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Moisture and rot are the largest threat to wooden fences. Stain can help your wood fence last 15 to 20 years, but only if you choose a stain with waterproofing qualities or add a sealant. Oil-based stains create a thicker moisture barrier than water-based stains, though both are mold and mildew resistant. You’ll generally need to re-stain your fence every one to eight years to get full protection.

When it comes to materials, wire fences are the cheapest option. The average cost for a 150-foot wire fence is $1,350. The next cheapest material is chain-link, followed by wood.

As far as the style of fence, smaller, less private fences are cheaper than large, elaborate fences that block your whole yard. That’s why split-rail fences are the cheapest option for wooden fences. They cost roughly $10 to $30 per linear foot.

A fence gate can sag for several reasons. The issue often stems from the hardware, such as damaged or bent hinges, or loose screws that can no longer support the gate's weight. The gate frame itself might also have come out of square due to failing supports. Alternatively, the problem may not be the gate but the supporting fence post, which could be leaning or out of place. In many cases, fixing a sagging gate is as simple as tightening the hinge screws or upgrading to more robust hinges.

The best wood for a farm fence is pressure-treated wood that will stand up to various weather conditions, animal contact, and moisture. Farm fences need to resist rot and damage, so choose a species such as cedar or redwood. The natural oils in these woods give them decay resistance, which also makes them ideal for other fence types, such as a wooden snow fence.