So we focus on 6-foot privacy fences and 4-foot picket fences in wood, vinyl, steel, and aluminum. Nationwide the majority of fence jobs are wood, and that's driven by code. Historically was considered the least expensive type of fence. Then there are the chain link fences of the world, which is becoming a smaller part of our business. After that you get into vinyl, which, like wood, is either picket or privacy. What we see the most of are wooden fences - both picket and privacy - ornamental metal fencing and aluminum.
The thing about fencing is that there are so many styles that to be a good fencing contractor you have to carry all the styles and kinds of materials. LB: It's about a day and a half to two days, with a one-man crew.
#GUIER FENCE KANSAS CITY INSTALL#
RC: How long does it take to install a fence? In Texas there are bigger yards but the prices are less. In New England they have small yards but higher prices. It's going to depend a lot on where you are and how big the yard is. And Kansas City tends to be right about in the middle of the market.
LB: Our average sale in a residential job - and this has been pretty steady - is about $3,500. RC: How much do fence jobs generally go for? We are a $10 million-plus company, founded in 1979, with three locations in the Kansas City area. We are the only nationwide fence franchise. The franchise is based on that residential model. We have been able to capture a lot of business in Kansas City by taking care of customers, so we are looking to build the same kind of business nationwide through franchising. We do both residential and commercial jobs. Lea Bailes: We're one of the largest fence companies in the U.S. She cleans her fence yearly and seals it every two years.Replacement Contractor: What is Guier Fence? She likes the "Zen-like" mood it sets in her back yard.įunk can remove individual planks when they weather if there's wood rot, it's an easy fix. Funk, inspired by a trip to Portland, crafted cedar fencing with horizontal slats. There's no need to rule out custom touches, however. Maintenance is minimal because of the handmade processes and epoxy paint, but the cost can be prohibitive. In high-end forged iron or silicon bronze fences, each joint is welded to a post for a strong structure, said Steve Austin of Austin Ironworks. Homeowners seeking artistic fences or an outdoor scheme often use metal or wood materials. They also can be made to match the slope of the yard. They are the least expensive fencing option, are durable and require little maintenance (and replacement is relatively easy).īut some homeowners associations and local codes forbid them, and though they corral pets, most don't offer security or privacy.Ĭustom fences allow homeowners to match lamp posts, gates and outdoor lighting. "Chain-link fences can look great if they're done right," said Michael Davis of Ace Fence Co. If needed, clean with water, use antimould or mildew products and periodically check for rust.Ĭhain-link fencing is familiar to us all, though today's incarnations are available in green, brown and black and are powder-coated for rust protection. Maintenance is minimal on well-made ornamental fencing (check the warranty), but paint problems can result from lesser-grade products.
Denser pickets along the bottom keep small pets in and rabbits out.Īluminum or steel fencing complements a century-old home as well as newly constructed ones. A popular variation is "puppy fencing," which is made of steel but maintains the wrought-iron look. "Weigh the costs and get the best impact for the money," Funk said.Īluminum and steel fencing that recalls the black wrought iron of years past is one of the hottest sellers now, said Jenna Schwarting of Tom Burge Fence & Iron in Overland Park, Kan.
"Often their budget is one-third of what's realistic."Įven do-it-yourself fencing requires careful attention to math, said Amy Funk, an interior designer who built her own fence in her Prairie Village, Kan., yard. "People set low - budget marks for fencing," said Lea Bailes, president of Guier Fence in Blue Springs, Mo. Also factor in the purposes of the fence: privacy, protection, beauty, functionality, even noise reduction. While ornamental metal and wood fences match most homes, vinyl and composite fences often look nice with new construction, some experts say. When choosing fencing, consider the age and style of your home. Good fences cut clean lines through tangled boundaries, shepherd privacy and adorn homes with designer touches.