I was more impressed by the brother and sister relationship. Sweet sister and a cool brother, that's a life, killer combination. Most excellent job, kids!
What a great tip wioth the tool hangers on sticks to support the post! I do a lot of this kind of work alone and man, that is an extra set of hands right there. Thank you for the video- you two are a joy :)
We are only halfway done with our fence, but I wanted to take a minute to thank you for your video. Our project is massive and as I watched other videos, I knew there was no way I could build the frames and then carry them out to the posts. As soon as I saw your video, I knew this was the answer. In fact, I watched another video later where the guy said after he completed his fence that he saw your video (he didn't say your name, but I knew it was yours) and it seemed like it would be much easier than the method he used. He's right! We are trying to keep deer out of our yard and they can jump over 7 1/2 ft. So we bought hog wire/cattle panels that are 6ft X 20 ft and cut them in half. Then we'll add another board across the top of the posts to achieve the height we want. With your method I'm able to build the frames onto the posts, prep the top rail of the frame and then ask my husband to carry the wire out and pop it into place for me. Works like a charm! Thanks again!
So glad the video helped!! I originally planned to build this by myself so I had to figure out how to simplify it as much as possible. 7 1/2 ft? I thought my husky was bad! haha good luck on your build!
@@jacintachristiansen3011 We were trying to see the car license plates to see where you built it. I noticed that most of the videos I watched were Midwesterners. My Midwestern upbringing kicks in as soon as we get a quote for a project. "Wait - $10,000 for a fence?" I told my husband, "I guess we're learning how to build a fence." The materials are costing us $3000 total. In some ways I wish I hadn't been raised to think I could just do these things myself -- I would rather be a Joanna Gaines who just tells her husband or some worker what he needs to do. Ha! But being handy has been a blessing for getting things I couldn't afford to have done. Good luck to you in all your future projects because I'm betting there will be more to come. :)
@@KA-fe2nl OMG this cracked me up! haha born and raised in Omaha, NE but this is at my house in Lincoln, NE! Where are you from? I always had the mentality that you can figure out how to do anything and I realized when I was older that some people don't think that way. It is definitely part of the midwest upbringing but it helps that my background is in structural engineering! Recently quit my job and there have been many projects since but I haven't documented them well. Although I'd like to build a tiny home soon and I think I will try to film that! :)
@@jacintachristiansen3011 I'm from northwestern Ohio. I saw another video (or maybe two) from Nebraska and one from Indiana. There was another young lady with a very Midwest accent and the landscape was Midwestern. So, my dad was a jack of all trades and built our house himself. My mom chose it straight out of Better Homes and Gardens when I was a kid and it was beautiful. I learned from him and started doing things myself, remodeling my first little house when I was 18. But in 2007 my husband and I moved to Texas and people hire all this stuff done. Heck, they hire people to hang their Christmas lights and I was thinking no way anyone I knew would pay someone to climb a ladder and string lights. Ha! Funny story: We bought an inn in San Antonio and put on an addition to the carriage house (my dad helped us); the HVAC guy showed up to move the AC unit and asked my husband where I was because "she's an engineer, right?" Nope, a language professor. Cracked me up! I must have spoken with authority on the subject compared to other people. Interesting side note: my husband is from the East coast and he didn't even know how to change the oil in his car, let alone do all the other stuff required for owning an inn. So the first time we had a plumbing issue and he said we needed to call a plumber, I said, "Why? The leak is right there. That's an easy fix." That was my mistake though. Next thing I know I'm remodeling bathrooms and laying tile.... My son told his wife that taping and floating dry wall is "woman's work" so I'm not sure I have done her any favors.
Beautiful fence! 😀 You two make it look so easy! It was a joy to watch you work together. If only all brothers & sisters had a love like that, the world would be a happier place. Keep smiling! 💞🙏🏻🕊️
I've watched several videos on how to build this fence, and this is the best version! I liked your casual approach; it showed how easy it is to get this right. Also, how you assembled the panels in place is genius; no heavy lifting. I loved the foam instead of concrete to set the posts (I don't want to lift those bags either!). The decking along the top is another great looking option; I'd thought of that and was glad to see it here. And you and your brother are great together. Thanks for the video!
