February, 2022 - Denver Fence Company

Is a Horizontal Fence for You?

We’re all familiar with the traditional fence – vertical pickets or planks attached to horizontal supports. But horizontal fence, sometimes referred to as lateral fence, is a show-stopper design that’s gaining traction across the country. Google “horizontal fence” or “lateral fence” and check out the images. You’ll see why horizontal fence design is so popular.

You’ve heard the phrase all things old become new again? It’s kind of that way with horizontal fence. Using a horizontal orientation in a fence dates back to prairie days and split rail fences, or the classic horse farm fence.

But today’s horizontal fence is most often a privacy fence, with the tiniest of gaps between planks. It can also be a board-on-board style, where there are no gaps at all. Both sides of the fence are visually appealing

Is Horizontal Fencing More Expensive?

Bottom line: it can be. A horizontal fence has fence posts that must be placed closer together than a vertical fence, in order to prevent sagging of the fence boards. On the other hand, where a vertical fence requires horizontal stringers, a horizontal fence does not.

Horizontal fencing can also be more expensive than a vertical counterpart, especially if it is a wood fence. That’s because it requires a higher grade of lumber to prevent sagging and warping. The horizontal orientation really isn’t a factor when it comes to vinyl or Trex® horizontal fence panels.

But a professionally installed horizontal fence will last for many years to come, with proper care and maintenance. It will add to the curb appeal of your home, and can increase the resale value should you decide to move in the future.

How Do You Build a Horizontal Fence?

Of course, the first step in any fence installation is the fence design and purchase of materials (after extensive measuring and calculations!) Once we have all of the materials, the actual installation begins.

We mentioned this briefly above. As with all fence installation, we start with digging post holes and the placement of the fence posts. For a horizontal wood fence, the posts are spaced more closely – usually about every 6 feet. We will need to wait a certain period of time (usually 48 hours) after setting the fence posts before moving on to the next step. It’s important that the posts set firmly in the concrete.

If we are using individual planks, we will saw them to the appropriate length. If we are using fence panels, installation will go more quickly. In both cases, we attach the horizontal boards or panels to the fence posts. Then we repeat the process for each section of fence. If it is part of your design, we will also add post caps to help protect the top of the post. This is especially important for wood fence posts.

Lastly, we will hang the gate (or gates).

What Materials Do You Use?

A horizontal fence like we’re talking about is a privacy fence. That means no steel ornamental fence materials, or chain link. We can use cedar, vinyl, or Trex® fencing, specifically, Trex® Horizons. In many cases, we use pre-assembled horizontal fence panels, but we can also create a custom design by attaching pickets/plans to the fence posts individually.

We can align planks for a sleek and modern look, as well as stagger them or use different plank lengths to create a contemporary look. Another way to customize your horizontal fence installation is by using fence posts of a different color than the fence panels. Nothing too crazy, but a darker brown for the fence posts next to a lighter-colored fence panel offers an interesting visual contrast.

Get a FREE Fence Installation Quote

If you’re thinking about getting a fence installed, whether traditional vertical planks/pickets, or horizontal fencing, we can help. With more than 40 years of experience in all aspects of fence installation, we can tackle any job, no matter how big or small.

Just fill out the contact form or call (720) 418-8194 to get started. We serve homeowners and commercial clients throughout the Denver metro area, including Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, and Wheat Ridge.

Denver Fence Repair Q and A: Ask the Experts

When it comes to Denver fence repair, we have the experience you need. We have more than 45 years of combined experience in fence installation and repair. Chances are good we’ve repaired a fence that has the same problems yours does.

Keep reading to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions we get.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Fence?

Repairing your fence is definitely the cheapest option, and offers at least a short-term solution. But sometimes, replacing your fence is the better choice. It all depends on the overall condition of your fence, how old it is, and your budget.

While you can do some minor fence repairs yourself, by checking out YouTube videos, we recommend hiring a professional to do a full assessment of your fence, and give you an honest opinion. You may want to get more than one evaluation.

A good rule of thumb is that if more than 20% of your fence is damaged by rot, or you have to replace more than 20% of it to repair all the issues, it’s time to replace the fence. You may also want to replace the fence because you don’t like how it looks, or want more privacy.

How Do You Fix a Leaning Fence?

If you have a leaning fence, it’s a sign of poor fence installation, unsecured fence posts, rotting fence posts, warped pickets or panels, or a combination of one or more of those. In most situations, we can fix a leaning fence be replacing one or more fence posts, or resetting them, and then reattaching the pickets or panels if they are in good condition.

If you have a leaning fence because a tree fell or a car ran into it, that is a more extensive repair.

How Do You Fix a Sagging Gate?

It’s pretty common for fence gates to sag at some point. It can happen with age, just like it can happen to us! The good news is you may be able to fix this issue yourself if you’re handy. Otherwise, give us a call, and we can take care of it for you.

Fixing a sagging gate can involve replacing the hinges, installing a new gate post, installing an anti-sag gate kit, or a combination of the three.

Can You Just Replace Missing Boards or Pickets?

The short answer is, yes, we can. In most situations, we can find a nearly identical board or picket to replace a missing one. Or we can cut one, if it’s a wood fence. The issue is that a new picket or board will stick out like a sore thumb, especially if your fence is older. You can solve this problem by staining it to look like weathered wood, or painting the whole fence.

If you have a damaged fence panel that we can’t repair to look decent, we may recommend putting in a new fence panel. We may also recommend replacing warped boards, or anything that shows sign of rot.

How Do You Fix a Chain Link Fence?

A hole, tear, or cut in a chain link fence is relatively easy to repair, by creating a patch of chain link that we then connect to the existing chain link. We do our best to match the material to make the patch blend in with the rest of the fence – for example, we wouldn’t use the standard grey chain link to patch a vinyl coated black chain link fence.

For more extensive damage, we might recommend replacing a larger portion of the chain link.

Will You Repair My Fence If You Didn’t Install It?

Yes, we will. We offer fence repair for all types of fences to any homeowner or business owner in the Denver area who requests our services.

Call to Schedule Denver Area Fence Repair

If your fence is in need of repair, the fastest way to get it fixed is to call us at (720) 418-8194. If the fence issue is a matter of security for your business or safety of your livestock, let us know when you call and we will see if we can work you in the same day.

For non-emergency fence repair, you can also fill out the contact form and let us know what the problem is, and we’ll be in touch by the next business day. When we come out, we’ll make the needed repairs so you can keep your property safe, and we’ll give you an honest opinion on if it’s time to replace your fence.

We work with homeowners and businesses throughout the Denver area, including Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, and Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas.