Blog Posts
Be A Featured Contractor on Fence-Depot!

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED CONTRACTOR IS –
Backyard Solutions, Mr. Rob Ward (Indiana)
Backyard Solutions is located in Cicero, IN and is owned and operated by Rob Ward. He has been helping his customers with their fencing and decking needs since 1998. Servicing the central Indiana area, he will also consider job possibilities in the surrounding counties. Mr. Ward has been a loyal customer to Fence-Depot since 2004 and we look forward to working with him in 2010 and beyond. If you are interested in professional fence installation in the Cicero, Indiana area Mr. Ward is happy to help!
Please feel free to contact this valued fence contractor at:
Backyard Solutions, Inc.
21128 State Road 19
Cicero, IN 46034
(317)828-1856
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Aluminum Fence Accessories Make for a Unique Look
Do you want your aluminum fence to stand out from your neighbors? You are only bound by your imagination when considering the options on your new ornamental fence from Fence-Depot.com. Finials, rings, scrolls and even solar light caps are among the possibilities available. We can provide advice, pictures and shop drawings of different designs and ideas. You don’t have to be limited to what the “box stores” have to offer you. An aluminum fence purchased from Fence-Depot.com can be completely customized. Just give one of our fence professionals a call to carefully plan your new fence design. We’re here to help!
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Planning Your Own Fence Installation

Choosing the right fence for your property can be a time consuming task. This being said, don’t waste time by choosing a fence that you later find your city will not allow. The very first step when deciding what type of fence you want to install should be, make a phone call to your local building, planning or zoning department. Most cities or townships have a fence code that you must adhere to. These codes vary from state to state and city to city. Examples of what you might find in your cities fence code would be; height restrictions, locational requirements, required picket spacing/opening, etc… Before ordering your fence from www.fence-depot.com you will want to be sure that your city allows the particular style of fence you are interested in.
Another step you may need to take (depending on your city or township) is pulling a fence permit. Your city will usually provide you with a permit application. Some things you may need to gather to go along with your application is, a shop drawing (which can be pulled off www.fence-depot.com), a site plan indicating where on your property your fence will be located, and an actual picture of the intended fence. Again, these are all things you can find out by making that initial phone call to your local building department.
Although this may seem like a lot of effort just to put a fence in your yard, it is well worth it. You certainly do not want a building inspector showing up on your front doorstep demanding you remove your newly installed fence!
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Assembled vs. Unassembled Aluminum Fence
An important factor to consider when purchasing your aluminum fencing is to find out if it is assembled or unassembled. A typical aluminum fence section has 3 horizontal rails and 15 vertical pickets. There is a stainless steel screw at every point where a rail meets a picket. This means that there are 45 screws in every aluminum fence panel. Now lets say your project requires 20 fence sections…that’s a lot of screws! And a lot of time. You may save a few dollars buying an unassembled fence section, but is it worth your time and effort? Unless specified by the customer, all of the aluminum fencing from Fence-depot.com is already assembled for easy installation. Before deciding on your maintenance free aluminum fence, be sure to find out if it will be assembled or unassembled upon delivery. You can always call one of our fence professionals with any questions. We’d love to hear from you.
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Decorative Estate Gates add Elegance to Any Property

Elegant Estate Gate Adds Personality
Decorative Estate Gates are a great way to dress up any property. They add securtiy to any perimeter and have impressive “curb appeal”. A nice gate is a simple way to increase the value of your property. Decorative Estate Gates can be modified in numerous ways. You can add rings between the horizontal rails (as pictured above), you can personalize your purchase by adding family initials (pictured above), you can install fancy finials or decorative picket tops. There are numerous other accessories available like stars and bars and scrolls and even diamonds. You are only limited by your imagination!
Fence-depot.com’s fence professionals are available to help you make the most informed decision possible for your particular budget and setting. Our parent company has been installing gates like the one pictured here for over 23 years . We can help you decide which gate width is best suited for your driveway, how much underside clearance is needed for different climates, how to make sure your gate will not sag. if a wheel or track system is best, etc.
