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News & Guides
In-depth articles on fence costs, materials, regulations, and industry trends.
Vinyl Fence Buying Guide: Grades, Wall Thickness, and What to Avoid
All vinyl fence looks the same in the showroom and ages completely differently in the yard. Here's how to read wall thickness, warranties, and grade so you don't buy the brittle stuff.
Passing Your Pool Fence Inspection: The Pre-Inspection Checklist
Pool barrier inspections fail more often on gate hardware than on the fence itself. Here's the pre-inspection checklist that gets you a pass on the first visit.
Privacy Fence Cost by Material: Wood, Vinyl, Composite, and Metal
Privacy is the most-requested fence goal — and the cost swings widely by material. Here's the 2026 per-foot breakdown for every common privacy option, plus lifetime cost.
American-Made Fencing Is Surging — Here's Why Homeowners Are Asking
More homeowners are specifically requesting US-made fence products in 2026. Tariff volatility, supply-chain reliability, and principle are all driving it — here's what to know.
How to Fix a Leaning Fence Post Without Replacing the Whole Fence
One leaning post doesn't mean a new fence. Here are the three pro repair methods — from a steel spur to a full re-set — and how to pick the right one for your post.
Aluminum vs. Wrought Iron: Choosing the Right Ornamental Fence
They look nearly identical from the curb, but aluminum and wrought iron diverge sharply on cost, maintenance, and lifespan. Here's how to choose between them.
Building Near Utility Easements: What You Can and Can't Do
That strip along your property line may not be as free to fence as you think. Here's how utility, drainage, and access easements limit where your fence can go — and how to avoid a forced teardown.
How Fence Length and Gates Drive Your Total: A Calculator Companion
Two numbers move your fence quote more than anything else: linear feet and gate count. Here's how each scales your total — and how to measure your yard before you ever call a contractor.
Why Fence Installation Wait Times Hit 6–8 Weeks Every Summer
Call a contractor in July and you'll likely wait a month or two. Here's what's actually behind the summer backlog — and how to get on the schedule faster.
Securing Your Fence and Pets Before July 4th Fireworks
More pets escape on July 4th than any other day of the year — and the fence is the last line of defense. Here's a 20-minute pre-holiday check to keep your animals safely contained.
Cedar vs. Pressure-Treated Pine: The Honest Wood Fence Comparison
The two most popular wood fence options pull in opposite directions: cedar looks better and lasts longer, pine costs less up front. Here's the honest head-to-head on cost, lifespan, and maintenance.
The HOA Fence Approval Playbook: How to Get a Yes the First Time
HOA architectural review is where fence projects stall. Here's the step-by-step submission playbook that gets approvals through on the first pass instead of the third.
What a Fence Gate Really Costs in 2026 (Hardware, Width, and Automation)
Gates are where fence budgets quietly blow up. Here's what a walk gate, a double drive gate, and an automated entry actually cost in 2026 — and which hardware is worth paying for.
How to Build a Fence on a Slope: Stepping vs. Racking
A sloped yard changes everything about a fence install. Here's how the two pro methods — stepping and racking — actually work, which materials suit each, and how to avoid the gaps that let pets and water through.
Fence Industry Mid-2026: Consolidation at the Top, a Labor Squeeze in the Middle, and a DTC Shift at the Edge
Three forces are reshaping the US fence business in 2026: private-equity consolidation among manufacturers, a persistent skilled-labor shortage among installers, and a direct-to-consumer no-dig boom at the homeowner edge. Here's the mid-year state of the industry and what each shift means for the homeowner getting quotes this summer.
Mid-2026 Fence Material Price Check: Where Lumber, Aluminum, Vinyl, and Steel Stand This Summer
Lumber settled, aluminum drifted up on tariff pressure, vinyl is flat, and galvanized steel quietly climbed 6%. Here's the mid-summer 2026 spot check on fence material pricing — what's moving, what's stable, and whether to lock your project now or wait into fall.
Smart Fences in 2026: A Buyer's Guide to IoT Sensors, GPS Pet Collars, and Solar Energizers
Smart-fence installs crossed an estimated 8% of new residential fence projects this year — up from under 2% in 2022. Here's where the technology lands in 2026: what IoT sensor kits, GPS pet collars, solar electric energizers, and smart gate openers actually cost, what they do well, and where they still fall short.
Property Line Fence Disputes: The 2026 Homeowner's Playbook
Property line fence disputes spike 35% from June through August — driven by new projects, HOA enforcement letters, and neighbors finally talking face-to-face. Here's the 2026 playbook for the disputes we see most often, plus how to head one off before you swing a posthole digger.
How to Stain a Wood Fence Like a Pro: A Weekend Method That Doubles Lifespan
Late June is the sweet spot for staining wood fence — humidity is dropping, UV hasn't peaked, and you can finish a 150-ft run in a weekend. Here's the pro spray-then-back-brush technique that lasts 30–50% longer than rolling or spraying alone.
Hurricane Season 2026: How to Storm-Proof Your Fence Before the First Storm Hits
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season just opened. Here's the contractor-tested playbook for inspecting, reinforcing, and (where needed) rebuilding your fence to survive 80+ mph wind loads — before a named storm lands in your yard.
2026 Material Price Trends: What Homeowners Should Expect
Lumber and aluminum prices have shifted again. Here's how 2026 fence material costs compare to last year and what's driving the changes.
New Pool Barrier Codes Take Effect in Several States
Updated residential pool safety codes are rolling out in 2026. Here's what changed and which homeowners are affected.
Composite Fencing Sees Record Growth as Homeowners Seek Low Maintenance
Composite fence sales surged again this year. We break down why wood-plastic blends are winning over homeowners tired of staining.
How to Choose the Right Fence Contractor: 12 Questions to Ask
Hiring the wrong contractor is the most expensive fence mistake. Use these 12 questions to vet pros before you sign.
Fence Industry Labor Outlook: Demand Stays Strong in 2026
Skilled-labor shortages continue to shape fence pricing and lead times. Here's the 2026 industry outlook for homeowners and pros.
DIY vs. Professional Fence Installation: A 2026 Cost Comparison
Can you really save by installing your own fence? We break down the real numbers, the risks, and which materials are DIY-friendly.