Short answers to the questions Los Angeles homeowners ask us most. Our longer guides on cost, permits, repairs and neighbors are linked at the foot of the page.
How deep should fence posts be set?
It depends on the fence height and the soil. Los Angeles has no frost line to clear. The usual rule of thumb is about one third of the post length below ground. Gate posts, tall solid fences in windy spots, sandy soil near the beach and the downhill side of a slope all call for more.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
We use concrete for gate posts, corners, slopes and any solid fence that has to stand up to Santa Ana winds. The top of the concrete is sloped so irrigation water runs off the post. A few inches of gravel at the bottom helps in clay that holds water. Expanding foam is fast, but we would not hang a gate or a tall privacy fence on it.
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 sits in beads, wait. Wood dries quickly in a Los Angeles summer, often within a few weeks, while pressure-treated lumber arrives wet and takes longer. Do not leave bare wood for a full summer, since strong sun grays and cracks it.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
There is no flat price. It goes by the square footage and the condition of the wood. Have it listed as a separate line on your estimate.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, if they are rated for exterior use. Stainless or hot-dip galvanized is best, because plain steel stains redwood and cedar black and rusts quickly near the coast.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
It can, using paint formulated for vinyl. Pick a light color. Dark paint absorbs heat, and in Valley summers that can warp a panel. Wash the fence well first, since a lot of what looks like fading is chalk and dust.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild them. A wide double gate needs its own heavy posts in deep concrete footings, and often a steel frame. Standard fence posts will not carry it for long. We set new gate posts and rebuild the adjoining fence section to tie in.
Will an earthquake knock my fence down?
A wood, vinyl or metal fence in good condition is light and flexible, and shaking alone rarely drops one. Posts that are already rotted are the risk. Old block walls built without steel reinforcing are another matter. They are heavy and brittle and can topple. If yours is cracked or leaning, have it looked at.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
That is a question for the Los Angeles County Assessor, who decides what is new construction for assessment purposes. Compared with the house, a fence is a small item.
We can only give a real price after seeing the fence line. The estimate is free. Call (310) 361-5119 or text us a photo of the yard.