I love the idea of the grooves and inserting the panels, saves time and money on nail tuckers. Also the holes at the bottom for drainage. If i have more budget better to waterproof the posts especially the grooves to make it last longer. ❤ it
67 yo female here, who has never built a thing. Yet here i am planning on the same project. I've been researching and planning...so I was VERY happy when your video popped up out of the blue! I am very interested to know what your approximate cost was. Thank you so much for making this video and sharing info.
I like watching people enjoy working on a project peacefully and this is the video. Good looking guys + dog + positive vibes + DIY skill.... no way you guys stop uploading contents...
Great inspiration for would-be DIYers! Your good cheer sets a fine example to get your friends and family to pitch in AND get great results. Thanks for the tips.
Great video! Your method is a bit easier than others I’ve seen. I was considering a horizontal fence but hog wire appears to be a simpler and quicker method, plus it looks great!
Your brother and you did an outstanding job with that fence project. It looks very professional and using hog wire gives an open feel to the yard than using wood fencing planks.
Your fence is amazing! Can you let me know the breakdown of cost? Trying to figure out what’s going to be the most effective for my fence. Thank you in advance for your help!
Great video! I only have 15’ of fence to do and its primary purpose is to keep my dogs OUT of my vegetable garden area. I really love how you attached the framing first and then added the wire. Brilliant. The entire thing looks great. Thanks for sharing.
For post foundation just insert the post in the empty hole, pour a 80 lb concrete down the hold and then level the post. Pour a 5 gal bucket water in the concrete and work the air pockets out with a piece of R-bar. Verify level again. Quick and easy. Use a chainsaw at the very end once all panels are installed to level the top of posts with each other.
Great fence. I really like your gate too. I just finished my own hogwire fence, but I didn’t see your video until after I was finished. I wish I would’ve seen it earlier because the way you put your panels in looks easier than the way I did. Great job!
Loved the foam usage. Just so you know the red bags quickrete are fast curing. They take little water and no sand and will cure in I think like 20-40 minutes. Enjoyed the video very much.
When it comes to joining sections of top rail together, always do a 45 degree cut on both end so they shed water better and as the wood dries up and pulls apart the joint will not be so obvious...
You guys are super fun to watch. Entertaining and informative. I really liked how you edited the video too and gave explanations and kept in parts you'd normally cut out. Kept it interesting. Here I was going to subscribe but you don't have other videos!
Awesome job both of you.. looking to do this as well. Nice touch with the arch.. I see the doggies love the fence as well.. 😁 Thank you for sharing.... also, was hoping for more videos, you both are fun to watch..
Thank you for the video. I need to do a long fence for our dogs in a new property and I will follow your construction process, and will consider the foam vs the concrete. I would love to see more of your videos and advise , as we will be building a house too.
Awesome job from you both. My only strong recommendation is for you to wear ear protection when using the table saw. You will suffer permanent hearing loss otherwise
Great job, I see its been 2 years how has the foam held up? I'm doing 1& 1/4 acres. Was told the foam would shrink away from the post, causing them to be unstable. Amazon, one side will take 61 post, so either 61 80lbs bags of cement or the foam.
this is very nice id love to have something like this for my dogs id love to know how much of an investment this would be roughly. sorry this has probably been mentioned. yup literally right below me hahah my bad. this is perfect as we bought a house with enough lumber out back to build a new home! all covered this just brought the project down to cost of wire and hardware :) so glad i saw this
Your pit is SO pretty. I am not a Pit fan at all but, she/he could change my mind. Looks so sweet and loving. I know, nothing to do with your fencing. Which looks amazing btw. How much did this cost you to do?
The fence looks amazing! I am wondering how the foam is holding up however because I’m almost convinced to use foam instead but am curious about the long term durability?
Sorry if this has been asked, but what hinges did you use for your gate? It looks like they are hinged on the outside of the gate but still open in. Thanks in advance
Great video, thank you. I am going to build a small section in my backyard to start and probably expand it later (if everything goes well). I have a few trees, so I am hoping their roots won't create problems with the poles. How deep did you dig for the posts? 2 feet? I like the foam idea, how is it holding up? I have seen videos where it shrank later creating a gap and making the post unstable. Thank you for sharing.
Hey! We're looking to build a driveway gate by framing hog wire - like you did! What are the dimensions of your gate and gate panels? (Trying to decide how big the gate can be before it starts to sag!) Thanks! Really love the video!
