Get matched with top animal fencing pros in Kane, PA

The standard height for a split rail fence is three or four feet. This height requires two to three horizontal rails, making it ideal for homeowners wanting a budget-friendly split rail fence. If you’re hoping to contain agile livestock or animals like dogs, geese, or goats, you may prefer to install a six-foot tall fence with four or five rails or a four-foot-tall fence with three horizontal rails. This will help prevent animals from climbing, crawling, or jumping through the rails.

Cedar is the most popular type of wood used for fencing, thanks to its natural durability and resistance to rot and insects. Pressure-treated pine and redwood are also widely used and are popular alternatives. All three of these materials are readily available at most hardware stores, which makes repairs and replacements easier over time. Their accessibility and long-lasting performance make them top choices for those looking to build or maintain a wood fence.

Fences last anywhere from 10 to 50 years. Metal and glass fences have some of the longest lifespans, while wooden fences have one of the shortest lifespans, lasting around 15 years on average. Vinyl fences last somewhere in between, at around 20 to 30 years. You can extend the life of your fence by taking good care of it. Routine maintenance, like inspecting the fence, cleaning it, and repairing any sections that need it can go a long way.

This depends mainly on how well the posts were installed and what type of wood was used to build the gate in the first place. Softwoods have a life expectancy of up to 15 years but can last slightly longer with regular maintenance and waterproofing treatments. By contrast, hardwoods can last up to 30 years with little care, so you may avoid costly replacements by spending a little more upfront.