Fence and concrete questions, answered
General
How much does a fence cost in Houston?
Most 6 ft wood privacy fences run $25 to $50 per linear foot installed. Pine is on the low end and cedar board-on-board is on the high end. You get the exact price in writing.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
Expect about $8 to $15 per square foot for a standard driveway, so a two-car driveway often runs $5,000 to $9,000. Tear-out and extra thickness change the price.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
In Houston, a permit is only needed for fences over 8 ft or fences made of brick, block or concrete. Many HOAs have stricter rules, and we help with those forms.
Do you call 811 before digging?
Yes. Texas law says to call 811 at least 2 business days before digging, and we wait for the lines to be marked. It is free and it protects you.
Are you licensed and insured?
Texas has no state fence or concrete license. We carry general liability insurance and give you a copy before work starts. Driveway work in the city right-of-way needs a City of Houston permit, which we pull.
New fences
How much does a fence cost in Houston?
Public guides list about $10 to $50 per linear foot for a privacy fence, with most full projects between $1,800 and $8,000. We give an exact price in writing after we measure.
Do I need a permit?
Not for a 6-foot wood fence in most of Houston. You do for fences over 8 feet, masonry or in a floodplain. Your HOA may also need to approve.
Who owns the fence between me and my neighbor?
It depends on the property line and local rules. Check your survey and talk to your neighbor before building.
Pine or cedar?
Cedar costs more but lasts longer in wet, hot weather. Pine is fine for a tight budget if you plan to stain it.
Fence repair
Should I repair or replace my fence?
If more than a third of the posts are bad, replacing is usually better. We give both prices so you can compare.
Can you repair a fence after a storm?
Yes. We prioritize wind damage and can reset posts and re-hang panels. Plan members get priority.
Do you match old boards?
We match the type and size as closely as we can. New wood will look different until it weathers.
How long does a repair take?
Small repairs take a few hours. A full section rebuild can take one to two days.
Gates
Why does my gate keep sagging?
Weak posts and no diagonal brace are the usual reasons. We rebuild the post and add a brace or steel frame.
How wide should a drive gate be?
12 feet works for most vehicles. Trailers and large mowers may need more.
Can you add a lock?
Yes. We install keyed latches and padlock hasps.
Do you do automatic gates?
We build the gate. Opener wiring is done by a licensed electrician.
Concrete driveways
How thick should a driveway be?
Most residential driveways are 4 inches. A thicker slab or extra rebar is used for heavy trucks.
How long before I can drive on it?
Foot traffic after a day or two, cars after about seven days, and heavy trucks after four weeks.
Why did my driveway crack?
Soil movement, thin base, no rebar and heavy loads are the usual reasons. Control joints direct cracks.
Do you remove the old driveway?
Yes. Removal and hauling are listed as a line item in your written price.
Patios and slabs
How big should my patio be?
For a table and chairs, plan about 12 by 12 feet. Add more for a grill or outdoor kitchen.
Can a patio crack?
Small hairline cracks are normal. Joints and rebar help control larger ones.
How soon can I use it?
Light foot traffic after a day or two, furniture after a week.
Will a patio change drainage?
It can. We slope it away from the house so water does not collect against the slab.
Staining and sealing
When should I stain a new fence?
Wait until the wood is dry. Pressure-treated pine can take several weeks. A water drop test shows if it soaks in.
How often do I need to re-stain?
Every two to three years in Houston, depending on sun and color.
Do you stain both sides?
We can. Most customers stain their own side, and some stain both.
Can you stain a gray fence?
Yes, after cleaning. We may need a brightener first.
Cost
Why do fence prices change so much?
Lumber prices move, and each yard is different. Slope, gates, tear-out and hard digging change the total.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
In Houston a permit is only needed for fences over 8 feet, masonry fences, or in a floodplain. HOAs often have more rules.
Do you need a deposit?
Most large projects need a deposit. We list it in the written price.
Are these your prices?
No. They are typical Houston ranges from public guides. Prices marked as ours come from our price list.