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Our New Split Rail Fence!

We have finally installed our new split rail fence and couldn’t be happier with the result!

You guys!

I’m so excited about today’s home project!!

It’s not a DIY; and I’ll explain more about that later… but it’s an insanely thrilling addition to our yard and I couldn’t be happier with it. Meet our new split rail fence…

A wooden split rail fence and a small garden in front of it.

And today I’m participating again in the Outdoor Extravaganza, hosted by my friend Shauna from Satori Design for Living.

This week we are all sharing building and paint related outdoor projects!! Check the bottom of my post for links to all kinds of fun outdoor ideas from this talented group of ladies.

For my project this week; I’m sharing a building related project – our new split rail fence!

I’ve been dreaming about finishing off our front yard for a few years now; researching and planning and envisioning various alternatives. I really wanted to create a visual separation between our yard and the surrounding gravel paths that our neighbours behind us use to access the lake, but I wasn’t sure how.

Hedge? Privacy fence? Small fence? Garden beds?

So many options!

Up close of the wooden fence.

Two blue Adirondack chairs on the lawn of the house.

But after much deliberation and discussion, we eventually settled on a wooden split rail fence.

Here’s why…

1.I didn’t want to create to create a solid and heavy green barrier by installing a tall hedge. We love the Adirondack chairs in our front yard and often sit out there as a family – we have a lovely view of the lake and the boys enjoy playing sports on the lawn or driveway. I didn’t want to totally block our view of the lake water from the front yard with a tall evergreen hedge.

A view of the lake from the two blue chairs.

2. While easier to keep short, traditional cedar hedges are basically just delicious dessert to all the deer that we have trotting around here. Nearly everyone who installs a traditional (or columnar) cedar hedge ends up with very bare bottoms and thick tops on their cedars from all the deer-munching… not a look I’m after. I thought a casual hedge of  ornamental grasses in front of a split rail fence would give a more relaxed feel, yet still provide some privacy and a visual barrier.

Ornamental grasses by the wooden fence.

3. I’ve loved split rail fences for a long time. I even wrote a whole post about them here; I think they have such a natural, rustic vibe that works perfectly with cottage, coastal, and farmhouse styles. I think this vibe will work really well with the new siding we’ve selected for the exterior, as well as working well with our lakefront location.

There are small trees by the fence with deep rich red leaves.

4. Traditional picket fences, while lovely, are less rustic and will not suit our house and location (once the siding is finished). They also require a lot more maintenance and are a lot more expensive to install. I had a quote done last summer to have a cedar picket fence built around our front yard and the price was about 4 times what we ended up spending on the split rail fence.

A piece of driftwood by the fence.

5. Split rail fences are low maintenance. This is key. I should have put this point at number one! Weeding and maintaining a garden and lawn are enough work, without adding staining or painting a fence or trimming hedges to the mix!

Rock work in the garden.

So, with all those reasons in mind… I’m pretty thrilled with how well it has come together.

Up close of the ornamental grasses by the fence.

As far as the install went, I don’t have a DIY for you. We decided to leave this project to the experts; our favourite local landscaper. Plus, he sourced an amazing deal on the split rails and installed in a record time for a ridiculously reasonable rate. I’m so happy with the deal that I feel like he paid us to build this amazing fence.

The view of the lake by the fence.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have caught my IG story the other day; I was a little sore from my 10,000+ weeding and top-soiling related squats after the weekend… but it was all worth it. Right? Now it’s done for the season and we just have to water! Oh… and whose kidding who. I’m sure those nasty weeds will rear their ugly little heads again before August. Do you think that six and nine year olds are too young for child labour??

Don’t forget to head over and check out what my super talented friends are sharing today for their outdoor building or paint related projects! I know that their ideas will have you inspired…

Paint & Build-it poster.

DIY Mosquito Repelling Planter Box by Elliven Studio

Easy DIY Rustic Log Reclaimed Wood Garden Bench by The DIY Mommy

Kids’ Picnic Table Makeover – Fix the Rot or Just Paint it? by So Much Better with Age

Wire Orb Topiary DIY by Craftberry Bush

Farmhouse Painted Chair by Making it in the Mountains

Distressed Wood Outdoor Side Table by Satori Design for Living

Split Rail Fence by The Happy Housie

 

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8 Comments

  1. We are about to install a split rail fence around our yard! What ornamental grasses did you use?

    1. Hi Barbara! We had Willem Colyn – he did a great job on building the fence, and sourced the split rails for us:) Hope that helps!
      Krista

  2. It looks awesome! I have so much shade and we just moved in last August. Working on clearing out and cleaning up. Thanks so much for the inspiration!!!!

  3. Krista! I love your new split rail fence!! I’ve always wanted one. This is gorgeous and goes so well with your beautiful lakeside home.
    Hugs, Jamie

  4. Looks fantastic, Krista! Good idea going with something low maintenance. We have a wood deck and fence that take up way too much of our time!

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