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Posts for a horizontal fence should be no more than 6 feet apart. Wood pickets are not as strong when mounted horizontally as when mounted vertically. As such, the fence panels on a horizontal fence can’t cover the same span between posts as a vertical fence can. If you install the posts further apart on a horizontal fence, the fence will lose stability, making the boards more likely to sag. 

If possible, it is beneficial to paint both sides of your fence to protect the fence more completely from the elements. Painting both sides of your fence will create a more consistent appearance as well. However, the time and cost involved in painting both sides of the fence may cause people to paint only the side they see.

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.

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.