Frisco Fence Company discusses gate installation and fence finishing

Frisco Fence Company owner, Sean Eubanks of Texas State Fence Co., discusses gate installation and finishing the fence to increase life and lower maintenance.

This is the sixth article in a series about installing your own fence. The prior Articles include:

1. Allen Fence Company provides instructions for D-I-Y fence builders
2. McKinney fence company - DIY fence design and layout guidelines
3. Plano fence company - DIY Guidelines for digging postholes
4. Allen Fence Company offers advice on digging and setting fence posts.
5. McKinney Fence Company tells how to install panels and pickets

Installing a Gate

• Decide which direction the swing of the gate will be… left or right.
• Mount the hinge hardware in advance at the proper height, pre-drilling all screw holes.
• Mount the gate to the posts, pre-drilling all screw holes.
• Check the gate swing to make sure that it is properly aligned.
• Mount the latch hardware last and be sure to pre-drill all holes.

Finishing the Fence

It is recommended that you apply a protective finish to prolong the life of the wood. The type of finish will depend on the type of wood and the look that you desire for your fence. There are three primary options for finishing treatments: stain, paint and waterproof sealers. Be sure to clean the fence with a cleaner that contains a mildew inhibitor before you apply the finish.

• Stain provides a long lasting finish while maintaining the natural look of the wood. A semi-transparent stain is best for new fences as it gives an even appearance and a hint of color while allowing the grain to show through.
• Paint adds color as it protects the wood by completely sealing the grain from moisture penetration. Paint colors can easily be coordinated with the color of your home. If you apply paint you may need a sealer, depending on the particular paint that you use. Sealers will help to insure that the paint color is evenly distributed and will further protect the wood from decay.  We recommend that you use a durable outdoor latex paint.
• Waterproof sealers are best for woods that are not naturally resistant to decay from exposure to the weather. Waterproof sealers help to prevent moisture from rain and sprinkler systems from soaking into the wood. An ultraviolet stabilizer can further protect the fence by slowing the discoloration of the sealer and inhibiting the decay of the sealant from the effect of UV light.

Frisco fence company owner Sean Eubanks started his company, Texas State Fence Co., to provide quality outdoor fencing and landscape hard structures to clients in North Texas. Texas State Fence Co. provides all types of fencing along with automatic sliding gates, swing gates, security fencing, outdoor kitchens and enclosures, patio covers, arbors, and gazebos. Sean also provides maintenance and repair of fences that have been damaged by weather and wind.  For more information please contact Sean Eubanks at 972-898-1307 for visit his website.