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I have leftover lumber and am interested in wood fencing. What must I know?

By David Beaulieu, About.com

Question: I have leftover lumber and am interested in wood fencing. What must I know?
There are special considerations when shopping for lumber for wood fencing, since it will be in direct contact with the ground....
Answer: Not just any lumber will do for wood fencing. Exposed to the elements as it is, wood fencing should be made of rot-resistant lumber such as cedar or pressure-treated lumber, and it should be painted or stained. For more on wood fencing, please see below....

Posts are typically 4 x 4 lumber and at least 8' long (remember, some of that will be underground). Panels are typically 1.25" thick x 6" wide, with a length to match the height of the wood fencing. Lumber dimensions for the rails vary according to the style of wood fencing that you choose (in some cases, you'll be able to use the same lumber for the rails as you used for the panels).

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