So you’ve decided you need a fence – that’s great. But here’s the thing, fence installation isn’t as simple as just throwing up some posts and panels and calling it a day. There’s a lot that goes into doing it right, and honestly, we see way too many bad installations around Baton Rouge that end up costing people way more money down the road. At Baton Rouge Fence Company, we’ve been doing professional fence installation for years now, and we know exactly what it takes to build something that’s gonna last through Louisiana’s crazy weather and challenging soil conditions.
Whether you need wood fence installation, vinyl, chain link, or ornamental metal, the installation process matters just as much as the materials you choose. Bad installation – weak posts – fence failure, it all connects together. We’re not one of those crews that rushes through jobs to get to the next one. We take our time, do it right, and make sure every post is set properly in our clay soil, every panel is level and square, every gate swings smooth and doesn’t sag. Post depth – proper alignment – structural integrity, that’s what separates real fence installers from the guys who just showed up last week with a truck.
Working all over East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas like Zachary, Denham Springs, and Prairieville, we’ve installed fences on every type of property you can imagine. Small city lots in Mid City, big properties out in Livingston Parish, commercial buildings on Airline Highway, you name it. Property variations – soil conditions – installation challenges, every single job is different. Different terrain, different slopes, different soil composition, different requirements. That’s why experience matters. We’ve handled it all, and we bring that knowledge to your project. Installation expertise – local conditions – proven methods, you need contractors who know Baton Rouge inside and out.
Wood Fence Installation
The key to a good wood fence install is in the details, and it starts underground. Post depth – concrete setting – structural foundation, that’s the basis of everything. We dig our postholes deep enough to handle Louisiana soil and weather conditions, usually at least two to three feet depending on the fence height and your specific property. Clay soil – frost line – post stability, Baton Rouge’s clay soil actually helps once posts are set properly, but you gotta do it right.
We use concrete to set every post cause honestly, anything else is asking for problems in our climate. Post holes – concrete mix – curing time, we’re not just dumping some quick-set concrete and moving on. We use proper concrete, we make sure posts are plumb and braced, and we let it cure before we start hanging panels. Rushing this step causes sagging fences and leaning posts within a year. Proper curing – structural strength – long-term stability, take the time to do it right.
Cedar’s our most popular wood for fence installation cause it naturally resists rot and bugs, plus it just smells amazing when it’s fresh cut. Cedar benefits – natural resistance – premium material, it costs more than treated pine but lasts longer with less maintenance. We also do pressure-treated pine which is more affordable and holds up great when it’s installed correctly and maintained. Treated lumber – chemical protection – budget option, good treated pine properly installed can last 15-20 years easy.
Privacy fence installation is what most Baton Rouge homeowners request. Six or eight foot tall wood fencing – backyard privacy – neighbor separation, it gives you that outdoor space where you can actually relax without feeling like you’re on display. We install privacy fences with either individual boards or pre-fabricated panels, depending on your preference and budget. Board spacing – panel construction – installation method, each approach has advantages.
Spacing matters more than people realize. Boards need to be installed with proper gaps for expansion cause wood moves with temperature and humidity changes, and Louisiana humidity is no joke. Too tight – warping problems – panel damage, we’ve seen plenty of DIY jobs and cheap contractor work where they didn’t account for this. A year later the fence is all twisted up cause the wood expanded and had nowhere to go. Expansion gaps – seasonal movement – long-term performance, proper spacing prevents problems.
Vinyl Fence Installation
But here’s what a lot of people don’t know – vinyl fence installation is actually trickier than wood in some ways. The posts and panels need to be perfectly level and aligned cause vinyl doesn’t forgive mistakes like wood does. Post alignment – panel fit – professional results, it’s all connected and there’s no room for error. Wood you can sometimes adjust or fix, but vinyl is what it is. Perfect installation – precise measurements – exacting standards, that’s what vinyl requires.
We use reinforced vinyl posts and make sure everything’s set exactly right cause if it’s off even a little bit, you’ll notice. Post reinforcement – internal supports – wind resistance, especially important in Louisiana where we get tropical storms and occasional hurricanes. Cheap vinyl installations skip the reinforcement and the whole fence flexes and wobbles in wind. Structural integrity – weather resistance – storm survival, proper reinforcement makes all the difference.
The quality of vinyl materials varies big time between manufacturers. Cheap vinyl – sun damage – color fading, that’s what happens with the low-grade stuff some contractors use. We only install premium vinyl that’s made specifically to handle Southern heat and humidity. It won’t yellow, won’t get brittle, won’t crack when we get those rare freezes. UV inhibitors – heat resistance – cold tolerance, quality vinyl handles Louisiana’s temperature swings without problems.
And the color goes all the way through the material with good vinyl, so even if it gets scratched or damaged, you don’t see a different color underneath. Through-color technology – scratch resistance – lasting appearance, it’s one of those details that separates quality vinyl from cheap stuff.
