Short answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners in Fresno and the towns around it. Links to the longer guides on cost, permits, repairs and neighbors are at the foot of the page.
How deep should fence posts be set?
As deep as the fence height and the ground call for. Frost depth is not what sets it in Fresno. A common rule of thumb is about one third of the post length below ground, with more for gate posts and tall solid fences. If hardpan is shallower than that, the hole should go through it. A post that stops on top of hardpan sits in a bowl of water every time the yard is irrigated.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
Concrete for gate posts, corners and privacy fences. A few inches of gravel under the post lets water drain away from the end grain, and the concrete should be finished above soil level and sloped so sprinkler water runs off. Expanding foam is quick, but we would not rely on it for a gate or a 6-foot solid fence.
How long should I wait before staining a new wood fence?
Until the wood is dry enough to take it. Sprinkle water on a board. If the water soaks in, stain it. If it beads, wait. In Fresno's dry summer air, new boards can be ready in a few weeks, while pressure-treated wood and anything built in the foggy months takes longer. Stain in the morning or evening, not on a board that is hot from the sun.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
There is no flat price. It depends on the square footage, the product and the condition of the wood. Ask for it as a separate line on your estimate.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, if they are rated for exterior use. Coated or stainless screws hold better than nails in boards that shrink and swell with the seasons. With redwood and cedar, use stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners, because plain steel leaves black stains on those woods.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
Yes, using a paint made for vinyl. Stay with light colors. Dark paint absorbs heat, and in a Fresno summer that can warp a panel. Wash the fence first. Much of what looks like fading here is dust and hard-water spotting from sprinklers.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild the gate posts. A wide double gate needs heavy posts set deep in concrete, and regular fence posts will not carry it. New gate posts go in, and the fence next to them is rebuilt to tie in. Before you plan it, check the city's rules for where an RV or trailer may be parked on a lot.
Why does the bottom of my fence rot when it hardly rains here?
Because of irrigation. Sprinkler heads aimed at the fence, drip lines along it and flood irrigation in older neighborhoods wet the same boards through the hottest months. Turning the heads, keeping soil and mulch off the boards and leaving a small gap under the fence make a real difference.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
That is a question for the Fresno County Assessor-Recorder's office, which decides what is assessed as new construction. Next to the house itself, a fence is a small item.
We only know the real price after we measure your yard. The estimate is free and comes in writing. Call (559) 719-6557 or text us a photo of the fence line.