FAQ
Fence Questions, Straight Answers
What Stephenville and Erath County property owners ask before they call — estimates, ranch fencing, pool code, custom gates, and more.
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General Questions
Estimates, service area, licensing, and what we install across Erath County.
How long does a typical fence installation take?
Most residential projects take 2–5 days depending on length and terrain. Ranch and pipe fence runs may take longer — we'll give you a realistic timeline in your quote.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, always. We provide on-site quotes at no cost and no obligation. You'll get a clear breakdown of materials, labor, and timeline before any work begins.
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Stephenville and serve Erath County including Dublin, Hico, Bluff Dale, Lingleville, Morgan Mill, and surrounding communities.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Patriot Fence Company is fully licensed and insured for your protection. We carry liability coverage on every residential and commercial project.
What types of fencing do you install?
Ranch pipe and wire, wood privacy, ornamental pool fence, vinyl, chain-link, automated gates, and commercial security fencing — including barbed wire enclosures.
Do you handle ranch gates and automated openers?
Absolutely. We build custom ranch entries with stone pillars, solar-powered openers, and double-swing gates matched to your property. Our techs are AFA-certified for gate operator installation and repair.
Can you build a custom gate for an irregular opening?
Yes. We fabricate custom gates of all kinds, including fits for irregular or non-standard opening sizes — odd widths, uneven posts, or approaches that are not a clean rectangle. We measure on site and build a gate that fits.
How do you price ranch fencing — by foot or by acre?
We quote by the foot based on fence type, post spacing, terrain, and gate count. Steep grades, rock, and brush clearing add labor. Your on-site quote breaks down materials and labor so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Ranch & Farm FAQ
Common questions about ranch & farm in Stephenville and Erath County.
What ranch fence types do you install most in Erath County?
Pipe and wire perimeter fencing and woven wire field fence are our most common ranch installs. We also build no-climb sections where you need tighter livestock control and can combine pipe posts with wire panels for a clean, durable boundary.
How do you price ranch fencing — by foot or by acre?
We quote by the foot based on fence type, post spacing, terrain, and gate count. Steep grades, rock, and brush clearing add labor. Your on-site quote breaks down materials and labor so you know exactly what you are paying for.
How long does a mile of ranch fence take?
Timeline depends on fence style, crew access, and weather. Straight pipe-and-wire runs move faster than rocky terrain with extra bracing. We give you a realistic schedule in writing — most ranch projects run several days to a couple of weeks.
Do you clear brush along the fence line?
Yes, when needed. A clean fence line means straight posts and proper tension. We can discuss clearing as part of your quote if trees, mesquite, or old wire are in the way.
Can you match existing pipe fence on my property?
We regularly tie into existing pipe and wire so new sections blend with old runs. Bring us photos or walk the line with our estimator — we will match post size, wire type, and height where possible.
Residential Wood FAQ
Common questions about residential wood in Stephenville and Erath County.
What wood fence styles are popular in Stephenville?
Dog-ear privacy is the most requested for backyards. Homeowners near campus and in newer subdivisions often choose horizontal wood with a black metal frame for a modern look. Picket and cap-and-trim work well for front yards where you want openness with a defined boundary.
How tall can a privacy fence be?
Most residential privacy installs are 6–8 feet depending on your lot, HOA rules, and city requirements. We confirm allowable height during your on-site quote so there are no surprises after installation.
How long does a backyard wood fence take?
A typical residential privacy fence takes two to five days for an average lot — longer for long runs, multiple gates, or slope. We will give you a day-by-day plan when we quote the job.
Do you repair or replace existing wood fences?
Yes. We can replace blown-down panels, rebuild leaning sections, and install new gates on existing posts when the structure is sound. If posts are rotted, a partial or full replacement is usually the better long-term fix.
Will you help with HOA or neighbor line questions?
We install on your side of the property line and recommend a survey when boundaries are unclear. If your HOA has a spec sheet, share it at the estimate — we build to those requirements when provided.
Pool Fencing FAQ
Common questions about pool fencing in Stephenville and Erath County.
Does my pool fence have to meet Texas building code?
Yes. Pool barriers must meet state and local requirements for height, climbability, gate direction, and self-closing latches. We design to current standards and recommend you schedule inspection with your local authority after installation.
