Where do I start and what are my Fencing Options?
Consider the following
Am I ready for a new fence?
- What kind of fence do you need. Look at the fencing options chart below to help solve this question if you do not already have a choice.
- Are you in a planned community with a homeowner association and if so what is allowed?
- Will you build the fence yourself or will you hire a professional?
- Do you have the funds available or will you require financing?
Take a look here at your different Fencing Options
Field Fencing
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Least expensive Fencing
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Perfect for large acreage or yards
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Strong and flexible especially for livestock
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No visible privacy
Chain Link Fencing
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Oldest and strongest fencing
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Great for pet containment
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Average Pricing
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No Visible Privacy
Aluminum Fencing
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Elegant Look and sturdy
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Perfect for most new subdivisions
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Average Pricing
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No Visible Privacy
Wood Fencing
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Most popular fencing
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Great Privacy
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Lots of flexibility for many design options
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Upkeep required on average every 5 years
Vinyl Fencing
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Becoming Most Popular
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Great Privacy
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Modern look, great durability and maintenance free
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Averges the highest price
Fence removal is also a service you may need. Most companies offer this service and prices will vary from one company to the next.
Finding a good fencing contractor
- Is your contractor licensed? Even if a permit is not needed in your city or county, your contractor should have the following Ask for copies.
3. Do they have Workers Comp insurance or a workers comp exemption.
4. Do they have Liability Insurance at $1-2 Million?
5. Do they have a professional online quoting system and business cards
Pricing will vary from contractor to contractor. If the price is too high, you can usually find a more competitive bid. You must however make sure you are comparing apples to apples. The less a company tells you of their processes and procedures, the more flexibility they have to do the fastest and most economical way. You know the saying “You get what you pay for”.Many times, contractors will low ball on the phone, only to hit you high when they arrive onsite. Many times this will exclude contractors who are more realistic on the phone which may in turn have worked out to be the better deal. Remember, you are not looking for the cheapest fence, you are looking for the best value.
Know how your fence will be built depending on the fence option you choose.
Knowing your fence options and how the fence will be installed is just as important as who will be installing it. Here are a few questions you can ask your contractor to help make sure the job will be done right.
- Will the contractor use cement and if yes, how much per post. Some feel that wood fences do not need cement except on the gate posts. We disagree with this assumption, but either side can make the argument. You decide which you prefer. Vinyl post should have a minim of 30 lbs. of cement and up to 60 lbs depending on the soil and height of the fence. Aluminum and chain link fencing require far less, but need it per post also with heavier concentrations on the gate posts. Some fence contractors pour wet concrete and others dry pack and then wet. Arguments can be made either way with this also, but both will usually set nice. You can ask each contractor to get their take on this and decide for yourself.
- Depth: 18″-24″ is the standard for aluminum and chain link fencing. Wood and Vinyl will need a 24″-30″ with up to a 36″ depth.This can vary depending on the location and soil type. Remember, the higher the fence the deeper the hole needed.
- Wood: Panels or stick built. panels are usually less expensive to buy, but they will, in most cases, not last near as long as a stick built fence. Stick built of course means the fence is built on the job with premium wood.