Split rail fencing is a timeless, rustic option that property owners love for its natural beauty and simplicity. Whether you're fencing a ranch, lining a driveway, or creating a perimeter around your yard, split rail fencing offers that classic “old-west” aesthetic that blends seamlessly into many landscapes.
But when you need more functionality — especially if you have dogs, goats, sheep, or other small animals — adding wire mesh to your split rail fence can be an excellent solution.
In this guide, we’ll cover what a split rail fence is, why wire mesh is often added, the most common wire mesh options, height considerations, material choices, and modern alternatives.
What Exactly Is a Split Rail Fence?
A traditional split rail fence is made from wooden posts and rails that are split, not sawn. This gives them the rugged, uneven, handcrafted look associated with old-style ranch fencing.
While cedar is likely the most common material, split rail fences can also be made from pine, black locust, or other types of wood. There are also modern rail fence systems made from steel boards, pipe, round wood, aluminum, HDPE, or concrete.
Some people refer to all rail-style systems as “split rail,” even though technically they are not.
Why Add Wire Mesh to a Split Rail Fence?
Using split rail fence wire mesh transforms a decorative rail fence into a functional containment fence. Traditional split rail fencing has large openings between rails, which allow smaller animals to pass through.
If you’re trying to contain animals like these, wire mesh is often essential:
- Dogs
- Goats
- Chickens
- Sheep
- Other small animals
Wire mesh can also help keep unwanted wildlife out — such as coyotes or wild hogs — provided you choose a strong enough mesh type.
Types of Wire Mesh for Split Rail Fencing
There are several types of wire you can add to a rail fence. Each comes with strengths and limitations. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best option for your property.
1. Welded Wire
Welded wire is typically the lowest-cost option. The wires are welded at each joint to form a grid.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Easy to install
- Works well for gentle animals or gardens
Cons
- Not very durable
- Weld points can snap under pressure
- Not suitable for active dogs, goats, or livestock
If your animals are hard on fencing, welded wire often breaks apart long before you want it to.
2. No-Climb Horse Fence
No-climb horse fence is widely considered the gold standard for split rail fence wire mesh.
No-climb fencing comes in multiple grades:
- Low-tensile strength
- High-tensile strength
- Black-coated high-tensile for a premium appearance
Unlike welded wire, no-climb fencing uses S-knots instead of welded joints, allowing it to flex and absorb pressure extremely well. It’s one of the most durable wire options you can add to a split rail fence and is a strong choice for containing a wide range of animals, including dogs, horses, goats, and sheep.
If your budget allows it, no-climb horse fence is almost always the best choice.
3. Sheep & Goat Fence
Sheep and goat wire is similar to no-climb fencing but typically uses 4-inch by 4-inch squares instead of 2-inch by 4-inch rectangles.
Pros
- Very strong
- Great for goats and sheep
- More affordable than no-climb horse fence
Cons
- Larger openings may be easier to climb
- Large squares may allow a horse to get a hoof caught
Still, for many ranch properties, sheep and goat fencing is a solid middle-ground option.
Wire Mesh Height Options
The height of the wire mesh you choose for your split rail fence depends on what you’re trying to contain or keep out. Common options include:
- Bottom 2 feet for very small animals
- Bottom 3 feet
- Standard 4 feet
- Extra-tall 5 feet
- Extra-tall 6 feet
If you're containing small dogs and want to maintain a clean aesthetic, 2-foot or 3-foot mesh may be sufficient. Most 3-rail or 4-rail fences are roughly 4 feet tall, so using a full 4-foot mesh on a 4-foot-high rail fence is an excellent all-around choice for most farm animals.
For goats, you may need 4.5 to 5 feet of height. For deer control, 6 to 8 feet is common — though once you exceed 5 feet, a rail fence may no longer be the most cost-effective option.
Split Rail Fencing Material Considerations
Cedar and black locust are naturally more rot-resistant than some wood species, so they’re often left untreated. If you choose pine, make sure the material is treated with CCA, MCA, or ACQ.
Cedar will weather to a gray tone after a year or so. If you want to maintain its fresh, warm color, you may want to spray your fence with a clear sealer.
Modern Split Rail Fence Alternatives
While traditional split rail fencing has been around for generations, several modern rail-style fences have emerged that offer a beautiful ranch-rail look with longer lifespan.
These include:
- Steel
- High-density polyethylene, also known as HDPE
- Concrete
These materials often last longer than traditional wood, withstand harsh climates and moisture, require minimal maintenance, hold their color for years, and provide a modern upgrade many people now prefer over cedar split rail fencing.
A few examples of modern split rail fence alternatives include:
- Buckley Steel Board
- Derby Horse Fence
- Tangent Ranch Rail
- Concrete Ranch Rail
- Ponderosa Rail Fencing
- High Plains Ranch Rail
Ponderosa Rail Fencing and High Plains Ranch Rail use a combination of wood and metal, which can make their life expectancy lower than some all-steel, HDPE, or concrete options — but they are still worth considering depending on the look and function you want.
All of these systems can have wire mesh added, just like traditional split rail fencing.
Explore Further
If you’d like to see more photos, style options, and examples of modern or traditional rail fencing, browse around our website. When you find a fence you like, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help you compare price options and find the best fit for your property.
Happy fencing.
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