A note on variation
Every installer, material and site is different, so the sequence here is typical, not guaranteed. A short wood fence with a walk-through gate might take a few days. A longer run, a slope, hard ground or an automatic gate can take longer, and bad weather can add delays. Your written agreement and your installer’s schedule are the real guide. This article is meant to help you know what to expect and what questions to ask.
Before the crew arrives
Much of the important work happens before installation day. Your contractor or you will usually have confirmed the boundary, applied for any permit, and obtained association approval if needed. Ask for copies. Check a recent property survey against the plan, and make sure the fence line has been agreed in writing.
Utility locating is typically requested before digging. In many places the marking service needs some advance notice, so ask who is arranging it and when the marks will be in place. If you are paying a contractor, this is often part of their job, but confirm.
On your side, clear the line. Move furniture, planters, toys, hoses and anything else within a few feet of the planned fence. Trim back plants that are in the way, and if the crew needs access across your yard, make sure gates are unlocked and pets are secured. Tell the neighbors, since noise and activity will reach them too. If there is a dog, plan where it will stay during work.
Day one: marking and digging
Expect a crew to begin by confirming the layout. They will stake corners, run string, and mark the post positions and gate locations. This is the moment for you to look at the line, check the gate position and ask questions. Moving a stake costs nothing, but moving a set post costs time.
Then comes digging. Powered augers are loud, and digging can be messy. Expect piles of soil, and possibly some damage to grass along the line. If the crew meets a buried obstacle, a large rock or a root, they may adjust post positions or ask you for a decision. Tree roots are a common cause of changes, so the article on tree roots may help you understand the choices.
Posts may be set the same day. Concrete, if used, needs time to cure, and a good crew will not hang heavy parts on fresh footings.
Day two and beyond: framing, panels and gates
Once the footings are firm enough, the crew attaches rails and then the boards or panels. You will hear saws and drills, and you may see long pieces moved through the yard. The crew will probably ask where to put materials, where to park, and where to dispose of waste. Decide this in advance.
Gate hanging often comes near the end. Expect repeated opening, closing and adjusting. If the gate is automatic, there may be a separate visit for electrical work and testing, perhaps by a different specialist, and permits and inspections may apply. Photo eyes and other safety devices should be tested in front of you.
Noise, access and disruption
Plan for noise from about the start of the working day, sometimes with little warning. Expect trucks, deliveries and people moving across the yard. If you work from home, think about where you can take calls. Access to your driveway or side yard may be limited, especially if materials are delivered in bulk. Mention any concerns in advance, and agree start times with the crew and, if relevant, with neighbors.
What the crew should handle
A competent installer will normally keep the site reasonably tidy, protect obvious hazards such as open holes, and explain anything unusual. You should not need to supervise every move, but it is reasonable to be available. Do not stand in the way of tools, and keep children and pets away from the work area.
If something looks wrong, such as posts leaning, an uneven line, or a gate rubbing, say so promptly and politely. Small corrections are easier early on. The notes on common fence installation mistakes describe the usual problems, so you will recognize them.
Final checks
Before you sign off or make the final payment, walk the whole line with the installer. Check that the fence is straight and at the height specified, that posts feel firm, that fasteners are installed neatly, and that the gate swings freely and latches. Look at the finish. Confirm that stakes, strings, offcuts and concrete waste have been removed, and ask about any holes left from removed posts or marking.
Ask for any paperwork: warranty terms, the inspection record where relevant, and care instructions for the wood or the finish. A guide to fence warranties explains what they usually cover. For an automatic gate, ask for a demonstration of the manual release.
After the installation
Expect a settling-in period. Wood can move as it dries, and new posts can shift slightly. Keep an eye on the fence for the first season, and contact the installer about problems promptly, since warranties often have time limits. A few weeks after installation, the dust settles and you can enjoy the result.