Thanks! The gate is about 4ft x 4ft. Make sure your post is very sturdy and buy quality hinges! In our case, the archway helps keep the posts from leaning. As far as the gate itself sagging, the hogwire is pretty sturdy but you could always get a lower gauge panel (thicker wire) if you want to go wider than 4 ft
Want to build this fence, but how you put the mud board on the 4x4? It's the first we are doing a fence. Quotes from a company are really expensive in FL
Just drill the screw into the post at an angle. You could always use a jig to help with angling the screw if you need to. You can find something like this at any hardware store. www.amazon.com/Joinery-Woodworking-Carpenters-Woodwork-Carpentry/dp/B08LTGMR3C/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=drill+angle+guide&qid=1609624157&sr=8-7
Dado blade width is important. Did you ever figure out how wide your dado was? Is it possible to make the dado with a router/router table? Nice video. Thank you!
Love this! Do you have the info on the Dado blade? how wide and how deep of a channel did you make? thanks! How did you calculate when to step down..are your dogs ever tempted to dig under?
This is the dado blade that I bought but you want to make sure to get one that is compatible with your table saw! Mine takes an 8" blade. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YF25Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. The depth was maybe an inch and I believe it was 3/8" wide. It's not too critical honestly as long as you have a little bit of wiggle room to slide the panels in! When and how often you step down just depends on how much space below the mud board you are okay with. If you want it tight to the ground, you'll need to step more often in a sloped yard.
I was more impressed by the brother and sister relationship. Sweet sister and a cool brother, that's a life, killer combination.
Most excellent job, kids!
You took the words right out of my mouth. These two siblings rock!!
I agree. Was hoping they had more videos.
What a great tip wioth the tool hangers on sticks to support the post! I do a lot of this kind of work alone and man, that is an extra set of hands right there. Thank you for the video- you two are a joy :)
Love the bro + sis working on this project together.
We are only halfway done with our fence, but I wanted to take a minute to thank you for your video. Our project is massive and as I watched other videos, I knew there was no way I could build the frames and then carry them out to the posts. As soon as I saw your video, I knew this was the answer. In fact, I watched another video later where the guy said after he completed his fence that he saw your video (he didn't say your name, but I knew it was yours) and it seemed like it would be much easier than the method he used. He's right! We are trying to keep deer out of our yard and they can jump over 7 1/2 ft. So we bought hog wire/cattle panels that are 6ft X 20 ft and cut them in half. Then we'll add another board across the top of the posts to achieve the height we want. With your method I'm able to build the frames onto the posts, prep the top rail of the frame and then ask my husband to carry the wire out and pop it into place for me. Works like a charm! Thanks again!
So glad the video helped!! I originally planned to build this by myself so I had to figure out how to simplify it as much as possible. 7 1/2 ft? I thought my husky was bad! haha good luck on your build!
@@jacintachristiansen3011 We were trying to see the car license plates to see where you built it. I noticed that most of the videos I watched were Midwesterners. My Midwestern upbringing kicks in as soon as we get a quote for a project. "Wait - $10,000 for a fence?" I told my husband, "I guess we're learning how to build a fence." The materials are costing us $3000 total. In some ways I wish I hadn't been raised to think I could just do these things myself -- I would rather be a Joanna Gaines who just tells her husband or some worker what he needs to do. Ha! But being handy has been a blessing for getting things I couldn't afford to have done. Good luck to you in all your future projects because I'm betting there will be more to come. :)
@@KA-fe2nl OMG this cracked me up! haha born and raised in Omaha, NE but this is at my house in Lincoln, NE! Where are you from? I always had the mentality that you can figure out how to do anything and I realized when I was older that some people don't think that way. It is definitely part of the midwest upbringing but it helps that my background is in structural engineering! Recently quit my job and there have been many projects since but I haven't documented them well. Although I'd like to build a tiny home soon and I think I will try to film that! :)
@@jacintachristiansen3011 I'm from northwestern Ohio. I saw another video (or maybe two) from Nebraska and one from Indiana. There was another young lady with a very Midwest accent and the landscape was Midwestern. So, my dad was a jack of all trades and built our house himself. My mom chose it straight out of Better Homes and Gardens when I was a kid and it was beautiful. I learned from him and started doing things myself, remodeling my first little house when I was 18. But in 2007 my husband and I moved to Texas and people hire all this stuff done. Heck, they hire people to hang their Christmas lights and I was thinking no way anyone I knew would pay someone to climb a ladder and string lights. Ha! Funny story: We bought an inn in San Antonio and put on an addition to the carriage house (my dad helped us); the HVAC guy showed up to move the AC unit and asked my husband where I was because "she's an engineer, right?" Nope, a language professor. Cracked me up! I must have spoken with authority on the subject compared to other people.
