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Fence and Deck Together: Bundle Both Projects in Saint Louis

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:56:34 GMT

Fence and Deck Together: Why Saint Louis Homeowners Bundle Both Projects with One Contractor

When you hire one contractor to build your deck and install your fence at the same time, the gate ends up exactly where it should — aligned with your deck stairs, swinging the right direction, with enough clearance to open fully. That single detail explains why bundling both projects isn't just convenient; it's structurally smarter. Missouri ground typically freezes in December, so fall is the practical deadline for post-hole digging on both structures, making September through November the ideal window to act.

The Case for One Contractor, One Project

One contractor handling both your deck and fence means one mobilization fee, one set of equipment on-site, and one shared site-prep effort — not two separate crews tearing up your yard on different weeks.

Mobilization costs cover truck time, equipment delivery, and crew scheduling. When you hire two contractors separately, you pay that cost twice. A combined project eliminates the duplication. The crew that grades and marks your yard for deck footings uses the same layout to establish fence post positions, so nothing gets dug twice.

Permitting adds another layer. In St. Louis County, both decks and fences typically require separate permits, but working with one contractor means one point of contact managing both applications. Inspections can often be coordinated, which shortens the window your yard is a construction zone. For fence installation in Concord, Sappington, and Green Park , local permit timelines are a real factor — another reason early fall timing matters.

What Order Should Fence and Deck Go In?

The deck always comes first: footings and framing establish the fixed points that everything else references. Fence lines, panel placement, and gate position are all set relative to where the deck sits.

Here's the practical sequence: deck footings are poured and framing goes up first, which locks in stair location and egress direction. From there, the fence line is marked to connect logically with how people will actually move from the deck into the yard. Panels are set next, and the gate is hung last — positioned to swing away from stair traffic, latched at a height that doesn't conflict with deck railing.

If a fence contractor works independently before the deck is designed, the gate may end up blocking a future stair. If a deck contractor finishes without input from whoever is building the fence, stair placement might prevent the gate from opening fully. One contractor who plans both from the start avoids those conflicts entirely.

Does Bundling a Fence and Deck Save Money?

Yes — the savings come from eliminating redundant costs: one mobilization, shared material orders, and no markup between two separate trades coordinating with each other.

When a single contractor sources pressure-treated lumber for both the deck framing and the fence posts in one order, material costs drop compared to two separate smaller purchases. Equipment like post-hole diggers and concrete mixers gets used across both scopes in a single rental window. There's no scheduling gap where your yard sits half-finished while you wait for contractor two to become available.

For homeowners considering a low-maintenance perimeter, vinyl fence installation in Mehlville pairs well with a wood deck — the fence requires no staining while the deck weathers naturally, and one contractor can advise on color-matching the vinyl to your deck's fascia boards from the start.

Matching Your Fence to Your Deck

A wood deck paired with a wood fence creates the most unified look — same pressure-treated pine or cedar, stained the same color in the same season, with post cap and rail profiles chosen to complement each other intentionally.

A wood deck with a vinyl fence is a practical alternative. The vinyl holds its color without annual maintenance, while the deck boards develop a natural patina. A contractor handling both can select vinyl colors that coordinate with the deck trim rather than clash with it.

Aluminum fencing around a wood deck is popular when open sightlines matter — around a pool, on a sloped lot, or in a yard where you want to see the full space from the deck. Aluminum doesn't compete visually with wood grain, and it works well on grades where stepped wood panels would look awkward.

Fall Is the Right Time to Do Both in Saint Louis

Fall is the best season for combined fence and deck projects in the Saint Louis area because ground conditions are stable, contractor schedules are more open, and the work finishes before December freezes close the window for post-hole digging.

Spring is peak season for outdoor construction in Missouri, which means longer waits for contractor availability and permit processing. Homeowners who start in September or October often see faster project starts and fewer weather delays. Concrete cures more consistently in cooler fall temps, and staining wood in lower humidity produces better adhesion than summer heat allows.

A deck and fence completed before Thanksgiving means your yard is ready for use the moment spring arrives — no waiting in line behind every other homeowner who delayed the same project.

Serving Saint Louis Homeowners Across the Region

Combined fence and deck projects serve homeowners throughout the Saint Louis metro, from South County neighborhoods to communities across the river. If you're on the Illinois side, Fairview Heights fence and deck services cover that part of the region with the same single-contractor workflow.

Whether your yard calls for a wood privacy fence, a vinyl perimeter, or an aluminum fence around a new deck, the sequencing logic and cost savings apply regardless of material or neighborhood.

Bundling your fence and deck into one project with one contractor is the most efficient way to get both done — with fewer disruptions, lower total cost, and a yard that looks intentionally designed rather than assembled in pieces.

Schedule your combined project estimate this fall with Makic Fence before the ground-freeze deadline closes the window for post-hole work.

How to Choose the Best Fence Contractor in Saint Louis

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:59:20 GMT

How to Choose the Best Fence Contractor in Saint Louis: What to Look for Before You Hire

In Saint Louis County, fence rules vary by municipality — Crestwood, Mehlville, and Green Park each have their own setback and height requirements on top of county code. That means a contractor who works across the region should already know these details before they walk your property, not after you hand them a deposit.

