Quick answers to questions we get on the phone every week. Prices, permits, repairs and neighbor issues each have a longer guide, linked at the bottom of the page.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Below the frost line. Salt Lake City's design criteria put the frost depth at 30 inches, so posts here go deeper than that, and gate and corner posts deeper still. Higher neighborhoods and other cities can use a different figure. Shallow posts are the main reason fences lift and lean after a few winters.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
Concrete for gate posts, corners and any solid fence that takes wind. Compacted gravel drains faster and can suit line posts in heavy, wet soil on the west side. Expanding foam sets quickly, but we do not trust it for gates or 6-foot privacy panels in canyon winds.
How long should I wait before staining a new wood fence?
Wait until the wood is dry enough to take stain. Treated lumber comes wet from the yard. In Utah's dry summer air it dries faster than in most places, often within a few weeks. Test it by dripping water on a board. If the water soaks in, stain it. If it beads up, give it more time. Do not leave it bare through a whole summer of sun.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
The price depends on the square footage and on how weathered the wood is. Ask us to put it on the fence estimate as a separate line so you can decide later.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, as long as they are coated for outdoor use or stainless steel. Bare steel screws rust and leave streaks. On cedar use stainless, because cedar reacts with plain and some coated steel and turns black around the fastener.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
Yes, with paint made to bond to vinyl, but think twice. Paint has to be redone every few years, and a dark color soaks up our strong sun and can warp the panels. Hard-water stains from sprinklers are often what makes vinyl look faded here, and a proper cleaning removes most of them.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild that section. A wide double gate hangs a lot of weight on two posts, and ordinary fence posts will not carry it. We set new, larger gate posts deep in concrete, often steel, and rebuild the panel on each side. On alley lots, check the swing so the gate leaves do not block the alley.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
Your county assessor decides that. A fence is a minor improvement next to the house and the land.
The only way to get a real price for your yard is a free on-site estimate. Call (385) 402-8455 or text us a photo of the fence line.