Start with the right fence for the job
Most fence projects come down to what the fence has to do, whether that's privacy, keeping a dog in, meeting pool rules, holding livestock or improving curb appeal. That decides the material, and the material sets most of the price.
- Wood privacy fences are the backyard standard: 6 feet of cedar or pine pickets that block the view.
- Chain link costs the least per foot and is hard to beat for big yards and dogs.
- Iron and ornamental fences stay open and look tidy, which suits front yards and pools.
- Ranch and farm fencing covers barbed wire, field fence, pipe and deer fence for acreage.
What a fence installation involves
Every contractor works a little differently, but most residential installs follow the same order.
- Measure and quote. The contractor walks the line, notes slope, trees, gates and old fencing to remove, and gives you a price.
- Locate utilities. Texas law requires a call to 811 at least two business days before digging, weekends and holidays excluded. When you hire a contractor, that call is their responsibility. 811 does not mark private lines such as sprinkler systems or a line you ran to a shed, so point those out.
- Mark the line. Your plat or survey shows where your property ends. If the corner markers are missing and the fence is close to the line, a surveyor can find them.
- Set posts. In the clay east of I-35, holes are usually augered and posts set in concrete. In the limestone toward the Hill Country, crews often have to drill or core into rock. Many crews set posts one day and come back to hang rails and pickets after the concrete has firmed up.
- Build and clean up. Rails, pickets or fabric, gates, hardware, then haul-off of old fence and debris if it's in the contract.
Inside New Braunfels city limits: fences can be up to 8 feet tall, front-yard fences are limited to 36 inches (or 4½ feet if at least half open), and you only need a building permit for pool barriers, fences over 7 feet, or fences in a drainage easement. Full rules and sources.
Questions to ask any fence contractor
- Will you request the 811 locate, and can I see the ticket number?
- How deep are posts set, in what, and are they wood or galvanized steel?
- How will you handle rock or clay on my lot?
- Which side of the fence faces out? Does my HOA care?
- Who handles a permit or HOA application if one is needed?
- Is removal of the old fence included?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
- Can you send proof of liability insurance?
- Can I get the quote in writing, with gates and extras itemized?
Before you request a quote
You don't need everything figured out. It helps to know roughly where the fence will run, where you want gates (and how wide, if a mower or trailer needs to fit), whether there's a pool, pets or livestock to plan around, and what your HOA allows. Walk the line with a tape measure or measure it on a satellite map for a rough total.
Common questions
How long does a fence installation take?
It depends on length, ground and weather. Many backyard jobs take a few days from posts to finished pickets, and rock drilling or long runs add time. Your contractor can give you a schedule with the quote.
Do I need to be home during installation?
Usually only at the start, to confirm the line and gate locations, and at the end for a walk-through. Pets need to be kept away from the work area and gates while posts are being set.
Can a fence go right on the property line?
Many fences are built a few inches inside the line so there's no question about who owns them. Check your survey, any easements on your plat, and your HOA rules first. If you share the fence with a neighbor, put the agreement in writing.
Do I need a permit for a new fence in New Braunfels?
Usually not. The city exempts ordinary fences from building permits, except pool barrier fences, fences over 7 feet tall, and fences built in a drainage easement. Other cities and HOAs have their own rules. See our fence rules guide.