Ornamental metal or vinyl — which is better for pools?
Ornamental aluminum offers an open view of the pool with a clean, high-end look and minimal maintenance. Vinyl privacy blocks sight lines and wind when you want a secluded backyard. Many homeowners combine both — ornamental near the deck and vinyl along the property line.
Can you install pool fence on sloped yards?
Yes. Stepped panels and rackable sections follow grade changes without awkward gaps at the bottom. We flag slope during the site visit so your quote includes the right hardware and labor.
How soon can you fence a pool after construction?
We coordinate with your pool contractor timeline. Decking and coping should be far enough along for accurate measurements. Call us during the pool build — we can hold a slot so fencing is not the last bottleneck before swim season.
Do you replace single pool fence panels or full enclosures?
Both. Storm-damaged sections can often be matched if we know the original manufacturer. If panels are discontinued or rusted through, a full replacement may be more cost-effective than patching.
Gates & Entries FAQ
Common questions about gates & entries in Stephenville and Erath County.
Can you automate an existing ranch gate?
Often yes, if posts and hinges are stout enough for the opener load. We inspect swing clearance, gate weight, and power options on site. Solar kits work well when running electric line is expensive.
How reliable are solar gate openers in Texas heat?
Modern solar operators are built for ranch use with battery backup and proper panel sizing. We size the kit for your gate weight and daily cycles so you are not resetting the opener every weekend.
Do you build stone pillars or work with my mason?
We install gates on existing columns and coordinate with masons when stone work is part of the project. Share your column dimensions and cap style at the estimate so hinges and latch hardware land in the right place.
What maintenance does an automatic gate need?
Keep hinges greased, clear debris from the slide path, and test safety sensors monthly. We walk you through care at install and can service openers if something drifts out of adjustment after seasons change.
How wide should a ranch entry gate be?
Most ranch drives use 16–20 foot openings for equipment, but your hay equipment and trailer width dictate the span. We also build custom gates for irregular or non-standard openings — odd widths, uneven posts, or approaches that are not a clean rectangle. We measure your opening on site and fabricate a gate that fits, so you are not stuck forcing a stock size into a space that will not take it.
Gate Operators FAQ
Common questions about gate operators in Stephenville and Erath County.
What does it mean that your techs are AFA certified?
Our gate operator technicians are certified through the American Fence Association, which trains installers on current UL 325 safety standards, entrapment protection, and proper operator setup. That certification carries over whether we installed your gate or you are calling us to service one someone else put in.
Do you work on gates you did not originally install?
Yes. We take service calls on existing operators regardless of who installed them. We inspect the opener, wiring, hinges, and safety sensors to diagnose the issue before quoting a repair.
My gate opener works sometimes but not others — what causes that?
Intermittent operation is usually a power issue, a failing sensor, or a gate that is binding on the track or hinges under load. We test the full system on site rather than just swapping the opener, since the root cause is often mechanical, not electrical.
Can you add safety sensors to an older gate operator?
In most cases, yes. We can retrofit photo-eye or edge sensors to bring an older installation closer to current safety standards, though very old operators sometimes need replacement to support modern safety devices.
Do you install solar-powered operators as well as wired ones?
Yes. We install both, and size the operator to your gate weight and cycle count either way. Solar kits are common on rural entries where running electrical service to the gate is not practical.
Commercial & Security FAQ
Common questions about commercial & security in Stephenville and Erath County.
Do you install barbed wire and security toppings?
Yes, where permitted and appropriate for the site. We follow spec sheets from utilities and facility owners for barbed wire, razor ribbon alternatives, and outrigger placement.
Can you fence an active job site or working barn?
We schedule installs around your operations — morning livestock moves, shift changes, or weekend work when needed. Safety briefings and clear work zones keep your crew and ours separated.
What gauge chain-link do you use commercially?
We match gauge and mesh size to the application — lighter mesh for interior kennels, heavier fabric and posts for exterior security. Your quote lists the exact spec so purchasing and insurers see what was installed.
Do you provide commercial quotes for bid projects?
Yes. Send plans or walk the site with our estimator. We provide line-item quotes for labor, materials, gates, and extras like barbed wire or crash gates when required.
Are you licensed and insured for commercial work?
Patriot Fence Company is licensed and insured. We can provide certificates for your facility or general contractor on request before work begins.