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How long a fence should last depends on the type of fence, but a common split wooden fence should last seven to 10 years. Chain link can last much longer, with wrought iron and concrete lasting decades. If you're interested in your fence lasting as long as possible—and it's made of wood—consider sealing and treating the wood so it can stand up to the environment. Wood is the only fence type that requires this, as concrete and metal are almost always waterproof.

While they can be closer, the maximum distance between fence posts for residential fences is 8 feet. This ensures the panels are adequately supported by the fence posts. This is usually dictated by the width of the panel, which is typically between 5 and 8 feet. While narrower panels will require more posts, they’ll be lighter and easier to work with than wider panels that are the same height.

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.

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.