Does your fallen wood fence have you feeling down?
Did your wood fence fall over? If so, here are some expert tips to help you navigate the rebuilding process: 

1. Prioritize safety by contacting 811 to ensure utilities are marked before any digging begins. It's crucial to 'Call before you dig' (8-1-1) to prevent potential damage to gas and other utility lines. Failure to do so could result in costly repairs, with homeowners left footing the bill if lines are accidentally hit.
2. Selecting the right contractor is important. Take the time to check references, read Google reviews, and checkout the quality of their previous work. Not all fences are created equal, and you certainly don't want to end up with a subpar fence that doesn’t last, is not straight or falls over again.
3. Exercise caution when it comes to deposits for wood fencing. It's advisable to provide only a minimal deposit for such projects. It should raise a red flag if a contractor demands a large deposit, especially considering that wood fence materials are typically readily available and not custom ordered.
4. Be wary of contractors who overpromise and underdeliver. While some may claim they can start your project promptly, many end up making excuses for delays after receiving a deposit. Don't be swayed by smooth-talking individuals; instead, opt for a contractor with a proven track record of reliability."
5. While well-built wood fences can last for 15-20 years, certain factors can significantly shorten their lifespan. Here are a few key considerations:
6. Insufficient concrete around the post or dry packing can weaken the fence. For a standard 6'6" tall wood privacy fence we recommend posts spaced 7' apart, we recommend using approximately 80 lbs of wet-mixed concrete per post, and at least a full 24” deep into the ground. This ensures sturdy support and longevity.
7. Areas with poor drainage, especially where water accumulates around the base of the posts, can drastically reduce a fence's lifespan. Proper drainage solutions, such as grading the ground or installing a French drain to redirect water away from the fence, are crucial. Alternatively, opting for heavy-grade 40-gauge galvanized posts can extend the fence post lifespan to 20-40 years.
8. Flower beds surrounding the fence can also pose a threat, particularly when mulch is used. Mulch retains moisture, accelerating wood decay. We advise against building flower beds around wood privacy fences. Alternatively, consider upgrading to larger 4x6 wood posts or heavy-grade 40-gauge galvanized posts to help your fence last longer.
9. Other Helpful Notes: We use exterior-rated galvanized (commonly called Hot Dipped Galvanized) ring shank nails. 3” for framing nails and 1-7/8” for our pickets. 6 Nails per picket for three 2x4 rail installations. Typically we use a beveled edge 2x6 bottom rot board and treated pine framework. Our pickets are typically Western Red Cedar or sometimes the Import Kiln Dried Cedar. The Kiln Dried Cedar is a little lower price point but still a much better product than the cheap and low-quality treated pine pickets you find at many box stores.