Short answers to the questions Kern County owners ask us most. Our longer guides on cost, permits, repairs and neighbors are linked at the bottom of the page.
How deep should fence posts be set?
It depends on the fence height, the wind it will catch and the soil. On the valley floor there is no frost line to get under. A common rule of thumb is roughly one third of the post length in the ground, with more for gate posts, tall solid fences in open windy areas and loose sandy soil. In Tehachapi the ground freezes, so the local building department's footing depth applies.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
Concrete for gate posts, corners and solid fences that take wind. Finish the top so water runs away from the post, and in a lawn keep it high enough that sprinkler water does not pool there. Gravel under a wood post helps it drain. Foam is quick, but we would not rely on it for a gate or a tall privacy fence in valley wind.
How long should I wait before staining a new wood fence?
Until the wood is dry enough to absorb the finish. Sprinkle water on a board. If it soaks in, stain it. If it beads, wait. Wood dries quickly in a Bakersfield summer, so do not leave a new fence bare for a full season. Stain in the morning or on a mild day, because finish applied to a hot board in direct sun dries before it soaks in.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
It is priced by the square footage and the condition of the wood, so there is no single figure. Ask for it as a separate line when you get your fence estimate.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, if they are exterior-coated or stainless. Screws hold better than nails in boards that shrink and swell. Use stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners in cedar and redwood, since plain steel stains those woods. Pre-drill dry old boards so they do not split.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
It can, using paint made for vinyl. Stay with light colors. A dark color absorbs heat, and in Bakersfield sun that can warp the panels. Wash the fence first. Much of what looks like fading here is dust and surface chalk, and cleaning brings back more than people expect.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild the gate posts. A wide double gate needs its own heavy posts in deep concrete footings, usually steel. Regular fence posts will not carry it. If the opening is in a block wall, the wall ends need to be checked too. The fence beside the new posts is then rebuilt to match.
Will wind knock down a solid fence?
A well-built one should stand, but a solid fence takes far more wind than an open one. Deeper footings, steel posts and closer spacing are how it is handled, and in very exposed places such as Arvin and Tehachapi a design with gaps between boards is worth a look.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
Ask the Kern County Assessor-Recorder's office, which decides what counts as new construction for assessment. A fence is a small item compared with the house.
The only way to get a real number for your property is a site visit. The estimate is free. Call (661) 475-8961 or text us a photo of the fence line.