Cattle/hog panel fence ideas

In a previous thread, I asked about ideas for taking down 6’ privacy fence boards and replacing with something more see-through in our backyard.

Took the fence boards off today. Really like the view and was what we were hoping for. So much so that I’m leaning towards hog or cattle panels instead of spaced pickets.

I’m not trying to break the bank with the price of lumber and would like to keep it as simple as possible since I’m not a carpenter. this is in our backyard and only visible to us.

From what I see online, a lot of these panel fences, they install grooved 2x4s along each side of a panel before finally installing in between the posts.

I currently have 4x4 posts 8’ apart.

Wondering about either A, removing the horizontal 2x4’s, cutting grooves in the 4x4 posts and dropping 8’ panel sections in.

B, simply attaching the panels to the existing horizontal 2x4’s.

Leaning towards option B.

Another question I have is a lot of examples I’ve seen, there is a notched 2x4 at the bottom of each panel that the panel sits in - is this mostly for aesthetics? Can’t think there would be an issue with the metal meeting the ground?

Probably overthinking all of this but appreciate any ideas/advice before jumping in.


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