Fence Installation, Gates and Fence Repair

Fences we build

A fence does different jobs for different households: keeping a dog in the yard, blocking the view from a busy road, marking a property line or framing a garden. The style should follow the job.

Privacy fences

Tall, solid fences with boards set tight together or overlapped in a shadowbox pattern. Shadowbox styles alternate boards on each side of the rails, so the fence looks finished from both sides and lets some air through, which helps it handle wind.

Horizontal fences

Horizontal boards give a clean, modern look that pairs well with updated homes and outdoor living spaces. Because long horizontal boards can sag or bow, they need closer post spacing or a supporting mid-post, and consistent gaps between boards take careful work.

Picket and decorative fences

Shorter, open fences that define a front yard, enclose a garden or add character without closing off the view.

Other materials

Wood is the most common fence material we install, but vinyl and metal styles are also options depending on the look you want and how much maintenance you are willing to do. We will talk through the trade-offs during your estimate.

Before a single post goes in

Most fence problems that are expensive to fix start with planning, not construction. These steps come first.

Confirm the property line

Knowing exactly where your property ends is your responsibility as the homeowner, and it matters. If you are unsure, locate your property pins or have a survey done. Fences built over the line can lead to neighbor disputes or relocation.

Check HOA rules and local requirements

Many subdivisions have rules on height, materials, style and which side of the fence faces out. Some areas also have setback or height limits, especially near roads and in front yards. We will explain upfront what your project needs, including whether a permit is required, but HOA approval needs to come from you before work begins.

Locate underground utilities

Before digging post holes, underground lines must be marked. Tennessee's 811 call-before-you-dig service handles public utilities. Private lines, such as those to a detached garage, a well pump or landscape lighting, are not always marked, so let us know about anything you have had installed.

Plan gates and access

Think about how you will get mowers, wheelbarrows and trash bins in and out. A gate that is too narrow is one of the most common regrets after a fence goes in.

How we build a fence that stays straight

1. Layout. Corners and ends are staked, and a string line sets the fence path so the finished run is straight and posts are evenly spaced.
2. Post holes. Holes are dug to a depth that suits the fence height and soil, wider at the bottom where possible to resist frost heave and leaning.
3. Setting posts. Posts are set plumb in concrete, with the top of the concrete shaped to shed water away from the wood. Corner, end and gate posts get the most attention because they carry the most stress.
4. Rails and framing. Rails are attached level, or stepped or racked to follow a slope, depending on the look you want and the grade of the yard.
5. Boards or panels. Pickets and boards are fastened with exterior-rated fasteners, keeping gaps and heights consistent.
6. Gates and hardware. Gates are framed square, braced against sagging, and hung on heavy-duty hinges with a latch that lines up.

Gates deserve extra attention

A gate is the only part of a fence that moves, and it takes the most abuse. We build gate frames with a diagonal brace running from the bottom of the hinge side up to the latch side, set hinge posts deeper and stronger than line posts, and choose hinges sized for the gate's weight. Wide driveway openings may call for a double gate with a drop rod to hold one side in place.

Fence repair

Not every problem means a new fence. We repair:

• Leaning or rotted posts, by replacing or resetting them and reattaching the existing sections
• Broken or missing pickets and rails
• Sagging or dragging gates
• Sections damaged by fallen limbs or vehicles

Keeping a wood fence stained or sealed slows weathering and helps boards resist cupping and splitting. Trimming vines and shrubs away from the fence and keeping soil and mulch from piling against the bottom boards also help the wood stay dry.

When a fence has rot across many posts, or most of the boards are warped and split, replacement is usually the better use of your budget, and we will tell you that honestly.

Fences and the rest of your outdoor space

A new fence often goes hand in hand with other outdoor projects. If you are planning a new deck or pergola, we can match materials and finishes so the yard feels cohesive. When an old fence or shed has to come out first, our demolition and haul-off service clears the way. Exterior improvements like these are part of a bigger picture, which our post on the benefits of interior and exterior renovations explores.

Get a fence estimate

We will walk the fence line with you, talk through style, height and gate placement, and provide a written estimate with honest, upfront pricing. Top Quality Home Improvement has over 20 years of experience and serves Knox, Anderson, Blount and Union counties. Request your free fence estimate or call 865-279-0501.