We promise to make your purchase a pleasurable one!
Standard colors include: black, white, and bronze for commercial gates.
Black, white, bronze, green, and sandstone are standard residential colors but custom colors are available too.
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Can I Install My Fence in Bad Weather?
![snowflake_[1] snowflake_[1]](http://www.fence-depot.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/snowflake_1-150x150.jpg)
Yes you can! Fences may be installed in just about any weather with the exception of rain.
In extremely cold temperatures (32 degrees and below) you can add calcium chloride to your concrete mixture. Calcium chloride is an accelerating agent which when added to concrete will increase the rate of early strength or shorten the time of setting of the mixture. Calcium chloride is the most common accelerator used when speaking about concrete.
Avoid setting your fence posts in the rain! You can imagine all of the hard work that goes into digging post holes only to have them fill up with rain water. There is no reasonable way to excavate the holes to remove the water, so what you wind up with is a weak bond between your concrete and your posts. This scenario spells Disaster with a capital “D”.
Our advice to our customers is that it is okay to install your fence in rather incliment weather but choose the warmer winter days and avoid rain at all cost. The experts at fence-depot.com are professionals in the fence industry and are happy to assist you with any questions that you might have! Do not hesitate to call for help – that is why we are here!
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Available Colors of Aluminum Fence
Aluminum fences are Elegant . . . Unique . . . Majestic!
At www.fence-depot.com all of our aluminum fences are coated with an environmentally approved high solids acrylic finish which meets all AAMA 603.8 specifications.
Our residential fences are available in: Black, White, Bronze, Hunter Green, and Sandstone.
Our commercial and industrial fences are available in: Black, White, and Bronze. The color choices for aluminum fencing are only limited by your imagination. We also offer custom color matching for all of our fence systems.
To shop for Aluminum Fencing you may click on the following link: http://www.fence-depot.com/buy-aluminum-fence/buy-aluminum-fence.shtml View the styles available then just click on any style to be taken to the specifications, installed photos, and details of each product. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us anytime and one of our fence professionals will be happy to assist you.
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How to Clean Your Aluminum Fence
Cleaning an aluminum fence is a quick and easy task. Simply wash your fence system with a mixture of a mild household detergent and water. Be sure to rinse your fence and pickets well. Any mortar that is on the fencing should be removed from any exposed posts with a ten percent solution of muriatic acid and immediately rinse with clean water. Be sure to remove all residual cleaning solution. We recommend a power washer for large cleaning jobs. If you have any questions, or need additional help, please feel free to contact us anytime! We are always happy to help.
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New Decorative Aluminum Privacy Fence Screens Out the Competition
The answer to todays request for maintenance-free privacy is finally here! Two of the most reputable names in the fence industry joined forces to create and install the beautiful fence pictured in the photo above. A local auto body repair center located in Streetsboro, Ohio wanted to replace it’s old chain link fence with something more modern, something with more “curb appeal”. It was also important to them to select a fence that would not rust, peel, or crack. The answer was simple because Specrail’s new Panel Privacy fence was able to fit the bill! Specrail fence and R&T Fence Company Inc. undertook the project to beautify Action Auto Body. This rich imitation of a wood, board on board or shadow box privacy fence is a great way to spruce up any yard be it commercial or residential. A great way to secure any property and screen out unwelcome eyes.
This fence is easy to install for the do-it-your-self market. The standard height of this fence is 6′ high, custom heights are also available. There are three standard colors available. Choose from Black, White, or Bronze. Other colors are also available at an additional charge.
