preferred fence

Galvanized metal fence posts (8′ long, 2 3/8″ diameter) are put 2′ into the ground using a 12″ diameter hole filled with two 80 lb bags of concrete. The posts are 96.5″ center to center so that the pressure treated 2×4’s (1′ and 5′ above the ground) do not need to be cut.
The half pipe (4″ diameter cut in half) at the bottom has multiple purposes. It keeps the wood off the ground, sheds water, keeps weeds from growing under the fence, a line trimer may be used without damaging the fence over time, and it does not leave gaps for vegetation or animals to pass through. If you have a pet, it is harder for them to leave, including dogs that dig.

The galvanized wood adapter clamp from the slat side of the fence. Stainless steel hardware is used to attach the 2×4 to the clamp. A 1/4″ x1 1/2″ lag screw is used on the top, and a T-nut with hex cap screw (1/4″-20 x 1 3/4″) is used on the bottom for greater strength and long term durability.

The galvanized wood adapter clamp from the other side.
For this fence, 3″ wide cedar fence slats were used (other widths would be just fine), and were attached to the pressure treated 2×4’s using #8 x 1 5/8″ deck screws (corrosion resistant). During the installation a 1/4″ gap was left between the fence boards. As the wood dries out, the gap will become slightly larger.

Showing the finished fence from inside the yard. The ground surface was modified slightly to provide for a more consistent fence height along its length. Note, the fence boards have some weathering in this picture.