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Always use pressure treated posts and rails
Pressure treatment makes the wood more resistant to weather, which makes the fence last longer. There are different levels of treatment (ranging from 0.20 retention to 0.60 retention, the higher the better), and if you don't know to ask for it chances are you'll get a fence with NO pressure treatment at all. Without pressure treatment your fence is almost guaranteed to rot especially in wet climates. Standard fences are built a grade above the recommended minimum for pressure treatment.
Cedar outlasts pine every time
Different kinds of wood stand up differently to severe weather. Extreme heat, cold, sunshine, wind, frost, rain, and snow all take a toll on your fence. Cedar has been proven to last 50 to 100 percent longer than pine in outdoor construction including fencing.
Superior rails prevent your fence from sagging
Even if your posts and rails are pressure treated you're still better off when your fence rails are made with 2x4s, not the 2x3s that are the industry standard. Using 2x4s helps ensure that your fence will still be standing up straight five years down the road.
More weight requires more hinges
The taller and heavier your gate the more hinges you need to hold it up and make it swing smoothly.. About 45% of all wooden fences are 8' "privacy" fences, which usually have heavier gates than 4' or 6' fences. Most experts' recommend putting at least three, and ideally four hinges on a gate this big. The result is a gate that swings easily, and stands up to punishment.
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