Ranch Fence Styles: Split Rail, Board and Crossbuck for Acreage

Ranch fencing is open by design: a few horizontal rails or boards between posts. It marks a boundary across acreage without blocking the view, and it is the usual choice for horse properties and large lots in the counties around Charlotte.

QC Fence Contractors installs split rail, board and wire fencing for homes, farms and horse properties. Our job photos include three-rail split rail with welded wire and crossbuck pasture fence.

• Split rail: rails slot into mortised posts, two or three rails high. Welded wire on the inside makes it dog-proof.
• Post and board: three or four flat boards nailed to posts. The classic horse fence.
• Crossbuck: boards form an X between the top and bottom rails of each section.
• Woven wire and no-climb mesh on wood posts, with or without a top board.
• Farm and livestock fencing built around the animal being held.
• Wood and metal farm gates and driveway gates.

A bare rail fence stops nothing smaller than a horse. Dogs go under or through it. That is why most split rail around homes is backed with welded wire. Horses need a fence they can see and cannot put a hoof through, which favors boards and no-climb mesh over barbed wire. Goats and other livestock each have their own requirements.

Long runs cross changing ground. Posts go deeper at corners and gates, and low spots and creek crossings need their own treatment. We walk the line with you and plan the gates for the equipment you actually use.