Check out this fence and many more at:
http://www.fence-depot.com/aluminum-fence/aluminum-privacy-fence/
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Cost of Aluminum vs. Wrought Iron
Although you may believe wrought iron fence is a much more costly product than aluminum fence, we are here to inform you that both the aluminum and wrought iron are pretty equal in price. For example, if you were looking for a 4′ high residential aluminum fence, you are looking at $14.33 a linear foot whereas the wrought iron is around $14.92 a foot. Now you may think that there is a hidden cost somewhere, like maybe it cost a lot more to ship the wrought iron. In some instances this can be true, but depending on your location and amount of fencing needed, the cost of shipping for wrought iron can even be less expensive than aluminum. Both the aluminum and wrought iron fence brought to you by Fence-depot.com are available in residential and commercial grades to suit your fencing needs. We offer matching driveway gates in both aluminum and wrought iron.

Please check out these products and more at:
Wrought Iron Fence
and
Aluminum Fence
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Aluminum Fence Choices for Dogs
Do you need a fence for your dog? If you’re looking for an attractive fence option, an aluminum fence is a great choice. There are several styles and grades to choose from including Black, White, Bronze, Hunter Green, and Sandstone for the residential customer. Commercial grade aluminum fencing is available in standard colors including Black , White, and Bronze.
You are only limited by your imagination, as custom colors are always an option, at an additional cost.
For many dogs, a common style of aluminum fence that is used is the Saybrook. The Saybrook features a flat smooth top design and has spacing between the pickets of 3.75″. So, if your dog is greater than 10-12 pounds he should not be able to slip through theses pickets!
Have a dog that is smaller than 10-12 pounds? Then we have the Horizon style of fence. The pickets on this fence are closely spaced at 1.5″ apart. The Horizon will keep your dog in and other dogs and critters out!
The most popular style for all small and toy dogs is our Doggie Panel Modification fence system. The “doggie panel ” can be added to any of our standard styles of aluminum fence. The bottom 16″ to 18″ of the doggie panel modification fence had a spacing of 1-5/8″ . “Nothing but a bug can squeeze through this style of fence!” The remainder of this style of fence has 3.75″ spacing. This style of fence allows you to keep a clear view of your lake or scenic area while maintaining the security of your small dog in “his yard”.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to aluminum fencing for your dog. Please give us a call and one of our courteous, knowledgeable customer service professionals will be happy to discuss your fencing needs.
For more pricing and information on the Doggie Panel Modification Fence click on the following link brought to you by the good folks at fence-depot.com: http://www.fence-depot.com/buy-aluminum-fence/doggie-puppy-aluminum-fence.shtml
For more information on how to choose a safe aluminum fence for your dog use this link: http://www.fence-depot.com/learnfence/safe-dog-aluminum-fence.shtml
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Recommended Aluminum Fence for a Hill or Uneven Ground
Finding your yard isn’t exactly level? No need to worry; our Specrail aluminum fence has the ability to follow a slope, while allowing the fence pickets to remain vertical. Rackability (the ability to accommodate a slope) is necessary for a fence when being installed on a grade. The standard rackability for our residential grade, aluminum fence is about 8″ over a 6′ span. If your slope is greater than 8″, specially made (double punched) fence sections can be ordered. Please visit www.fence-depot.com for more information and pricing on this versatile product.
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New Aluminum Railing System Sure to Spruce Up Any Deck
So, you are planning to build a new deck ? Well, why not invest in a sturdy, maintenance-free railing system? Specrail, a leader in the fencing industry since 1957 has now branched out to include deck and porch railing systems to their existing product lines. This decorative aluminum railing system can be installed on any deck or porch. There are two types of deck railing systems available.
- The Avon Series is designed for easy installation, and unlike wood, it does not require any staining, sanding, or painting. This exceptional design is constructed of aluminum extrusions with stainless steel fasteners. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this railing system has both stationary and adjustable brackets which make for easy installation .
- The Bridgeport Series offers superior quality with concealed fasteners. A clean, smooth surface with contemporary designs makes Bridgeport the choice of many architects and consumers.