Interesting side note: my husband is from the East coast and he didn't even know how to change the oil in his car, let alone do all the other stuff required for owning an inn. So the first time we had a plumbing issue and he said we needed to call a plumber, I said, "Why? The leak is right there. That's an easy fix." That was my mistake though. Next thing I know I'm remodeling bathrooms and laying tile.... My son told his wife that taping and floating dry wall is "woman's work" so I'm not sure I have done her any favors.
I would watch that tiny home build!
Beautiful fence! 😀 You two make it look so easy! It was a joy to watch you work together. If only all brothers & sisters had a love like that, the world would be a happier place. Keep smiling! 💞🙏🏻🕊️
That looks great! Love the brother/sister relationship too!
Thanks! About to build a hog wire fence for my dogs and your video answered my questions. Well done!
I've watched several videos on how to build this fence, and this is the best version! I liked your casual approach; it showed how easy it is to get this right. Also, how you assembled the panels in place is genius; no heavy lifting. I loved the foam instead of concrete to set the posts (I don't want to lift those bags either!). The decking along the top is another great looking option; I'd thought of that and was glad to see it here. And you and your brother are great together. Thanks for the video!
I love the idea of the grooves and inserting the panels, saves time and money on nail tuckers. Also the holes at the bottom for drainage. If i have more budget better to waterproof the posts especially the grooves to make it last longer. ❤ it
67 yo female here, who has never built a thing. Yet here i am planning on the same project. I've been researching and planning...so I was VERY happy when your video popped up out of the blue!
I am very interested to know what your approximate cost was. Thank you so much for making this video and sharing info.
I like watching people enjoy working on a project peacefully and this is the video. Good looking guys + dog + positive vibes + DIY skill.... no way you guys stop uploading contents...
Great inspiration for would-be DIYers! Your good cheer sets a fine example to get your friends and family to pitch in AND get great results. Thanks for the tips.
Great looking fence! Thanks for the thorough step-by-step guide and tips. I'll need to build one of these.
I'm inspired. Great job on the beautiful fence and teamwork!
Great video! Your method is a bit easier than others I’ve seen. I was considering a horizontal fence but hog wire appears to be a simpler and quicker method, plus it looks great!
Your brother and you did an outstanding job with that fence project. It looks very professional and using hog wire gives an open feel to the yard than using wood fencing planks.
This is the most entertaining how-to video on UA-cam. I'm gonna subscribe just to see what y'all come up with next.
Your fence is amazing! Can you let me know the breakdown of cost? Trying to figure out what’s going to be the most effective for my fence. Thank you in advance for your help!
Me too
Great video! I only have 15’ of fence to do and its primary purpose is to keep my dogs OUT of my vegetable garden area. I really love how you attached the framing first and then added the wire. Brilliant. The entire thing looks great. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I have the same problem with my dogs. Next summer, I'll be making my raised beds taller to help keep them out!
For post foundation just insert the post in the empty hole, pour a 80 lb concrete down the hold and then level the post. Pour a 5 gal bucket water in the concrete and work the air pockets out with a piece of R-bar. Verify level again. Quick and easy. Use a chainsaw at the very end once all panels are installed to level the top of posts with each other.
Super helpful and hilarious! Thanks for all the details and the laughs. This project is next on my list.
I used your video as the basis for my hog wire fence. Thanks for a cool video and the inspiration!
You and your brother are hilarious. Please post more videos!
Great job on the fence. Great attitude too 👍🏽👍🏽
I don't know if you still see these. But that was a great video
when someone says "cute as a button" , they mean someone like you.And its a compliment. You both did great
You two were such a joy to watch. I would love to know how much you spent on this project. I have about .29 acres to fence and I want to do hogwire.
18:16 made me LOL
Awesome job, btw! I’ll be doing the same thing with an existing fence that currently runs along the alley in my backyard.
Hahahahaha took me a few times but I finally saw it 🤣
She is so cute and handy! Pray my son finds someone this awesome.