Vinyl fence installation also requires different techniques for gate installation. Gates are heavier than people think, and if they’re not installed with proper reinforcement and quality hardware, they’ll sag within a year. Gate weight – hardware quality – long-term function, we use heavy-duty hinges and latches designed specifically for vinyl gates. Gate reinforcement – hinge placement – sagging prevention, we handle all of that during the install so your gates work smoothly for years.
Chain Link Fence Installation
The thing about chain link is, it looks simple but there’s actually a lot of technique involved in doing it right. Post spacing – fabric tension – fence stability, get any of that wrong and your fence won’t hold up. We space posts correctly based on the height and gauge of the chain link fabric – usually eight to ten feet for residential, closer spacing for commercial where you need more strength. Post intervals – structural support – proper spacing, it’s engineered, not random.
Corner posts and end posts get extra bracing cause that’s where all the tension loads up when you stretch the fabric. Terminal posts – tension stress – bracing requirements, these posts take way more force than line posts. We use larger diameter posts at corners and ends, we set them deeper, and we add bracing. Without proper terminal post installation, the whole fence pulls and leans over time. Structural engineering – load distribution – long-term stability, chain link installation has more engineering than people realize.
We stretch the fabric tight using proper tensioning tools – not too tight where it’ll pull the posts, not too loose where it’ll sag and look terrible. Fabric tension – stretching equipment – professional results, you need actual fence stretchers to do this right, not just pulling it by hand. And all our chain link comes with quality top rail, bottom tension wire if needed, and proper fittings. Complete framework – tension wire – professional hardware, the framework is what keeps chain link tight and functional for years.
Galvanized coating is crucial for chain link in Louisiana’s humid climate. Rust prevention – galvanized protection – coating quality, uncoated or poorly coated chain link will rust quickly here. We install commercial-grade galvanized chain link that resists corrosion. For customers who want color or extra privacy, we offer vinyl-coated chain link in black, green, or brown. Vinyl coating – color options – enhanced privacy, it costs more but looks better and lasts longer.
You can also dress up chain link with privacy slats, which we install all the time. Privacy slats – visual screening – wind reduction, slats turn chain link from see-through to private while still maintaining airflow. And we can add barbed wire or razor wire to the top for commercial security applications. Security enhancements – commercial protection – deterrent features, whatever level of security you need, we can configure it.
Ornamental Metal Fence Installation
Aluminum fencing gives you that classic wrought iron look but it’s lighter, won’t rust, and costs less. Aluminum benefits – rust resistance – affordable elegance, for most residential applications aluminum is plenty strong enough and way easier to work with. We install ornamental aluminum all over Baton Rouge neighborhoods where appearance matters – front yards in Garden District, Spanish Town, Bocage, those kinds of areas. Neighborhood aesthetics – property values – visual appeal, a nice metal fence in front makes your whole property look more upscale.
Wrought iron is the traditional choice if you want something heavy-duty and classic. Wrought iron – classic appearance – maximum strength, it’s heavier, stronger, and makes more of a statement. We install wrought iron for commercial properties, high-end residential, historic homes, places where you want that authentic look and serious security. Historic properties – commercial security – premium installations, iron is the gold standard.
Metal fence installation requires precision and proper techniques. Post foundation – gate mounting – structural support, everything needs to be engineered right cause these fences are heavy and the forces involved are significant. Posts need to be set deep in concrete – usually three feet or more – and gates especially need solid mounting or they’ll pull away from the posts over time. Gate weight – hinge stress – foundation requirements, metal gates are heavy and need serious support.
We powder coat all our metal fencing for protection and appearance. Powder coating – weather protection – color options, powder coating seals the metal against moisture and gives you color choices beyond basic black. And because we’re in Baton Rouge where it gets hot and humid, we make sure everything’s sealed and finished properly to prevent any rust or corrosion. Moisture protection – humidity resistance – long-term durability, proper finishing is essential in Louisiana’s climate.
Ornamental metal works great for pool fencing too. Pool enclosures – safety compliance – elegant solutions, you can meet safety codes with something that actually looks nice instead of ugly chain link. We install code-compliant pool fencing that passes inspection while looking good. Safety gates – self-closing hinges – latch requirements, we know all the pool fence codes and we’ll make sure you’re compliant.
The Professional Installation Process
We’ll help you choose the right fence type and materials for your specific situation. Not everyone needs the most expensive option, and we’re not gonna upsell you on stuff you don’t need. Material recommendations – budget considerations – practical solutions, our job is finding what actually works for you, not maximizing our sale. Style selection – height requirements – material choice, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each option.
Then we provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, and any additional costs. Transparent pricing – detailed estimates – no hidden fees, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for before we start. We don’t do those vague estimates that balloon later with “unexpected” charges. Fixed pricing – scope of work – project timeline, everything’s spelled out clearly.
If permits are needed, we handle that. Depending on where you live and what type of fence you’re installing, East Baton Rouge Parish or your municipality might require permits. Permit requirements – application process – code compliance, we know which projects need permits and we’ll take care of the paperwork. HOA approval – building permits – inspection scheduling, if it needs official approval, we’ll get it.
