What Is the Difference Between Round Rail and Split Rail Fences?

The difference is the rails. A round rail fence uses smooth, evenly turned round rails set into round posts, while a split rail fence uses rough, split-wood rails with a rustic, hand-hewn look. Both are open, ranch-style fences for larger lots. Empire Fence builds round rail fencing for property owners across Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma.

Here is how the two open-rail styles compare.

We have built ranch-style fencing across northeast Oklahoma since 1955, and most qualifying new fence installations earn our Gold Seal Certificate of Excellence after a 31-point inspection.

What Round Rail Is

Our round rail fence uses treated pine posts and smooth, doweled round rails, usually in a two-rail or three-rail layout, often finished with black vinyl-coated chain link mesh. The turned round rails give a clean, uniform look, and the mesh lets an open ranch fence work for acreage, dogs, and some animal-containment needs, depending on the animal, mesh, height, terrain, and gate setup. It is an economical way to fence acreage with a tidy appearance.

What Split Rail Is

A split rail fence uses rails that are split from logs rather than turned, so each rail has a rough, irregular, hand-hewn character. The rails slot into mortised posts, usually with wide gaps between them, for a rustic, country look. It is open by design, so it marks a boundary more than it contains, though mesh can be added. Our split rail fence page shows the style.

Which Fits Your Property

Both suit large lots, acreage, and a country setting, so the choice is mostly about look and containment. Choose round rail for a clean, uniform appearance and easy pet containment with mesh. Choose split rail for a rustic, informal aesthetic. If containment is the priority, a wood and chain link combination or chain link does more. We will walk your property and match the style to your land and your goals.

Related Questions

Ranch-rail questions from northeast Oklahoma property owners.

Is round rail or split rail better for containing animals?

Round rail, especially when finished with chain link mesh, works better for dogs and some animal containment, depending on the animal, mesh, height, terrain, and gate setup. Split rail is more open and decorative, though mesh can be added for containment.

Does Empire Fence build split rail fences?

Our ranch-style specialty is round rail with treated posts and vinyl-coated mesh. Tell us the look you want and we will recommend the best open-rail option for your land.

What is the most economical fence for acreage?

An open round rail fence with chain link mesh is an economical way to fence a large lot while still containing animals. Plain chain link is the lowest cost where looks matter less.