Post depth for shadowbox fences should be at least two feet deep plus an additional foot for every foot of fence height above four feet. For a standard six-foot fence, this means a minimum depth of 3 feet. This depth helps to protect the structural integrity of your fence in the face of wind, soil movement, and seasonal ground shifts

You should stain both sides of your fence to get the full benefits. Fences often fall along property lines, so you may want to save a buck by leaving your neighbor’s side in the dust. If you do that, all you get is a slightly better view. Moisture and UV rays can still sneak in through the side that’s unpainted or worn down and damage your fence. Rot and rust will spread, even if you can’t see it from your side of the lawn.

The legal implications of installing barbed wire fencing will vary from city to city. You should check your local regulations to see if barbed wire fencing is allowed, and what restrictions exist. For instance, some municipalities might require that your fence be a certain height and a certain distance from your home.

Most people prefer to keep the fence level by “stepping” the fence when running a horizontal fence over a slope. Stepping involves raising each panel between the posts as the fence moves over changes in slope, giving the fence line the appearance of stair steps. While this may be the preferred method of running a horizontal fence up a slope, there’s nothing wrong with installing your fence so it follows the undulations in the ground instead.