Fence FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Constructing Fences

Q:   What are the main factors in choosing a fence contractor?

A:   Service, Quality, Craftsmanship. You should look for a fence contractor that is oriented towards providing the best quality, craftsmanship, and total customer service for your particular needs. A&C Texan Fence, in Houston, Texas is a service-centric company that is geared to satisfying customers. We arrive on-time for your estimates and hold to our word on scheduling your work quickly. Our quality is better because our crews concentrate on fence construction. They know and understand what is important when building a quality product. The craftsmanship and materials that we use are superior compared to most other Houston fence contractors.

Q:   What are the components of a wood privacy fence?

A:   The frame and panels are the two major components of a wood privacy fence. The frame is made up of posts set into the ground and rails make up the crossbeams. The posts are set into concrete for stability and 2-3 rails run horizontally to make up the frame of the wood fence. A level and well-built frame is the most important piece of long-lasting fence construction. The picture above shows a wood privacy fence with a 3 rail frame. The second main component is the panels. Fence panels are made up of vertical pickets that are anywhere from 6' to 8' high. In addition, many customers opt for a 6" bottom board that runs along the bottom of the fence. The purpose of this board is to provide an easy replacement and keep the bottom of each of the fence pickets from touching the ground and rotting over time. The high moisture in the Houston area, that a fence has to withstand, makes this a smart way to increase fence longevity.

Q:   What type of wood should be used for constructing fences?

A:   It is very important to use the proper type of wood when replacing or repairing a fence in the high humidity of the Houston area. We use a combination of western red cedar pickets and pressure treated pine for the posts and rails. Cedar is an excellent choice for Houston fences because the wood is very resistant to insects, moisture, and rot. Pressure treated pine is the best choice for wood posts when they contact the ground because it subjects the wood to high moisture and wood burrowing insect exposure. A&C Texan Fence is committed to using the highest quality materials for your new fence so that it lasts for many years.

Q:   Setting wood fence posts sounds easy, what's the big deal?

A:   Anyone who has ever tried setting wood fence posts truly appreciates the challenge and difficulty. The task of setting fence posts so that they're plumb and evenly spaced is the factor that makes this such a tough job. Utilizing plumb lines and levels so that a series of wood fence posts maintain continuity is just the first step towards a properly constructed fence. Digging the holes and filling them with concrete must be done carefully to assure that the fence maintains strength and alignment as years pass. The shape of a fence post hole is important to ensure that the wood fence maintains its strength over time.

Novice or inexperienced fence contractors often dig a hole that is wider at the top of the post hole. The v-shaped concrete that fills the post hole will cause problems in the future. As the weather changes, frost and heat will push the concrete upwards forcing your fence out of alignment. Worse yet, the posts will move at different rates each year. Over time, the fence will need to be completely replaced.Ê Houston weather can change drastically from summer to winter, so this is an important factor when building a Houston fence. Making sure that the holes are dug in a cylinder shape and filled only halfway with concrete will solve the problem. Insuring that the posts are level and aligned with each other is also key to having a beautiful and well-built wood cedar fence. A&C Texan Fence has professional crews that routinely do this work, so that your Houston fence is an investment that will last for years.

Q:   What do I need to do to prepare for having my fence repaired or replaced?

A:   Trimming back bushes and landscaping is the first step to having your fence repaired. We want to insure that your landscaping is unharmed during construction. Additionally, please let your neighbors know that you'll be having your fence repaired or replaced.