
Arlington homeowners on mature tree-lined streets and in newer master-planned subdivisions with mandatory wood-fence HOA covenants turn to privacy fence installation in Arlington to define property lines, screen neighbors, and add lasting value to brick ranch and split-level homes across South Arlington and the Mid-Cities. The deep, dark, highly expansive clay soil that swells after spring rain and cracks hard in summer drought demands posts set deep in concrete and materials chosen for their durability in North Texas humidity and the seasonal wind-driven stress that comes with towering spring supercells. Cedar and treated-pine privacy fences built to the 6-foot standard are the workhorse choice here, and we build them to last 15 to 20 years with honest guidance on when cedar justifies its cost and when treated pine is the smarter budget call. Since 2015, we have installed board-on-board and side-by-side fences across Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, and the surrounding Mid-Cities, and we are members of the American Fence Association. If your fence is showing rot at the post line, leaning sections, or weather damage from a spring storm, we can often repair it faster and cheaper than replacement. Start with a free estimate at (682) 277-0410.
Why Privacy Fence Installation Matters in Arlington's Changing Neighborhoods
Arlington's residential character spans from 1960s brick ranch homes on mature post oak and pecan lots to 1990s-2010s two-story subdivisions with strict wood-fence HOA covenants and larger custom estates with wrought-iron entries in Southlake and Colleyville. A privacy fence does more than screen your backyard from the street or a neighbor's view; it defines your property line clearly, protects young children and pets, provides wind and noise buffering on the Blackland Prairie, and is often a requirement or restriction under your HOA deed. North Texas spring storms and the summer heat-and-drought cycle that cracks clay soil also stress fence posts at the ground line, where moisture collects and wood begins to fail within 10 to 15 years if not maintained. Getting the installation right from the start, with posts set in concrete at proper depth and spacing, and materials chosen for the local climate, saves you from costly repairs down the road.
- Defines property lines clearly and prevents neighbor disputes over fence placement.
- Meets HOA architectural standards and deed restrictions common in newer master-planned communities.
- Protects children and pets while adding privacy and wind buffering on open prairie lots.
- Requires deep post setting in concrete to resist the clay soil expansion and contraction cycle.
- Lasts 15 to 20 years with proper material choice and maintenance from day one.
A fence that starts right is a fence that holds its value and your peace of mind for years.
Key info: Arlington and surrounding Mid-Cities jurisdictions set their own fence height, setback, and material rules. Most allow 6-foot privacy fences in rear yards, but corner visibility rules and HOA covenants may restrict height or require specific materials like cedar. Check with the Arlington Building Department or your HOA before starting, and call us to confirm the line with your neighbor. See fence repair services if you need to fix an existing fence first.
How We Install Wood and Privacy Fences in Arlington: The Right Way
A properly installed privacy fence starts with a property line survey or a clear agreement with your neighbor on where the fence sits, then moves to utility locates, post layout, and the critical step of setting posts in concrete at the correct depth and spacing. We use a step-by-step process that accounts for Arlington's clay soil movement, wind load, and the long-term stress that comes from heat, rain, and the occasional storm damage. Whether you choose cedar for its natural look and durability, pressure-treated pine for budget and strength, or a board-on-board design for maximum privacy, the foundation is the same: posts spaced 6 feet apart, set 2.5 to 3 feet deep in concrete, with stringers and pickets fastened tight to prevent racking and sagging over time.
- Confirm the property line with an existing survey or agree on the fence location with your neighbor in writing.
- Call Texas 811 for a free utility locate to mark underground lines before we dig any post holes.
- Lay out post positions 6 feet apart and mark them with stakes and string.
- Dig holes 2.5 to 3 feet deep, set posts in concrete, and allow concrete to cure for 48 hours before attaching rails and pickets.
- Attach stringers (horizontal rails) with galvanized or stainless fasteners to resist rust and weather.
- Install pickets side-by-side or board-on-board, with consistent spacing and a level top line or stepped design on sloped terrain.
- Inspect the fence for square, plumb, and tight fasteners before we leave the site.
This process takes 3 to 5 days for a typical 100-foot run, depending on soil conditions and weather.
Local example: A homeowner in Mansfield with a 150-foot rear property line and clay soil that swells in spring wanted a 6-foot cedar privacy fence for HOA compliance. We confirmed the line with a property survey, pulled a utility locate, and set posts 6 feet apart in concrete. The cedar pickets were installed board-on-board for maximum privacy, and the fence was complete in 5 days. The homeowner has had no issues with sagging or racking in three seasons of North Texas weather.