- Both The Avon Series and Bridgeport Series are completely maintenance-free and will compliment any deck, patio, or porch for many years to come. Visit the following link for more information and pricing: http://www.fence-depot.com/shopnow/deck_porch_railing/specrail/aluminum_porch_deck_railing.shtml
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Warranty on Aluminum Fence
Lifetime warranty . . . “Yes!”
Some of you may not know that an aluminum fence by Specrail comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty! This warranty covers the electrostatically applied organic paint for a lifetime from the date of purchase. It is guaranteed that the finish will not crack, check, or peel (lose adhesion). In addition, the warranty also guarantees that the aluminum fence will remain serviceable and structurally sound for a lifetime. This is one of the main advantages that aluminum fencing offers. It provides you with the beautiful look of a wrought iron fence without the maintenance and a lifetime warranty. The fence will never rust because it is made of aluminum alloy.
So, in this day and age of busy schedules and companies that come and go, we are happy to provide our customers with field-tested products that require no maintenance and yes, they are guaranteed for a lifetime!
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Aluminum Fencing Panels Offer Maintenance Free Beauty!
Aluminum Fencing Panels are available in 4 grades! The fencing of the future is here with it’s iron fence look and no-maintenance fuss. This beautiful product has endless possibilities for usage. Following please find information on the various grades and specifications for each of the 4 grades of aluminum fencing. Our top selling aluminum fencing is constructed of high-strength aluminum alloy, 6105-T5, this material will not rust.
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Residential Grade: Offers a combination of durability, strength, and clean appearance. Available in 6′ wide panels. Specifications : Pickets: .625″ x .625″ x .050″, Stringers: 1.00″ x 1.063″ x 1.00″, Side wall: .060″, Top wall: .060″, Posts: 2″ x 2″ x .060 wall, Gate posts: 2″ x 2″ x .125 wall, Picket Spacing: 4.375″ o.c., Spacing between pickets: 3.750″ / Style SR 7 and 8 ( Horizon and Falcon) have a picket spacing of 1.5625″. Heights Available are 36″, 42″, 48″ ,60″ , 72″ Optional Posts Available: 2.5″ x 2.5″ industrial post, or 2.5 ” x 2.5 ” x .075″ wall.
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Residential Wide Grade:- aluminum fencing is an innovative design which combines the light weight of residential with the bold appearance of a heavier system. Available in 6′ wide or 8′ wide panels. Specifications: Pickets: .625 x 1.000″ x .050″, Stringers: 1.00″ x 1.063″ x 1.00″, Side wall: .060″, Top wall: .060″, Side rail: 1.20″ x 1.625″, Posts: 2″ x 2″ x.060″ wall, Gate posts: 2″ x 2″ x .125″ wall, Picket Spacing: 5.00″ o.c, Spacing between pickets: 4.00″, Style SR 7 and 8 (Horizon and Falcon) 1.50″, Heights Available: 36″, 42″, 48″, 60″, 72″. Optional Posts: 3″ x 3″x.125″ wall and 2.5″ x 2.5″ x .075″ wall.
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Commercial Grade: This fence system is the perfect compliment to any landscape. This unique grade of fencing is ideal for areas where you need the strength of a commercial product with the aesthetic appearance of a more narrow picket. Specifications:Pickets: .75 ” x.75″ x .050″ wall, Stringers: 1.5″ x 1.0″ x 1.5″, Side wall: .090″, Top wall: .065″, Posts: 2.5′ x2.5′ x .0750 walls, Gate posts: 4′ x 4′ x .125 wall, Picket spacing: 4.312″ oc, Spacing between pickets: 3.562″, Styles 7 and 8 (Horizon and Falcon) 1.437′, Heights available: 36″, 42″, 48′, 60″, 72″, 84″, 96′. Optional post: 2″ x 2″x .060′ wall or 3″ x 3″ x .125″ wall. Available in 6′ or 8′ wide panels.
