Short answers to questions we hear from homeowners in Mountain View and the towns around it. Links to the longer guides on cost, permits, repairs and shared fences are at the bottom of the page.
How deep should fence posts be set?
As deep as the fence height and the soil call for. The valley floor has no frost line, so depth here is about wind and clay, not freezing. A widely used rule of thumb puts roughly a third of the post in the ground. Gate posts, tall solid fences and posts in soft or wet clay go deeper.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
We use concrete for gate posts, corner posts and any solid privacy fence. Clay drains poorly, so a little gravel at the bottom of the hole and a footing top that slopes away from the post keep water from sitting on the wood. Expanding foam is fast, but we would not hang a gate or a 6-foot solid fence on it.
How long should I wait before staining a new wood fence?
Until the boards are dry. Sprinkle water on one. If the water soaks in, the wood is ready. If it beads, wait. In a dry Mountain View summer, redwood and cedar boards can be ready quickly. Pressure-treated lumber arrives wet and takes longer, and anything built during the rainy season dries slowly.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
There is no flat price, because it depends on the square footage and on how weathered the wood is. Ask us to list it as a separate line on the fence estimate.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, if they are exterior-coated or stainless. Plain steel will rust, and redwood and cedar both stain black around ordinary steel fasteners. Stainless or hot-dip galvanized screws avoid the streaks.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
It can, using a paint made for vinyl. Plan on repainting in time. Stay away from dark colors, which take in heat under the summer sun and can distort the panels. Wash the fence first, since cleaning alone often brings back much of the color.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild the gate posts. A wide double gate needs its own heavy posts in deep concrete footings, and standard line posts will not carry it for long. We set new gate posts and rebuild the short section of fence on each side to tie in.
Will an earthquake knock my fence down?
Rarely, if the fence is sound. Wood and metal fences are light and they flex, so shaking by itself seldom drops one. Posts that were already loose or rotted are the weak spot. Masonry and stucco walls are heavy and are a separate question that needs engineering.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
Property taxes are a question for the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office, which decides what is assessable new construction. In Menlo Park, Atherton, Redwood City and the other San Mateo County towns, ask that county's Assessor. A fence is a minor improvement compared with the house.
We can only give a real price after seeing the yard. The on-site estimate is free. Call (408) 539-2396 or text us a photo of the fence line.