Material

• Traditionally split rail fences are made of woods such as cedar, chestnut or locust. Today plastic and vinyl are popular materials used in split rail fences. Many split rail fences require little or no hardware in their construction. They can be fit together from notches cut out of the wood.
  
  

Benefits

• Split rail fences are simple to construct. They are ideal for very large areas and rocky soils according to Split Rail Fence and Supply Company. Split rail fences are rustic in appearance and make good decorative borders.
  
  

Disadvantages

• Because of the spaces, split rail fencing does not provide a substantial barrier. Livestock and horses are kept within split rail fences, but they do not protect against intruders.