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Industrial Grade: This aluminum fence system combines its heaviest gauge aluminum for high visibility and aesthetic appearance. This product will beautify property lines while creating a deterent to illegal entry. Specifications: Pickets: 1′ x 1″ x .065″, Stringers: 1.625″ x 1.250′ x 1.625″, Side wall: .100″, Top wall: .070″, Posts: 2.5″ x 2.5″ x .075″, Gate posts: 4″ x 4″ x .125″ wall, Picket spacing: 5.00″ o.c., Spacing between pickets: 4″, Styles 7 and 8 (Horizon and Falcon) 1.5″, Heights available: 36″, 42″, 48″, 60″, 72″, 84″, 96″. Optional post: 3″ x 3″ x.125″ wall or 4″ x 4″ x .125″ wall. Available in 6′ or 8′ wide panels.
‘Please visit our site to view all of our aluminum fencing: Bennington, Berkshire, Essex, Saybrook, Newport, Citadel, Horizon, Falcon, Storrs, Derby,Solid Panel, and Doggie Panel . We have a fence for every setting! We also have Arbors, and gates to match!
http://www.fence-depot.com/buy-aluminum-fence/buy-aluminum-fence.shtml
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Advantages of Aluminum Fence
Aluminum fence is the best alternative on the market today to enhance your property without “breaking the bank!”. Aluminum fence will not rust like other fence materials, and our aluminum is available in four grades and five standard colors! There are many advantages to aluminum -vs- vinyl, aluminum-vs- steel, aluminum-vs- wrought iron and aluminum-vs-wood. Just look at our pointers below or check out the numerous articles available at www.fence-depot.com.
Fence-depot.com offers aluminum fencing in five standard colors. There is one to match every setting and every project imaginable. Available in Black, White, Bronze, Green, and Sandstone with special color options available. http://www.fence-depot.com/buy-aluminum-fence/buy-aluminum-fence.shtml
The basic advantages of aluminum fence -vs -all of the competitors is as follows:
- Aluminum fence is easy to install.
- Can be used on a hillside or slope. It is rackable!
- Aluminum fence is maintenance-free!
- This product will not rust, peel, or flake – EVER!
- Aluminum fence is attractive – used for high visibility – will beautify property lines while creating a deterrent to illegal entry.
- Impervious to termites
- Available in colors
- Available in different grades to meet all building codes.
- Matching walk gates or man gates available
- Matching driveway gates available http://www.fence-depot.com/shopnow/drivewaygates/driveway-estate-gates.shtml
- Aluminum porch and aluminum railing systems are available to match http://www.fence-depot.com/shopnow/deck_porch_railing/specrail/aluminum_porch_deck_railing.shtml
- Aluminum Arbors are maintenance-free and spice up any yard http://www.fence-depot.com/arbors/arbors.shtml
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Exciting New Aluminum Arbors Kick-Off Summer 2009
Fence-Depot.comis proud to announce the addition of three beautiful maintenance free aluminum arbors ! These quality arbors will enhance any property! Fabricated from the same high quality maintenance-free aluminum as our fencing systems. The finish will never peel or flake ! Maintenance-free means no painting or staining. These Specrail brand Arbors come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Arlington Arbor with the addition of reverse Greenwich Estate S-1 style with Type A Finials.
Arbors are available in BLACK, WHITE, & BRONZE. We are currently adding these items to our aluminum fence pages. If interested, please call or email the fence professionals at www.fence-depot.com to ask for current pricing on our newest addition to the aluminum family.
All of our arbors can accommodate any of our standard estate gates. Stay tuned for information and photos of the Burlington Arbor and Manchester Arbor. View Arbors and pricing at: http://www.fence-depot.com/arbors/arbors.shtml
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How to Child-Proof Your Pool Fence or Gate
You have finally selected the perfect fence to enclose your swimming pool. Now, what about the gates and gate hardware? Are they self-closing? Are they self-latching? In order to child-proof your swimming pool fence you must make sure that all of your gates prohibit children from wandering into your pool? All of the pool gates sold by fence-depot.com are self-closing and self-latching http://www.fence-depot.com/installation/aluminumfence/images/magna_latch_install.jpg
Our Magna-Latch (magnetic safety gate latch) is easily installed, even on existing gates. It is the most durable latch on the market today and has been a revolutionary tool in securing swimming pools and homes. This latch is also suitable for pet security. The most popular “top pull” model is designed and installed for pool security and child safety settings. Most of our models come with a key locking feature for extra security. These locks do not rust or bind and are worth their weight in gold! Feel free to contact any of our fence professionals to help you secure your pool setting today!
