Short answers to the questions Chicago owners ask us most. Longer guides on cost, permits, repairs and neighbors are linked at the bottom of the page.
How deep should fence posts be set?
42 inches in Chicago. The Chicago Building Code requires footings to reach at least 42 inches below final grade to get under the frost, and we dig fence posts to match. Suburbs can set their own figure for fences. Burbank's permit form, for example, calls for holes 36 inches deep. Shallow posts are the main reason fences here lean.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
Use concrete for gate posts, corners and any solid fence that faces the wind. In clay, we put gravel in the bottom of the hole so water can leave the foot of the post. A line post in soggy ground can sometimes sit in gravel alone. Foam sets fast, but we would not trust it under a gate or a 6-foot privacy fence.
How long should I wait before staining a new wood fence?
Until the wood has dried out. For pressure-treated pine that may be several weeks or a few months, depending on the season. Sprinkle water on a board. When it soaks in, the fence is ready. When it beads up, wait longer.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
We cannot give a set number, because it changes with the length, the height and the state of the wood. Have it written as a separate line on your estimate.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, if they are exterior coated or stainless. Plain steel screws rust and stain the boards. Go with stainless on cedar, since other metals leave dark marks around the head.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
It can, using a paint made for vinyl, but then you own a fence that needs repainting. Keep to a color near the original. Dark colors take in heat and can bend a panel. Wash it well before deciding. Alley dust, exhaust film and algae often make vinyl look more worn than it is.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild them. A wide double gate puts its whole weight on two posts, and ordinary fence posts are too light for that. We install larger gate posts, set deep in concrete, and rebuild the panel next to each one.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
That is decided by the Cook County Assessor. Next to the building and the land, a fence is a minor item.
The real price comes from a free visit and a written quote. Call (773) 741-0364 or text us a photo of the fence line.