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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 best under-gate dog barrier is one that extends to the ground. This effectively keeps dogs in and won't give them room to squeeze through. However, dogs that dig can still get under the barrier. Deter digging by paving the ground beneath the gate or filling it in with rocks or gravel. Be careful using wire to extend dog gates, as the sharp ends may cut or hurt your dog's paws.

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 chain link fence typically lasts between 15 and 20 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last for 30 years or more. To preserve the fence, it's important to keep the mesh wire tight, which can be done with a come-along tool every 6 to 12 months. Investing in a fence with a galvanized, powder-coated, or vinyl-coated finish can increase its lifespan to 20 to 30 years and reduce maintenance needs, as these coatings provide extra protection against the elements.