Advantages - Cedar split rail fence is one of the most cost effective styles for defining boundaries, decorating property, and fencing in livestock and horses. Split rail fencing is also one of, if not the easiest style of fence to install making it an ideal project for the do-it-yourselfer. Posts are typically set directly in the ground approx. 30" deep without any concrete. A tamping bar is used to compact the dirt around the post while backfilling.

Disadvantages - It is typical to have to retamp posts plumb after the ground settles around post so that the fence remains upright. This is especially true if the fence is installed in a wet area or it was wet when the fence was originally installed. Pouring gravel around the posts instead of backfilling with dirt will help prevent posts from leaning under the heavy weight of the rails. Fence requires a preservative for the longest-lasting performance, however most installations are never treated.