4 Rules to follow to build a fence that lasts – and who in this city follows them

1. Always use pressure treated posts and rails: Pressure treatment makes the wood more resistant to weather, which makes the fence last longer. There are different levels of treatment (ranging from 0.20 retention to 0.60 retention – higher is better), and if you don’t know to ask for it, chances are good that you’ll get a fence with NO pressure treatment at all. Without pressure treatment, your fence is almost guaranteed to rot – especially in wet climates. On Point Installation standard fences are built a grade above the recommended minimum for pressure treatment.

2. Cedar outlasts pine every time: Different kinds of wood stand up differently to severe weather. Extreme heat, cold, sunshine, wind, frost, rain, and snow all take a toll on your fence. Cedar has been proven to last 50 to 100 percent longer than pine in outdoor construction including fencing. On Point Installation offers fencing in either cedar or pine. Some people prefer the look of a pine fence. On Point Installation will help make your pine fence last longer by using weather protection stain on any pine fence you order to help it outlast the weather.

3. Superior rails prevent your fence from sagging: Even if your posts and rails are pressure treated, you’re still better off when your fence rails are made with 2x4s, not the 2x3s that are the industry standard. Using 2x4s helps ensure that your fence will still be standing up straight five years down the road. On Point Installation uses only 2x4s – if your fence looks bad, we look bad.

4. More weight requires more hinges: The taller and heavier your gate, the more hinges you need to hold it up and make it swing smoothly. Obvious stuff, right? Maybe not. About 45% of all wooden fences are 8’ “privacy” fences which usually have heavier gates than 4’ or 6’ fences. Most experts recommend putting at least three, and ideally four hinges on a gate this big. But many contractors will try to get away with using only two to save money on the job. On Point Installation uses at least one 6” steel or brass hinge per 2’ of gate height. The result is a gate that swings easily, and stands up to punishment.

If you’d like to talk to one of our contractors to find out more about how you can tell a good fence from a bad, or if you’d like an estimate or an appointment, contact us.