Post and Rail Fencing Jackson, MS

Initial Consultation

The process starts when our project manager meets with you on-site to gain a clear sense of your vision for the post and rail fencing. We’ll discuss:

• Overall fencing height and length
• Whether you want a 3 rail, 4 rail or 5 rail design
• Material choice between cedar, redwood or pressure-treated pine
• Gate locations and size requirements
• Budget expectations

We’ll also evaluate current landscape conditions and identify any challenges that may impact the install. At the end of this initial meeting we’ll provide you an accurate written estimate for your review.

Material Selection

Once you’ve approved the project estimate, we order the specific fencing materials outlined. For the posts, we use durable, long-lasting wood that matches the rail material you selected. The most popular options are:

• Cedar Posts – Naturally rot and insect resistant without chemical treatment. Has an attractive reddish-brown color.
• Redwood Posts – Also naturally decay resistant. Redwood has a distinctive reddish hue.
• Pressure-Treated Pine Posts – Pine posts are chemically treated to resist rot and insects. Has a greenish tinted appearance.

The horizontal rail boards are planed smooth and we perfectly align each board to deliver clean, professional lines. We also stock a variety of decorative post caps and hardware to allow further customization.

Site Preparation

Before we touch the first post or rail, our crew will carefully prepare the installation site. This involves:

• Marking all underground utility lines and pipes to prevent damage
• Layout out exact post hole positions with string lines
• Removing existing vegetation or obstacles in the fence installation area

We’ll also discuss final confirmation of the post and rail directions as well as gate locations with you before proceeding further.

Post Hole Digging

With markings in place and measurements triple checked, we’ll dig the post holes using an auger drill rig. Each hole will be 12 to 18 inches in diameter and deep enough for securing the posts 3 to 4 feet underground. This provides sufficient stability and strength for the entire fence line.

Space between the posts typically ranges from 8 to 16 feet depending on fence height and wind exposure. For added anchoring, we’ll pour concrete in the bottom portion of each hole and steel rebar may be inserted vertically before installation as well.

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Post Installation

We carefully lower and position the end, corner and gate posts into their holes first. After verifying alignment is exact, we pour concrete around the posts and allow that to fully cure before moving down the fence line.

The finished height for the top of the posts establishes the overall fence height. Standard heights range from 3 feet up to 5 feet. Taller fences or gates may require thicker dimension posts for increased structural capacity.

Once the concrete sets, we install the remaining posts along the string line, verifying consistent spacing as we work. The posts are secured in the ground while still allowing seasonal wood movement as temperature and moisture changes.

Rail Installation

With posts in place, we’re ready to install the horizontal rails. We start by attaching the bottom rail first, working our way up. The rails may be notched to fit over posts or fastened to the sides using galvanized brackets and screws. Top rails have curved edges for a finished look.

Proper rail spacing maintains the fence’s structural integrity and classic post and rail proportions:

• 3-rail has equally spaced rails
• 4 and 5-rail designs have closer top rail spacing

We also allow small expansion gaps between rail ends at larger section breaks to prevent buckling. This flexibility coupled with using strictly heartwood rail boards reduces natural cracking/checking and extends the fence’s service life.

Gate Construction

Any gates are built at the same time as the fence rails so everything aligns and blends seamlessly once installed. Gates are constructed using the same quality materials and proper bracing to prevent sagging over years of use.

The gates will match the number of rails and overall height of the rest of the fence. Other details like decorative metal accents, latches and gate posts to mount the hardware to are prepared based on your selections. Safety is also a prime consideration for gate placement and swing direction.

Everything is completed with attention to detail – well-formed mortise and tenon joinery, rounded edges, perfect spacing, protection from decay and insects, durable fasteners and consistent sanding/staining.

We want the gates to have smooth operation and compliment the beauty of the fully installed post and rail fencing for decades to come.

Fence Stain & Protectant

As a final step, we’ll apply a professional grade penetrating fence stain and sealer if desired. The products we use enrich the tone of the wood while allowing the texture and grain to show through. It also protects against UV damage, wood decay and insect attack.

Multiple coats are brushed on for consistent coverage, followed by back-brushing to work the stain into the wood pores. This ensures proper penetration and uniform appearance.

Fence stain color options range from transparent and semitransparent to solid opacity in tones of brown, red and gray. We also have formulated stains for cedar, redwood and pressure-treated pine that enhance their natural coloring.

You also have the option to allow your fence to weather naturally without stain. This silvery-gray aged look has its own rustic appeal. We’re happy to advise on the benefits and drawbacks of staining vs. unstained based on the wood type used and your aesthetic preferences.

Job Site Clean Up & Protection

As we wrap up the project, we’ll do a thorough clean up of the entire job site. Excess materials are removed, unused concrete/soil is disposed of properly and we’ll brush away any visible dust or debris. We want to restore the site to its original undisturbed condition so you can fully enjoy your new post and rail fence!

We also take measures during the installation to protect existing lawn, trees and gardens from damage. It’s extremely important to us to limit the impact of our work and not leave you with time-consuming landscape repairs after we depart. That attention to care is a core principle we build every fence by.

In total, you can expect full completion of your custom post and rail fencing project in 5-7 business days depending on size. Please reach out with any other questions about what working with our team looks like!