Ranch Rail
and
Garden Fences
Ranch Rail fences are often 3 to 4 feet high with two, three, or even four rails. Sometimes the posts and rails are wider, such as around 6" (usulaly 5.5") but sometimes around 4" (3.5") is used. The posts are square or rectangular, sometimes with a bevel or angle cut on top, or a decorative cap. The rails are rectangular and are screwed, nailed, or bolted to the posts. Gates can be made from the posts and rails, or other styles of gates can be used such as metal stock-yard gates, picket gates, or slatted gates. Wire fencing can be added if desired. Often welded-wire is used so that a rectangular grid, such as 2" x 4" utility fence, prevents animals from slipping between the rails.
Ranch Rail fences usually have a small space of post showing up above the top rail, and usually have space between the bottom rail and the ground, similar to Dowel Rail and Split Rail. Garden Fences are like Ranch Rail, but with the top rail at the top of the post and the bottom rail close to the ground. Ranch Rail often have three rails, but more or less can be used depending on rail width, fence height, and desired look. Garden Fences sometimes only have a top and bottom rail. Although wire can be added to a Ranch Rail, Garden Fences almost always have wire fencing.
Ranch Rail and Garden fences can be made with pressure treated wood, which resists rot for a long lasting fence, or cedar, which works well for outdoors but does not last as long as pressure treated wood or other materials like metal and plastic. Although pressure treated wood lasts longer, it tends to warp and distort more than cedar, and does not take stain or paint as well. The fence can be made with all one or the other type, or a mix of both such as pressure treated posts and cedar rails. additional facia boards can be added over the posts on the rail side for a more finished look, or omitted for a more classic look. Ranch rail fences are also popular in vinyl, only the rails of a vinyl rail fence fit into holes in the posts like Split and Dowel Rail fences rather than being attached to the surface of one side. Vinyl fences look nice, but can become damaged in heavy snow or severe hail.
