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On most untreated wood fences, there is no need to sand before treating. You typically only need to sand if there’s an old coat of paint or stain on your fence. If you do need to sand off a previous paint or protective coating (like an old stain or sealant), use medium-grit sandpaper.

You should dig a trench that’s 6 to 8 inches deep so that when the silt fence stands up, it has at least 6 inches below ground. It’s important to firmly bury your silt fence into the trench you’ve dug to keep water from running underneath the fence into the pile of soil you’re containing. 

Corrugated metal is a strong, long-lasting material. A corrugated metal fence will typically last several decades, and the metal panels themselves may last for 40 to 60 years. The main thing you should be concerned about is the fence posts. Wood fence posts will last about five years if you purchase them untreated or about 15 years if you treat them after installation. Keep an eye on your posts and look out for insect damage and rot.

There are several options for post materials. Depending on where you live, the weather, and what kind of durability you want, you can choose from wood, steel or concrete posts for a barbed wire fence. Your corner and end posts should be especially strong in order to maintain the structural integrity of the fence.