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Because
of material costs, the rail fences of Abraham Lincoln's day have
been modified considerably. However, the modifications have improved
the originals, if not in aesthetics, certainly in efficiency. Today's
designs utilize posts that are pre-mortised to accept the rails.
You simply assemble the units-no trees to fell, no rails to split.
Rail
fences are an excellent choice for ranch style homes, although they
are pleasing when used with almost any style architecture. A low
rail fence, for example, works wonderfully well as a definition
fence for a front yard to block foot traffic across a lawn or plantings.
The openness of the fence design doesn't block the view and isn't
offensive to neighbors. Before
you buy any fencing materials, check the building codes in your
community. Some municipalities place limits on the type and height
of fencing. We also suggest that you inform your neighbors about
your fence-building plans. Good fences make good neighbors in more
ways than one. FENCE
TYPES AND MATERIALS:
There are six rail fence types, classified by construction, plus
one design called a post and rail fence, included in the rail fence
family. They
are:
- Rail
fences with mortised joints
- Rail
fences with lap joints
- Rail
fences with butt joints
- Rail
fences with slotted joints
- Rail
fences with grooved joints
- Dimensional
rail fences
- Post
and rail fences
If
you have lots of trees on your property and you don't mind cutting
some of them down, you can make a zigzag rail fence similar to those
built in the 1700s and 1800s. The rails are overlapped at each end,
and a rock, brick, or block can keep the bottom rails off the ground.
The lengths of zigzag rail fences are usually about 8'. The rails,
after they are stacked, can be spiked to add strength. Most
common rail fence materials are woods or peeler core rails with
matching posts that you can buy at most home center and building
supply outlets. Some garden centers also inventory these items.
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