http://www.fence-depot.com/buy-aluminum-fence/pool-aluminum-fence-3rail-BOCA.shtml Click here for BOCA approved pool fence options.
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Swimming Pool Fences and B.O.C.A Codes
What is BOCA ? What does it stand for?
Following please find a brief explanation that will hopefully clear up all of the confusion. B.O.C.A stands for the Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc.. This nonprofit agency is now known as The International Code Council or ICC . These agencies along with other code organizations work to make all codes uniform in the building and safety industries. They establish the minimum performance requirements for all aspects of the construction industry. These agencies have developed strict guidelines for safety of outdoor, indoor, private, and public pool settings. Hot tubs and spa settings are also included in their guidelines. They have set the standard for model codes in the aforementioned areas. Please refer to section 421.10 for enclosures for private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. www.bocai.org.http://www.iccsafe. http://www.iccsafe.org/help/redirect-bocai.html Please check with these agencies for more pool code information or visit http://www.fence-depot.com/learnfence/pool-fence.shtml for all you need to know about fencing in your pool.
Stay tuned for many more informative articles and blogs! Brought to you by the fence professionals at www.fence-depot.com
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Swimming Pool Fences Our Top Recommendations
There are many options available when looking for the perfect fence to enclose your pool. The good folks at fence-depot.com have been helping customers with their selections for over twenty years. We make sure that our customers are educated on the products we offer and the installation practices for each application. Due to the fact that pool and fence codes vary from city to city, we advise all of our customers to contact their local building, zoning, or planning department. You need to find out the type, style, and height of fence that is permitted. Do not be fooled by the companies that are selling “pool approved” fences. Be informed!
Fence-Depot.com has many BOCA approved pool fences available and ready to ship! Here are our top recommendations and best buys on BOCA approved pool fences.
- Aluminum pool fences are elegant and maintenance-free! Available to meet most pool codes are the following styles: The Derby 48″ height, The Falcon 48″ height, and The Horizon 48″ height. The Storrs 54″ height pool fence is also a very popular product for pool settings. All of our Specrail brand aluminum fencing is available in four grades and five standard colors. View these fences by clicking on the following link : http://www.fence-depot.com/buy-aluminum-fence/buy-aluminum-fence.shtml
- Able to withstand even the toughest of crowds is fence-depot’s wrought iron pool fence! Available, in-stock, and ready to ship are the following styles – In the 54″ height we have styles; RPPF 10 and RPPF 20. In the 60″ height are styles: RPF101 and RPF 104.
Feel free to browse our wrought iron fencing at: http://www.fence-depot.com/shopnow/wroughtiron/complexind/index.shtml
- Vinyl fence products round out our pool fencing selection. They are maintenance-free and guaranteed for life! Vinyl pool fencing runs the gamut from traditional to modern. There are too many styles to list in this blog, which is why we welcome your phone calls. We will be happy to assist you with your questions and selection.
Please feel free to contact one of our fence professionals at www.fence-depot.com to discuss all of your pool fence options.
Stay tuned for more pool fence and BOCA info!
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How To Set Gate Posts
Setting your gate posts is quite a simple process but you must know a few particulars before you set your gate and hinge posts. In order to insure that no problems arise, you must know your hinge and latch allowances. These figures will vary depending on the style and type of fence that you are using. The brand of fencing will also effect these calculations.
Fence Depot will provide all of its’ customers with this information to make sure that your installation is a zip!
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