We have been building fences right here in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas since the late 80s. That is over three decades of digging post holes, pouring concrete, and lining up pickets. At Ashlee Fence, we like to say we’ve seen it all—from the harsh freeze-thaw cycles that try to push posts out of the ground to the summer humidity that tests the limits of wood grain.
When you have been in the business as long as we have, you pick up a few things. We aren’t just here to sell you a product; we want to help you make a smart investment for your home. Whether you are looking to keep a new puppy safe, add some privacy for your backyard barbecues, or just boost your curb appeal, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. We want to share a little bit of that insider knowledge with you. Here are our top 7 tips for getting the most out of your fence, straight from our family to yours.
1. Know Your Property Lines (Before We Dig)
It sounds simple, but you would be surprised how often this step gets skipped. We always tell our customers: don’t guess. That old tree line or the spot where the neighbor stops mowing isn’t always the legal boundary. Installing a fence just a few inches onto your neighbor’s property can lead to legal headaches and the expensive task of moving the fence later.
We recommend finding your official property pins or hiring a surveyor if you aren’t 100% sure. It gives you peace of mind and ensures that your beautiful new investment stays exactly where it belongs—on your land.
2. Choose the Right Material for Your Lifestyle
We love the look of a classic wood fence. There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh cedar or the look of a natural grain. But we also know that wood requires love. It needs staining and sealing to handle our Ohio weather. If you know you aren’t the type to spend your weekends with a paintbrush in hand, be honest with yourself!
Vinyl or aluminum might be a better fit if you want a “set it and forget it” solution. Modern vinyl has come a long way; it’s durable, easy to clean, and looks sharp for decades. Aluminum gives you that elegant wrought-iron look without the rust. Matching the material to your maintenance tolerance is the key to long-term happiness with your fence.
3. Understand the Real Cost of Ownership
Budget is always a huge factor, and we respect that. When folks call us, one of the first questions is often about price. It’s important to look at the total cost of ownership, not just the installation price. Wood might be cheaper upfront, but the cost of stain and maintenance adds up over 15 years. Vinyl costs more today but costs almost nothing to maintain.
If you are trying to budget for your project, it helps to have realistic expectations. We believe in transparency, which is why we try to educate our customers on what drives the price—from lumber grades to labor. If you are wondering How much does a wood fence cost?, we can help you break down the numbers so you can make an informed decision that fits your wallet and your long-term goals.
4. Think About Your Gates Early
The gate is the only part of the fence that moves, which means it takes the most abuse. We see a lot of DIY fences fail at the gate because the posts weren’t set deep enough or the hardware was too flimsy.
Think about how you use your yard. Do you need a double gate to get a riding mower or a trailer into the backyard? Do you need a self-closing latch for pool safety? Planning your entry and exit points before installation saves a lot of frustration. We build our gates with structural integrity in mind because nobody likes a sagging gate that drags across the grass.
5. Respect the Weather
Living in Ohio means dealing with four very distinct seasons. In the winter, the ground freezes and expands. In the spring, it gets soggy. This movement is tough on fence posts. That is why proper installation depth is non-negotiable for us.
We set our posts deep—below the frost line whenever possible—and use the right concrete mix to anchor them. If a post is too shallow, the frost will heave it right out of the ground, leaving you with a leaning fence. Quality installation is what separates a fence that lasts 5 years from one that lasts 20.
6. Be a Good Neighbor
They say good fences make good neighbors, but that’s only true if you handle the process with courtesy. We always suggest letting your neighbors know you are planning to install a fence. It’s a polite gesture that goes a long way.
Also, consider the “good side” rule. In most cases, proper etiquette (and often local zoning code) dictates that the finished side of the fence—the side without the horizontal rails—should face outward toward your neighbor or the street. It puts your best foot forward and keeps the neighborhood looking tidy.
7. Trust Experience Over the Lowest Bidder
We know there are a lot of guys with trucks and shovels out there. But your fence is a major structural addition to your property. We have been doing this since 1986. We are a family-owned business that lives and works in this community. We care about our reputation because our customers are our neighbors.
When you hire Ashlee Fence, you aren’t just paying for wood or vinyl; you are paying for the expertise that ensures your fence is straight, sturdy, and legal. We stand behind our workmanship because we want you to be as happy with your fence in ten years as you are on day one.
Building a fence is a big project, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By doing a little homework and working with a team that cares, you can transform your yard into the perfect outdoor living space. Thanks for letting us share a few tips from the trade!