Get matched with top fencing pros in Folsom, CA

Privacy fences in residential neighborhoods tend to stand between 6 and 8 feet tall, but local building code usually dictates the maximum height. Livestock fences that border large land plots range from 3 to 6 feet. Shorter, decorative fences, which are common in front yards, are around 3 feet tall, on average. Fence height also tends to vary by material, with wood fences usually sitting at 6 feet tall, and chain-link and wrought iron fences tending to sit at half that.

A split rail fence is not typically considered among types of dog fencing. Many dogs are small enough to slip out between or under rails, and dangerous pests like coyotes can slip in. However, adding wire mesh to a split rail fence can add the security needed for dog safety without compromising the timeless look that makes the split rail style appealing.

How long a wood fence lasts depends on the type of wood and its style. The design of a shadow box fence makes it more durable than other fence types because the alternating pickets disperse the weight across the rails. As a result, you won’t have to worry as much about sagging or failing pickets. However, remember that the hollow design of a shadow box fence makes it more difficult to apply the sealer, which is crucial to extending its life.

Since wood is weaker when installed horizontally versus vertically, a horizontal fence is prone to sagging. You can prevent this drooping from happening by building a sturdier fence. Use softwoods that are more stable, such as cedar and redwood, or denser hardwoods for your fence materials. If you can’t afford these pricey materials, use thicker two-by-six pressure-treated pine boards or shorten the span the fence boards have to cover by installing more posts.