3 Things Homeowners Can Do to Keep Their Wooden Privacy Fences Attractive and Sturdy
West Georgia Fence • October 2, 2017
If wooden privacy fences are provided with proper care, they can last for many years. Once every couple of years, you should renew and rehabilitate your wooden privacy fence. This will help preserve your fence's attractive looks as well as keep it sound and sturdy.
Here are three things you can do that will keep your wooden privacy fence updated from a cosmetic and structural perspective.
1. Renew the Exterior Finish
One of the most visible acts of maintenance you can perform is renewing the exterior finish of your privacy fence. Privacy fences are often left unfinished when first installed, but leaving your fence unfinished may cause damage from the elements to occur at a faster pace.
The natural, brown surface of a wooden privacy fence will gradually turn gray if left exposed to ultraviolet rays of the sun and other environmental forces. Fortunately, the gray layer is only the topmost surface level and there is fresh wood lying just beneath it.
Therefore, it is helpful to occasionally strip the gray layer from the fence to restore the wood's natural look. The easiest and fastest way to get rid of the gray is by using a power washer with a 40-degree tip to remove this layer. Be sure to keep the tip moving constantly across the surface of the wood and avoid holding the spray in one place for too long so that scarring doesn’t occur.
Once the gray has been removed from an area of the fence, move on to the next section and keep spraying until all gray discoloration is gone. You can quit at this point if you wish, but you can also apply a stain to the wood to provide a longer lasting finish. You can purchase fence stains from a home improvement center or hardware store.
2. Repair Cracks and Splits
As privacy fences age, wood can dry out and result in the formation of cracks and splits. These fissures are more than cosmetic problems, and they can actually permit the introduction of pests and accelerate wood rot.
A potential pest problem is one of the reasons it is helpful to seal up cracks and splits with a durable, exterior wood filler. Select a wood filler that’s the same color as the fence and fill the openings. Once the filler has dried completely, you can sand the fence, if necessary, to blend the repair. Finally, you can apply a wood sealer or stain over the site to promote the repair's longevity.
3. Straighten Sagging Fence Gates
Another problem that a wooden privacy fence can have is sagging. This is particularly problematic with gates, especially those that are wider than just a couple of feet. Sagging gates need to be fixed before they fall apart or cause damage to the fence.
The first step in straightening a sagging gate is to measure the diagonal length of the gate. Next, purchase a gate repair turnbuckle that is the same size as the diagonal measurement; these items can be purchased at a home improvement or hardware store.
Once you have the gate repair turnbuckle in hand, securely attach one end of the turnbuckle to the opposite lower corner. Next, attach the other end of the turnbuckle to the opposite diagonal corner.
After both ends of the turnbuckle are in place, begin to slowly tighten the turnbuckle to pull the corners closer together. Be sure to take your time and constantly check the square of the gate with a measuring tape or carpenters square. If the gate begins to sag again in the future, just tighten the turnbuckle on a periodic basis to maintain its shape.
If you need help with maintaining or installing a wooden privacy fence, or if you have any additional needs concerning fences, be sure to contact
West Georgia Fence for assistance. Their team is ready to help you with all your fence-related concerns.