You did a great job, now I want one like this .I have a privacy fence right now I believe I like this better
Good looking fence! Good thing you have a brother to help you out. Props to yoy man! 💯✊🏼
Great fence. I really like your gate too. I just finished my own hogwire fence, but I didn’t see your video until after I was finished. I wish I would’ve seen it earlier because the way you put your panels in looks easier than the way I did. Great job!
Thank you! Took some trial and error but doing it this way worked very well for us. Hope you are enjoying yours :)
Best brother ever!
Loved the foam usage. Just so you know the red bags quickrete are fast curing. They take little water and no sand and will cure in I think like 20-40 minutes. Enjoyed the video very much.
Thanks! I considered using something like that but I didn't want to carry all of those heavy bags if I could avoid it!
@@jacintachristiansen3011 be careful a lot of times post foam will start to contract and the pots will become loose.
When it comes to joining sections of top rail together, always do a 45 degree cut on both end so they shed water better and as the wood dries up and pulls apart the joint will not be so obvious...
Love your step by step explanation.... thank you
Thanks for this video. We are going to build one this summer to keep deer out of our garden
I love that pitty! Looks just like my Odin
WoW ! great job & great energy ! thanks for the sharing your project & tips !
Thank you!
You did a fantastic job
Thank you!
You guys are super fun to watch. Entertaining and informative. I really liked how you edited the video too and gave explanations and kept in parts you'd normally cut out. Kept it interesting. Here I was going to subscribe but you don't have other videos!
Nice tip with the post holder tool.
Sweet fence! My beagle would love that. Thanks for the ideas.
Awesome job both of you.. looking to do this as well. Nice touch with the arch.. I see the doggies love the fence as well.. 😁 Thank you for sharing.... also, was hoping for more videos, you both are fun to watch..
Great job! Came out fantastic.
That was a fun watch, thank you for sharing.
This video is great!! Thank you for sharing. I laughed so much and learned about my upcoming project. ❤ 😂
Also..Beautiful doggies 😍
The foam idea was dope!
Thanks for the help. I am building one this weekend. I hope you can do another video on how you made the fence.
Nice! this is exactly the type of fence and gate I want to build. I'm just having a bit of trouble sourcing the hog wire ATM (I'm in Alberta, Canada).
Thank you for the video. I need to do a long fence for our dogs in a new property and I will follow your construction process, and will consider the foam vs the concrete. I would love to see more of your videos and advise , as we will be building a house too.
Awesome job from you both. My only strong recommendation is for you to wear ear protection when using the table saw. You will suffer permanent hearing loss otherwise
Great job, I see its been 2 years how has the foam held up? I'm doing 1& 1/4 acres. Was told the foam would shrink away from the post, causing them to be unstable. Amazon, one side will take 61 post, so either 61 80lbs bags of cement or the foam.
Same with me, fencing about 3/4 acre.
You guys did a great job
Can you make an update on how well its held up so far?
Nice work!
Gonna start on mine today... Wish me luck.. I'm gonna need it 😉
Great teamwork great how to video
Awesome dudes! I wonder if I'll go crazy using a grinder to cut the wire and not buy bolt cutters...?
I love it!!! This is awesome. I don’t think I’d ever be able to do this. I miss you!! 💕
Thanks girl!! Miss you too! I'm coming to Atlanta in July so we need to meet up!!
this is very nice id love to have something like this for my dogs
id love to know how much of an investment this would be roughly. sorry this has probably been mentioned. yup literally right below me hahah my bad. this is perfect as we bought a house with enough lumber out back to build a new home! all covered this just brought the project down to cost of wire and hardware :) so glad i saw this
That's awesome especially because lumber is so expensive right now. Seems like everyone is building now that we're all stuck at home!
Beautiful place! I need to borrow your brother!
Do you have a video on building the arched gate? Great video
Thanks! Unfortunately not. I'll be sure to film it if we do something like this again in the future!
@@jacintachristiansen3011 do you know the height and width? I wanna do something similar
@@bryanawilson1983 The archway is about 8ft tall and 8ft wide
@@jacintachristiansen3011 thank you!!
I wonder if the standard spray foam would work as well, or is the mixed foam stronger?
Scrolling through tips on how to build a fence and i find my sister in law 🤣🤣🤣 dope
The dogs at the end seemed to really enjoy it....
