The difference between a fence project that lasts and one that becomes a callback is almost always in the details that don't show up in a low bid.
These are the specs and design decisions our team insists on for every Houston home — the ones that quietly separate a real professional install from a cheap one.
1. Concrete-set posts below frost depth
Houstons issue isnt frost — its clay heave. 30" minimum footings with a bell at the bottom keep posts plumb.
2. Cedar or steel posts, never pine
Pine posts rot at grade in 3–5 years. Cedar or galvanized steel is the durable spec.
3. Galvanized or stainless fasteners
Regular screws bleed rust down the boards within one season.
4. Proper gap for wood movement
Butted-tight cedar cups and splits as it shrinks. A 1/8" gap keeps boards flat.
5. Kickboard along the bottom
A pressure-treated kickboard protects picket ends from ground contact and dramatically extends fence life.
The bottom line
Any of these can be skipped to hit a lower price — and every one of them will show up as a problem within a few years. Ask any contractor bidding your fence project which of these are included, in writing. The honest ones welcome the question.
If you'd like to walk through what these look like on your specific home, our team is happy to do a no-pressure consultation.
