Split Rail Fences

The classic western boundary fence. Split rail marks property lines, frames driveways, and contains stock with clean lines and honest materials.

  • Licensed & Insured in Montana
  • Bozeman-Based, Montana-Owned
  • Free Estimates & Measurements
  • Rated “Excellent” — 24 Google Reviews

The Fence Everyone Pictures When They Picture a Ranch

Split rail is the classic for a reason. It marks a property line without walling anything off, it frames a driveway or pasture beautifully, and it holds up. For Montana ranches, it’s hard to find a more important — or more visible — property feature than the fence along the road.

We build split rail fences that are as straight and solid in year twenty as they were on day one:

  • Strong posts, set right. Post depth and footing matched to your soil and frost conditions, so lines stay true through freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Rails that fit. Tight, consistent rail work — no droopy spans or mismatched gaps.
  • Custom heights and rail counts. Two, three, or four rails depending on the job: decorative boundary, horse pasture, or heavy stock.
  • Wire-backed options. Add no-climb or field mesh behind the rails for dogs, foals, or gardens without losing the look.

Where Split Rail Shines

  • Property boundaries — a clear, attractive line that says where your land starts
  • Driveways and entrances — pairs perfectly with a custom archway or ranch brand sign
  • Horse pastures and paddocks — visible rails horses respect
  • Yard and garden definition — organize the space around the house without boxing it in

Every Split Rail Fence Is a Custom Fence

Terrain, access, animals, snow, and wind are different on every property. Our crew measures your lines, talks through what the fence needs to do, and gives you a straight recommendation on rail count, materials, and gates. Ranchers from Bozeman to Livingston to Big Timber have trusted us to build fences that work as good as they look.

Looking for something with even more rustic character? See our bark-on split rail fences — same construction, natural bark left on.

Our Work

Recent Split Rail Fences Projects

Good to Know

Split Rail Fences — Questions We Hear a Lot

How many rails should a split rail fence have?

Two-rail fences suit decorative boundaries and driveways. Three-rail is the standard for horse properties and general containment. Four-rail adds height and a more substantial look for stock pressure or premium curb appeal. We'll recommend the right count for your use.

How long does a split rail fence last in Montana?

With sound posts, proper installation, and good drainage, decades. Wood species, ground contact, and snow load all matter — that's why we spec materials for your specific site rather than a one-size answer.

Is split rail good for containing livestock?

Split rail contains horses and cattle well at the right height and rail count. For smaller animals or predator control, we often add mesh or wire to the inside of the fence — it keeps the classic look while doing more work.

What does split rail fencing cost?

It depends on rail count, terrain, access, and length — which is why we do free on-site measurements. Tell us roughly what you're thinking in the project builder and we'll come look.

How We Work

How Your Project Will Go

  1. Walk the Line

    We come out, walk the property with you, and take real measurements. Free, no obligation.

  2. Straight-Talk Estimate

    Honest numbers, material options, and a recommendation — including "you don't need this."

  3. Built by Our Own Crew

    No subs, no kit parts. Milled, welded, laid, and set by the same Montana hands, start to finish.

  4. Built to Hand Down

    Frost-depth footings, heavy materials, true lines. Work we're proud to drive past for decades.

Where We Work

Serving Southwest Montana

We're based in Bozeman and work across Gallatin County, Park County, Madison County, Sweet Grass County, and the surrounding Montana communities — from working cattle ranches in Paradise Valley to horse properties in the Gallatin Valley. Don't see your town? Call — we regularly travel for the right project.

  • Bozeman
  • Livingston
  • Paradise Valley
  • Emigrant
  • Pray
  • Gardiner
  • Belgrade
  • Big Sky
  • Big Timber
  • Gallatin Gateway
  • Manhattan
  • Three Forks
  • Four Corners
  • Clyde Park
  • Wilsall
  • Ennis
  • Butte
  • Townsend
  • Willow Creek
  • White Sulphur Springs

Free Estimates & Measurements · Bozeman, MT

Ready to talk about your split rail fences project?

Free project estimates and measurements. Tell us what you’re planning — we’ll help with layout, materials, and honest recommendations.

Call Now Free Estimate