Great work Thank you for sharing. Building something similar in the coming days.
Beautiful works!
He’s genius! 👏👏
Your puppies are so cute! Love the fence. I am wanting to build something similar to this for my dogs. Thank you for doing this video.
Awesome job
Your pit is SO pretty. I am not a Pit fan at all but, she/he could change my mind. Looks so sweet and loving. I know, nothing to do with your fencing. Which looks amazing btw. How much did this cost you to do?
The fence looks amazing! I am wondering how the foam is holding up however because I’m almost convinced to use foam instead but am curious about the long term durability?
Great job. 👏
QQ:How long were the 4x4 posts
What type of board is your mud board? This looks so awesome!
You two have such a sweet relationship. How did your Brither make the arches? or did you buy them ?
Great job!
I LOVE it! You two did an AMAZING job!! Now, can you come do mine?! lol
Great project :) I have two questions, sorry if I missed that in your video :| How wide do dado blades cut and tickness of wire? Thanks :)
Jacinta, how has the fence held up? We're gearing up to start our fence build soon.
You two did a great job, I love the arches over the gate. Very creative great job. How is the foam holding up in the post.
You guys made my day lol
Sorry if this has been asked, but what hinges did you use for your gate? It looks like they are hinged on the outside of the gate but still open in. Thanks in advance
How wide is the dado blade you used?? And how far down was your cut dado into your 2 x 4?? Thanks!!
Great video, thank you. I am going to build a small section in my backyard to start and probably expand it later (if everything goes well). I have a few trees, so I am hoping their roots won't create problems with the poles. How deep did you dig for the posts? 2 feet? I like the foam idea, how is it holding up? I have seen videos where it shrank later creating a gap and making the post unstable. Thank you for sharing.
Hey! We're looking to build a driveway gate by framing hog wire - like you did! What are the dimensions of your gate and gate panels? (Trying to decide how big the gate can be before it starts to sag!) Thanks! Really love the video!
Thanks! The gate is about 4ft x 4ft. Make sure your post is very sturdy and buy quality hinges! In our case, the archway helps keep the posts from leaning. As far as the gate itself sagging, the hogwire is pretty sturdy but you could always get a lower gauge panel (thicker wire) if you want to go wider than 4 ft
Looks great.
Great job! Looks awesome. Did you place a 2x4 on top of the hog wire and then the deck flooring on top of that?
Thank you! And yes, but mostly just because I liked the aesthetic of it. You could go without the top trim
maybe i missed it, how did you secure the hog wire to your grooved 2x4? or are they just sitting in there?
Turned out great 👌
Looks great!
Want to build this fence, but how you put the mud board on the 4x4? It's the first we are doing a fence. Quotes from a company are really expensive in FL
Just drill the screw into the post at an angle. You could always use a jig to help with angling the screw if you need to. You can find something like this at any hardware store. www.amazon.com/Joinery-Woodworking-Carpenters-Woodwork-Carpentry/dp/B08LTGMR3C/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=drill+angle+guide&qid=1609624157&sr=8-7
Can you list materials in description box for these videos?
nice work !
I would love to do it but lumber prices are crazy right now
tell me about it!
such a wonderful job Coach! loved it!
Thank you!!
This is awesome! How sturdy is the hogwire itself if your dogs were to jump on it ?
It’s very sturdy
The dogs jump on it all day long and there are no issues!
👋perfect! Exactly what I needed to see how to do😊
Are you still satisfied with the secureset foam 3 months later? Have you noticed any shrinkage? Or looseness of post in hole?
So far so good! My husky even tries to dig at them constantly and doesn't make a dent. I'll see how it survives the winter!
Dado blade width is important. Did you ever figure out how wide your dado was? Is it possible to make the dado with a router/router table? Nice video. Thank you!
Yes
Love this! Do you have the info on the Dado blade? how wide and how deep of a channel did you make? thanks! How did you calculate when to step down..are your dogs ever tempted to dig under?
This is the dado blade that I bought but you want to make sure to get one that is compatible with your table saw! Mine takes an 8" blade. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YF25Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. The depth was maybe an inch and I believe it was 3/8" wide. It's not too critical honestly as long as you have a little bit of wiggle room to slide the panels in! When and how often you step down just depends on how much space below the mud board you are okay with. If you want it tight to the ground, you'll need to step more often in a sloped yard.