The Real Cost of a Fence: Why Quality Matters & How to Spot It
Quality fencing- there’s a difference.
Just like vehicles, there are cheap fences, good fences, and luxury fences. At Right Hand, we simply don’t do cheap— our entry-level builds are built to last, fairly priced, and known to hold value for years. We don’t do disposable. We don’t cut corners. And we certainly don’t build anything we wouldn’t want on our own property.
If you’re shopping fencing quotes, here’s how to spot true quality—and how homeowners get burned by going with the lowest bid.
1. Lumber Selection: It All Starts Here
Not all pressure-treated wood is equal. A lot of contractors use above-ground rated pressure-treated lumber for posts and runners. That wood is cheaper—and completely wrong. It will rot from the base up, often in just a few years.
We use ground-contact-rated pressure-treated lumber for anything that touches dirt or concrete. It costs more. It lasts longer. That’s the difference between a fence that leans at year three and one that’s still standing tall at year ten.
2. Reinforced Gates: Because Sagging Isn’t a Vibe
Most gates are built from leftover wood, slapped together and hung with hardware that barely holds. What happens next? Warping. Dragging. Latches that never quite catch.
Our gates are built to last. They're square, rigid, and designed to stay that way. We pair them with heavy-duty, adjustable hinges and easy-to-use latches—so you can open and close your gate with one hand for the next 15 years. We offer a steel frame upgrade that is simply bomb proof!
3. Reinforced Gate Posts: Built Like a Bridge
Every swing of a gate puts stress on the post. And yet, most contractors use the same 4x4 post as the rest of the fence.
We use 4x6 pressure-treated posts at every gate. Why? Because bigger is stronger. That extra width resists twisting, sagging, and the sideways pressure that rips standard posts out of the ground over time.
4. Hole Depth: No Shallow Work Here
The most common failure we see? Posts popping, tilting, or heaving after a winter or a hard rain. Why? Shallow holes and not enough concrete.
We dig deep—24" to 30" minimum—every time. Posts are set with fast-setting concrete, checked for plumb in all directions, and braced as they cure. No guesswork. No wobbles.
5. Plumb and Level: It Makes or Breaks the Look
Nothing screams “cheap job” louder than a crooked fence line. It might be “close enough” to some guys, but we know better.
We build laser-straight lines with plumb posts, level rails, and consistent spacing. It doesn’t just look better—it performs better. Every gate latches clean. Every board lines up. And your fence becomes something you’re proud to look at every day.
6. Nail Placement, Nail Count, and Fasteners
Many crews try to save time and money by slapping on fewer nails or using cheap fasteners. That shortcut shows up fast—in curled pickets, popping boards, and entire panels separating in storms.
We use ring-shank galvanized nails or stainless screws, placed correctly. That means two fasteners per picket, all driven into the purlins with care and consistency. It’s the kind of detail that lasts.
7. Purlin Count and Spacing: The Hidden Strength
A lot of fences only use two horizontal rails (purlins). That may work for short fences—but for 6' privacy builds, it's a weak spot.
We often use three purlins per panel to prevent warping and ensure better picket support over time. More structure equals less sag and better overall strength.
8. Hardware You Can Feel
Flimsy latches and misaligned hinges are the hallmark of low-cost jobs. They fail quickly, rust out, or simply stop functioning.
We install high-quality, corrosion-resistant gate hardware—the kind you find on commercial builds. Gates swing smoothly and close securely, every time.
A Final Word: Don’t Buy a Fence Like You’re Buying Fast Food
Yes, you’ll find someone who will build it cheaper. But ask yourself:
Will it still be standing straight in five years?
Will the gate still latch?
Will you be proud of it—or just tolerate it?
We build fences the way fences should be built. Whether you’re going for affordable and functional or full-on showpiece, our work is made to last, look great, and hold its value.
Want a high value fence? We’ve got you. Want the best of the best? We do that, too.
Just don’t get tricked into a lemon.