The Best Fence for Your Atlanta-Area Home This Summer (2026 Guide) Summer is the most popular time of year for fence installation in the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area — and for good reason. Long days, dry ground, and the urge to actually use your backyard all push homeowners to finally pull the trigger on that fence project they've been putting off. But with so many material options, choosing the right fence can feel overwhelming. This guide answers the questions we hear most often this time of year so you can make a confident decision before the summer slips away. What Is the Best Type of Fence for Georgia's Summer Heat? Georgia summers are no joke — heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms put real stress on fencing materials. Here's how each major type holds up: Wood Fence — Classic and cost-effective, but wood requires the most summer maintenance. Heat and humidity cause wood to expand, contract, and potentially warp or crack over time. Annual sealing or staining is strongly recommended for Georgia homeowners. PVC (Vinyl) Fence — PVC is one of the best performers in hot, humid climates. It doesn't rot, splinter, or absorb moisture, and it won't need painting or staining. If low maintenance is your priority, PVC is a top choice for Georgia summers. Ornamental (Iron/Aluminum) Fence — Ornamental fencing is extremely durable in heat and storm conditions. The open design actually works in its favor during summer — it doesn't catch wind during storms the way solid panels can. A quality powder-coat finish resists rust and UV fading. Chain Link Fence — The most weather-resistant option by far. Metal construction means no warping, cracking, or swelling regardless of temperature swings. Chain link is a practical, budget-friendly option for large properties, pet containment, and commercial use. Should I Install a Fence in Summer or Wait Until Fall? Most homeowners assume fall is better for fence installation, but summer is actually an excellent time — here's why: Ground conditions in Georgia are typically firm and dry in summer, making post-setting easier and more precise. Scheduling availability tends to open up faster than in the spring rush. You get to enjoy it sooner. Installing in June or July means your yard is fenced and functional for backyard gatherings all season long. The one caveat: if you're installing a wood fence, avoid scheduling during an extended stretch of heavy rain. Saturated soil can shift newly set posts before the concrete fully cures. How Do I Know If I Need a Permit to Install a Fence in Carroll County or the Atlanta Area? Permit requirements vary by city and county, but here's what's typical in the West Georgia region: Most residential fences under 6 feet do not require a permit in Carroll County, but you should always verify with your local zoning office before breaking ground. HOA rules are separate from permit requirements — check with your homeowners association about height limits, material restrictions, and approved colors. Corner lots and properties near easements often have additional setback rules. West Georgia Fence has been serving the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area for over 50 years. Our team is familiar with local requirements and can help guide you through the process before your project starts. How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in the Atlanta Metro Area? Fence cost varies based on material, linear footage, terrain, and gate placement. Here are general ranges for the West Georgia and Atlanta area in 2026: Fence Type Approximate Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed) Chain Link $15 – $30 Wood (Privacy) $25 – $45 PVC / Vinyl $30 – $55 Ornamental Aluminum $30 – $60 Commercial Fencing Varies — contact for quote These figures are estimates. Sloped terrain, rock soil, removal of an old fence, and gate hardware all affect the final price. West Georgia Fence offers free custom quotes — call 770-832-3363 to get an accurate number for your specific property. Financing is also available with approved credit, so cost doesn't have to be a barrier to getting started this summer. What's the Best Fence for Privacy in a Georgia Backyard? For maximum backyard privacy, you'll want a solid panel fence with minimal gaps. The top choices: Wood Privacy Fence — The most traditional option. A 6-foot board-on-board or shadowbox wood fence provides excellent privacy and a natural look that blends into most Georgia landscaping. PVC Privacy Fence — Offers the same solid panel privacy as wood but with virtually zero maintenance. No painting, no staining, no warping. Many homeowners in the Atlanta area are switching from wood to PVC for exactly this reason. Ornamental with Privacy Slats — If you love the look of ornamental fencing but want more privacy, metal slats or inserts can be added to chain link or ornamental panels for a hybrid solution. 5 Signs Your Existing Fence Needs Repair Before Summer Gatherings Don't let a damaged fence ruin your summer entertaining plans. Watch for these red flags: Leaning or tilting posts — A leaning post is usually a sign of rotted wood or a shifting concrete footing. It won't fix itself. Boards with cracks, gaps, or rot — Cosmetic issues become structural ones when left through another Georgia summer. Rust stains or peeling paint on metal fencing — Surface rust spreads. Catching it early with touch-up paint or powder coat prevents full panel replacement. Gates that drag, stick, or won't latch — Gate hardware loosens over time, especially on heavy ornamental gates. Visible gaps at the base — If pets or small children could slip under, it's time to address the grade or add a bottom rail. West Georgia Fence handles repairs as well as new installations. If you're not sure whether your existing fence can be saved, we're happy to take a look. Why Choose a Local, Family-Owned Fence Company? With so many national chains advertising online, it can be tempting to go with the lowest bid from an out-of-area company. Here's why local matters: A company based in Carroll County knows the soil conditions, the local permit landscape, and what fence styles actually hold up in West Georgia's climate. West Georgia Fence has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years , holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau , and is fully licensed and insured. We've installed fences on everything from rural properties to government buildings to Atlanta-area apartment complexes — and we stand behind every job with a warranty. When you call us, you're talking to neighbors who care about the work they put their name on. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. 📞 Call us at 770-832-3363 📍 Serving Carrollton, Atlanta Metro, and surrounding West Georgia communities 🕐 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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