Most homeowners searching for a fence company are really asking one question: how do I know who to trust? This guide gives you a practical framework — what to ask, what to watch for, and what a legitimate installation process actually looks like.

Why Saint Louis-Specific Knowledge Matters Before You Hire

A contractor who knows Saint Louis County will handle local permits, setback rules, and HOA requirements without you having to research it yourself — that local fluency is a meaningful quality signal.

Fence permits are commonly required in St. Louis County, and the right contractor handles or guides that process for you. Ask directly: do you pull the permit, or does that fall on me? A professional answers that question without hesitation.

HOA covenants are common in South County and West County subdivisions, often restricting fence height, material color, and style. A quality contractor asks about HOA status upfront — a company that skips that question is one that will create problems for you later.

South County terrain is notably hilly, and installing a fence on a slope requires a deliberate choice between racking (following the grade continuously) and stepping (creating a stair-step panel look). A contractor who does not assess your grade before quoting is a red flag — slope work takes skill, and the wrong approach leads to gaps, leaning posts, or premature failure. If your property is in South County, check out fence installation in Concord-Sappington and Green Park to see how local grade challenges are handled.

Knowing Your Material Options Before You Call

Choosing the right fence material depends on your maintenance tolerance, HOA rules, and how the fence will be used — each material has genuine trade-offs worth understanding before you talk to anyone.

Wood: Popular in older South County neighborhoods for its natural look and privacy. Saint Louis humidity and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate rot when posts are improperly set — post depth and concrete setting matter here.
Vinyl: Low maintenance and consistent in appearance, but quality varies widely by panel thickness and grade. HOA-friendly color options make it a common choice in Crestwood and Mehlville subdivisions. See vinyl fence installation in Mehlville for what a proper install looks like in that area.
Aluminum: Ornamental, corrosion-resistant, and well-suited for pool enclosures or front yards. Complements the brick-front homes common in higher-end Saint Louis neighborhoods.
Chain link: Economical and durable for backyards, dog containment, and utility areas — though many HOAs do not allow it in visible zones.
Gates: Gate work is a skill set on its own. Hardware grade, swing clearance, and self-closing requirements for pool enclosures all affect long-term function. Gates are also where low-quality installs fail first.

What Does a Professional Fence Installation Process Actually Look Like?

A professional installation follows a clear sequence: site assessment, written scope, permit coordination, installation, and a clean finish with a final walkthrough.

The process starts with a site walk — the contractor checks grade, identifies utility lines (Missouri 811 calls should be verified before any digging), and notes property boundaries. In Missouri, post holes are typically set to 24–30 inches to account for the frost line, and concrete setting versus compacted gravel is a real decision that affects long-term stability.

Every post hole depth, material specification, hardware grade, gate detail, and cleanup expectation should appear in a written scope of work before you sign anything. This document protects you from scope creep, locks in the material specs you were quoted, and gives you a clear basis for any warranty claim.

Questions to Ask Every Fence Contractor Before You Hire

These seven questions give you the information you need to compare contractors accurately — a legitimate company answers all of them clearly.

Are you licensed and insured in Missouri — and in Illinois if the job is near Fairview Heights or Granite City?
Do you pull the permit, or is that on me?
How do you handle slope and grade on my specific property?
What exactly is included in this quote — materials, hardware, gates, cleanup?
What warranty do you offer on both materials and labor?
Can I see completed local projects or references near my area?
Who will actually do the installation — your own crew or subcontractors?

How Do You Verify a Fence Contractor Is Legitimate in Missouri?

Missouri does not have a single statewide contractor license for fence work, but general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage are non-negotiable minimums — not optional extras.

Ask for a certificate of insurance that names you as the certificate holder. A legitimate company provides this without delay. St. Louis County and individual municipalities may also require a local business license, so it is reasonable to ask about that as well.

Beyond paperwork, check Google reviews that include photos of completed local work — not just star ratings. BBB standing and verifiable references in your own area carry more weight than a polished website.

Red Flags That Should Stop You From Signing

Watch for these warning signs before you commit to any contractor.

No written contract or itemized scope of work
Requires a cash deposit of 50% or more before work begins
Cannot provide proof of insurance on request
Does not ask about property lines, HOA status, or grade
Quote is a single lump sum with no line-item detail
No local project photos or verifiable references
Unfamiliar with St. Louis County permit requirements

Saint Louis Seasonal and Permit Timing Factors

Spring and early summer are the busiest seasons for fence installation in Saint Louis, which means permit processing times and contractor schedules can both stretch out — planning your project in late winter or early fall often means faster turnaround.

If your property is near the Illinois border in areas like Fairview Heights or Granite City, code requirements differ from Missouri, and your contractor should demonstrate familiarity with both environments. A company that only knows one side of the state line may miss a requirement that delays your install. You can learn more about cross-border service at the Fairview Heights, IL service area page .

The right framework — local knowledge, verified insurance, a written scope, and honest answers to direct questions — is what separates a smooth install from a frustrating one. When those elements are in place, the material choice and timeline details fall into order naturally.

Schedule your fence project with confidence by exploring completed work and requesting a detailed quote from Makic Fence.