Installation day, our crew shows up on time with all the materials and professional equipment. Punctual service – complete materials – professional crew, we respect your time and your property. We start by marking out the fence line and locating any underground utilities – you’d be surprised how many bad contractors skip this step and hit utility lines. Utility location – property lines – layout marking, we call 811 and wait for utilities to be marked before we dig anything.
Then we dig postholes to proper depth using professional equipment. Post hole depth – equipment quality – efficient excavation, we’ve got power augers and the right tools to dig properly even in Baton Rouge’s tough clay soil. Hand digging in clay is brutal and usually results in shallow holes, which causes problems later. Proper equipment – adequate depth – correct diameter, the holes need to be right or the whole fence fails.
We set posts in concrete, make sure they’re plumb and properly aligned, and brace them while the concrete cures. Post setting – alignment checking – temporary bracing, this is where precision matters. Concrete mixture – curing time – weather considerations, we don’t rush the curing process even if it means coming back another day. Posts need to be solid before we put any load on them.
Once posts are set and cured, we install panels, pickets, or fabric depending on the fence type. We make sure everything’s level, square, and properly spaced. Panel installation – level checking – quality control, we’re constantly checking our work as we go. Gates get installed with quality hardware, properly hung and adjusted so they swing smoothly and latch correctly. Gate installation – hardware quality – adjustment process, a gate that doesn’t work right ruins an otherwise good fence.
Finally, we clean up completely when we’re done. Job site cleanup – debris removal – final walkthrough, your property should look better when we leave, not like a construction site. We do a final walkthrough with you to make sure everything’s exactly how you want it. Customer satisfaction – quality inspection – final approval, we don’t consider the job done until you’re completely happy.
Common Installation Challenges in Baton Rouge
Drainage is another issue on a lot of Baton Rouge properties. Low-lying areas – poor drainage – standing water, Louisiana’s basically a swamp in a lot of places. We have to account for drainage when planning fence lines and sometimes adjust post placement to avoid spots that stay wet. Water pooling – post rot – drainage solutions, standing water will rot wood posts and rust metal components faster.
Tree roots can be a nightmare when digging postholes. Root interference – digging obstacles – layout adjustments, we hit roots all the time on properties with mature trees. Sometimes we can cut through them, sometimes we have to adjust post placement slightly. Tree preservation – root systems – fence placement, we try to avoid damaging major roots that could hurt the trees.
Underground utilities are everywhere in developed areas. Gas lines – electrical conduit – water pipes, you gotta locate everything before you dig. We always call 811 and wait for utility companies to mark their lines. Utility strikes – safety hazards – proper location, hitting a gas line or electrical conduit isn’t just expensive, it’s dangerous.
Property line disputes come up more than you’d think. Boundary uncertainty – neighbor disputes – survey requirements, people often aren’t sure exactly where their property line is. We recommend getting a survey if there’s any question, cause installing a fence on your neighbor’s property causes serious problems. Legal boundaries – survey markers – neighbor relations, spending a few hundred on a survey beats a lawsuit later.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Improper post depth is the most common problem we see. Shallow posts – inadequate foundation – fence failure, posts need to be deep enough for your soil type and fence height. Two feet might be fine for a three-foot garden fence in sandy soil, but it’s not enough for a six-foot privacy fence in clay. Depth requirements – soil conditions – structural needs, there’s engineering involved.
Skipping concrete is another huge mistake. Posts set in dirt – soil settling – gradual failure, yeah you can just pack dirt around posts, but they’ll shift and lean within a year or two in most cases. Concrete setting – permanent stability – professional standards, concrete is not optional for a fence that’s gonna last.
Poor alignment and level issues make fences look terrible. Crooked panels – uneven tops – amateur appearance, a fence that’s not straight and level screams “DIY disaster.” Professional tools – precision installation – quality appearance, we use levels, string lines, and laser levels to keep everything perfect. Measuring twice – checking constantly – quality control, precision takes time but it’s worth it.
Bad gate installation is incredibly common. Sagging gates – poor hardware – functionality problems, gates are the most complex part of any fence and they’re almost always done wrong on DIY jobs. Gate swing – proper clearance – quality hinges, there’s a lot that goes into a gate that works smoothly for years. Hinge placement – latch alignment – diagonal bracing, skip any of these and your gate fails.
And then there’s safety and code compliance. Building codes – safety requirements – legal compliance, there are actual rules about fence installation, especially for pool fences. DIY installers often don’t know the codes and end up with fences that don’t pass inspection. Professional knowledge – code expertise – guaranteed compliance, hiring pros means it’s done right legally.
Get Professional Fence Installation
We’ve been installing fences around Baton Rouge for years, and we’ve built our reputation on quality work and treating customers right. Professional installation – quality materials – satisfied customers, most of our business comes from referrals which tells you how we treat people.
Don’t trust your property to some random contractor or try to tackle it yourself and end up with problems. Work with experienced fence installers who know Baton Rouge, understand Louisiana conditions, and do the job right the first time. Local expertise – proven methods – guaranteed results, that’s what you get with professional installation.
Call us today for your free fence installation consultation. Let’s get your project done right.