzag pattern, the straight style of split-rail fence is built utilizing two vertical posts placed a few inches apart every so often, depending on the length of the horizontal rails. Using the two posts as a guide, the horizontal sections are then stacked end-on-end, interlocking the ends within the vertical guide posts.

Post and Rail

• The post-and-rail version of the fence features mortises, or special holes cut into the vertical sections that the horizontal rails slide into. Nails or screws can also be used to help hold the horizontal sections in place. Instead of relying on the logs stacking on top of each other in an interlocking pattern, the posts and the mortises serve as the mechanism that holds the rails in place.

Modern Variants

• Modern variants of the split-rail cedar fence can include a number of options, but the most common is to use some form of chain-link metal lath in between the rails, such as with the post-and-rail version. This can be used to keep livestock in, such as chickens or pigs or other small animals. The overall principle of the cedar split-rail fence is still there, but wire lath or other add-ons are included to customize the fence.