Wood and Privacy Fence Installation Methods: Cedar vs. Treated Pine vs. Board-on-Board
| Approach | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Privacy Fence | Naturally rot-resistant heartwood, attractive warm color, side-by-side or board-on-board pickets, lasts 15-20 years with periodic staining. | HOA requirements, high-visibility lots, homeowners who value natural wood appearance and don't mind maintenance. |
| Pressure-Treated Pine Fence | Chemically treated for rot and insect resistance, stronger than cedar, greenish-gray initial color that weathers to gray, side-by-side or board-on-board. | Budget-conscious homeowners, high-wind or high-stress areas, longer lifespan without staining. |
| Board-on-Board Design | Pickets overlap on alternating sides of the stringers, creating a solid wall with no gaps, maximum privacy, works in either cedar or treated pine. | Maximum privacy, screening wind and noise, HOA covenants that require solid appearance. |
| Side-by-Side Design | Pickets installed flat against stringers with minimal gaps between them, clean modern look, slightly less wind resistance than board-on-board. | Traditional neighborhoods, HOA requirements for symmetry, homeowners who want a finished appearance with modest airflow. |
Cedar looks beautiful and smells great, but treated pine is stronger and requires less maintenance. We tell you honestly which makes sense for your budget and your neighborhood.
Wood and Privacy Fence Installation Cost in Arlington: What to Expect
Privacy fence installation in Arlington starts at approximately $27 per linear foot for a basic pressure-treated pine side-by-side fence with posts set in concrete. Cedar privacy fences run higher, typically $35 to $50 per linear foot depending on cedar grade and board thickness. A board-on-board design, which overlaps pickets for maximum privacy, adds 10 to 15 percent to the material cost. The final price depends on several concrete factors: the length of the fence, soil conditions and post depth required in the clay-heavy Blackland Prairie, access for equipment and crews, whether the line is straight or slopes with the terrain, and whether you choose cedar or treated pine.
A 100-foot fence at $27 per foot runs $2,700 for treated pine side-by-side. A 100-foot cedar board-on-board fence might run $4,000 to $5,000. These figures include posts set in concrete, stringers, pickets, galvanized fasteners, and labor. We always recommend getting 2 to 3 estimates so you can compare materials, installation method, and warranty. Visit our pricing page for a detailed breakdown, and call us at (682) 277-0410 for a free estimate with no obligation.
Factors that move the price up include: rocky or clay-heavy soil that requires extra digging time, a sloped or stepped fence design to follow the terrain, proximity to trees or structures that limit crew access, removal of an old fence before the new one goes in, and higher-grade cedar or custom cap and trim details. If your lot is large, the soil is difficult, or the fence runs near trees or power lines, we schedule an on-site visit to give you an accurate number.
Wood and Privacy Fence Installation Near Me: What Arlington Homeowners Should Know Before Hiring
Finding a fence installer you trust starts with checking that the company carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance on request. In Texas, fence installation licensing is set county by county, and Arlington does not require a state contractor license for fence work below certain thresholds; however, some neighboring jurisdictions may have different rules, so confirm with your local building department. Ask for references from recent jobs in your neighborhood, check that the installer understands your HOA deed restrictions and local fence height and setback rules, and get everything in writing including the fence line location, materials, timeline, and final price. A free estimate should take 20 to 30 minutes and should include a walk of the property, a discussion of soil conditions, and a clear breakdown of costs.
- Verify that the installer carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance with a current certificate of insurance.
- Confirm fence height, setback, and material rules with the Arlington Building Department and your HOA before signing a contract.
- Ask for three references from completed jobs in your neighborhood and follow up with at least two.
- Ensure the installer will call Texas 811 for a utility locate and get written confirmation before digging.
- Get a written estimate that includes fence length, material type, installation method, timeline, and any site-specific conditions that affect price.
- Understand the warranty on materials and labor, and ask what happens if a post fails or a picket cracks within the first year.
A good installer explains why they are recommending cedar or treated pine, walks you through the board-on-board versus side-by-side choice, and is honest about what your soil and terrain will support. Contact us at our contact page to schedule a free estimate, and we will answer your questions about permits, HOA approval, and the right fence for your Arlington home.
Wood & Privacy Fence Installation in Arlington: Pricing Guide
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine Privacy Fence | Starting at $27/ft | Posts set in concrete, side-by-side or board-on-board pickets, galvanized fasteners, lasts 15+ years in North Texas climate |
| Cedar Privacy Fence | Starting at $35/ft | Naturally rot-resistant cedar heartwood, attractive warm color, board-on-board or side-by-side, requires periodic staining for longevity |
| Board-on-Board Design (Cedar or Treated Pine) | Add 10-15% to material cost | Overlapping pickets for maximum privacy and wind screening, ideal for HOA requirements and sloped terrain racked or stepped |
| Site-Specific Installation | On estimate | Difficult soil, sloped terrain, tree removal, old fence removal, or proximity to structures requires on-site assessment before pricing |
| Free Estimate | No obligation | Response within 24 hours at (682) 277-0410, includes property walk, soil assessment, and written cost breakdown |
Indicative pricing, the exact cost depends on square footage, finish, and site access. Free personalized estimate within 24h at (682) 277-0410.