Getting Started
Do I need a permit to install a fence on Long Island?
Usually yes. Permit requirements vary by town and village across Nassau and Suffolk County. Most towns require a permit for any fence over 4 feet tall. We research your specific address's permit requirements as part of every estimate — at no additional charge. We also handle the permit application for you.
How long does the estimate process take?
We schedule a property visit within 2–3 business days of your call. The visit itself takes 20–40 minutes depending on property size. You get a written fixed-price estimate the same day or next morning.
What information should I have ready before calling?
Approximately how many linear feet of fence you need (a rough estimate is fine — we'll measure). What material you're considering. Whether it's for privacy, pets, pool code compliance, or property line definition. That's it.
Do you work year-round?
Yes. We install through the winter on Long Island. The main exception is frozen ground — we can't set concrete posts if the ground is frozen more than 6 inches deep. We'll tell you honestly if we think your project should wait a few weeks.
Pricing
How much does a fence cost on Long Island?
Installed cost varies by material and style: vinyl privacy runs $28–$45 per linear foot, cedar wood $22–$40, aluminum $25–$50, chain link $18–$35, pool code aluminum $30–$55, deer fence $8–$18. A typical backyard (140–200 linear feet) runs $3,500–$8,000 installed depending on material. We give you an exact fixed price on-site.
Is your estimate really free? No hidden fees?
Yes, the estimate is free with zero obligation. If you don't like the price or don't proceed for any reason, you owe us nothing. We don't charge a trip fee. Some fencing companies charge 'estimate fees' that they credit back — we don't do that.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. We require a 30% deposit when you sign the contract and schedule the job. The remaining 70% is due on completion, after you've walked the property and are satisfied. We do not ask for full payment in advance.
Do you offer financing?
We don't offer in-house financing, but many homeowners use a home equity line, personal loan, or credit card. We can break larger projects into phases (e.g., backyard this year, front yard next year) to fit a budget.
Materials
What's the difference between vinyl and PVC fence?
Same thing. Vinyl fence and PVC fence both refer to the same material — polyvinyl chloride. Some contractors say 'vinyl,' some say 'PVC.' When shopping, they're interchangeable terms.
What type of vinyl fence do you install?
We use triple-wall commercial-grade vinyl with UV inhibitors. This is significantly heavier than the single-wall or double-wall vinyl sold at home improvement stores. Thicker walls mean the fence doesn't flex in wind, doesn't become brittle in cold, and doesn't fade within a few years. We won't install cheap vinyl.
What's the best wood for fences on Long Island?
Cedar is the best choice for most Long Island wood fences. It's naturally rot-resistant, holds stain well, and handles humidity without warping as badly as pine. Pressure-treated pine is cheaper and fine for posts, but we don't recommend it for boards — it tends to warp and twist as it dries.
How long does a wood fence last on Long Island?
A properly installed cedar fence with good posts, set in concrete, and stained every 4–5 years will last 15–25 years. Posts are the weak point — they're underground and subject to moisture. We set all posts in concrete to the correct depth (24–30 inches minimum for Long Island's sandy soil).
Can I stain my fence myself after installation?
Yes. We'll tell you when to stain it (usually 6–12 months after installation, once the wood has dried). We recommend an oil-based penetrating stain, not a film-forming solid stain. We can also stain it for you — ask us to add it to the contract.
Installation
How long does fence installation take?
Most residential projects (120–200 linear feet) take 1–2 days. Larger projects (300+ linear feet) or complex terrain can take 3–4 days. Pool code fences with multiple gates take longer due to gate hardware. We'll give you a specific timeline in the estimate.
Who handles permit applications?
We do. We pull the permit as part of the job. Permit cost is included in the estimate we give you — no surprise line-item at the end. Permits typically take 3–7 business days to approve in Nassau County towns, and 5–10 days in Suffolk County.
Do I need to call 811 (Dig Safe) before installation?
We handle the 811 underground utility mark-out request as part of every job. We call before any holes are dug. You don't need to do anything extra. The mark-out usually takes 3 business days, which we factor into the installation timeline.
Will you remove my old fence?
Yes, fence removal is available and we'll include it in the estimate if you want it done. Old fence sections, posts, and concrete bases are all hauled away. Ask us to add it — it's usually $3–$8 per linear foot depending on the existing fence type.
Do you need access to my neighbor's property?
Usually not. We can install most fences from your side of the property line. Some gate situations or tight property lines may require your neighbor's cooperation — we'll flag this during the estimate if we see it coming.
Pool Fencing
What are the pool fence requirements in Nassau County?
Minimum 48-inch height (measured from outside grade), maximum 4-inch picket spacing, no climbable elements below 45 inches, self-closing gate that swings away from the pool, self-latching with latch on pool side at 54+ inches height. A separate pool barrier permit is required. We've never failed a pool fence inspection.
Can my existing fence serve as the pool barrier?
Possibly — if it meets all code requirements. We evaluate your existing fence during the estimate. If it doesn't meet code, your options are to modify it (add height, change gate hardware) or install a compliant fence. We'll tell you honestly which is more cost-effective.
Does a pool fence need to go around the entire pool?
The pool barrier must enclose the pool area and prevent access from outside. If your house wall forms part of the barrier, any doors leading to the pool must have approved alarms or self-closing hardware. We'll review the layout during the estimate.
Deer Fencing
What height fence actually keeps deer out?
Deer can jump 8 feet in ideal conditions. A standard 6-foot fence will not reliably exclude deer. We recommend 8-foot polypropylene mesh deer fence for reliable exclusion. A 7.5-foot wooden or vinyl fence will deter most deer but won't stop a determined animal.
Do deer repellents work instead of fencing?
Repellents reduce browsing pressure but don't eliminate it. When deer are hungry enough — which in eastern Suffolk County is often — they will eat through repellent-treated plants. The only reliable deer exclusion method is a proper fence. We've seen deer walk through spray-repellent gardens repeatedly.
What is polypropylene deer fence?
Heavy-duty plastic mesh tensioned between wooden or metal posts. It's virtually invisible from 30 feet away, lasts 20+ years, and doesn't require painting or staining. Most common heights are 7.5 and 8 feet. Cost is significantly lower per linear foot than vinyl or wood at the same height.
Permits & HOA
My HOA has fence rules. Can you work with those restrictions?
Yes. We review HOA fence guidelines regularly. Common HOA rules: height limits, color restrictions (usually white or gray for vinyl), style restrictions (no chain link in front yards), setback requirements. Bring us your HOA rules at the estimate and we'll design accordingly.
What if my HOA rejects the permit?
HOA approvals are separate from municipal permits. We help you submit the HOA application with accurate specs and drawings, but HOA decisions are outside our control. If the HOA rejects a design, we'll revise it to a compliant option at no additional design fee.
What if my neighbor disputes my fence placement?
We install fences on your side of your property line — we don't place fence on shared lines without both owners' written consent. If there's a property line dispute, you'll need a licensed surveyor to establish the line before we start. We can refer surveyors we've worked with.
Didn't find your answer?
Call us directly — we answer the phone during business hours and can usually answer fence questions on the spot.
(234) 567-8900