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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.

Deer can crawl under a fence if it has a gap of around 6 inches or more. Make sure to close all gaps at the bottom of your fence to keep deer out, and the bottom of the material should be tightly secured, or the deer will push right through it. As an added benefit, closing shorter gaps at the bottom of a fence can also keep rabbits out of your yard.

A horizontal fence is typically more expensive to build than a vertical fence, often costing between 10% and 20% more. The higher cost is due to the need for a higher grade of lumber and more posts to prevent the boards from sagging, which increases both material and labor expenses. Despite the higher price, horizontal fences tend to be more durable and offer a more distinct, modern look compared to the more common vertical picket style. However, they may not be the best option for privacy, as there can be slight gaps between the horizontal rails.

Regular cleaning, rust-proof coatings, and checking fasteners help prolong the lifespan.