Fence, Deck & Handrail Tips for Homeowners in St. Louis & Metro East
Welcome to the Makic Fence & Deck Resource Center — your go-to guide for fencing, decking, and handrail installation in St. Louis, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Metro East Illinois. Our team shares expert advice on choosing the right materials, understanding installation requirements, and navigating city permits so you can make the best decision for your property.

December 2, 2025
Many homeowners assume fence installation stops when winter hits. Snow, cold temperatures, and frozen ground make it seem like outdoor projects should wait for spring. But the truth is: a good, reliable fence company should be able to work all year long — and at Makic Fence & Deck, we do exactly that. We just finished installing a new fence in the middle of a snowfall, and the project turned out great. (Photo above was taken minutes after our crew wrapped up!) Winter or not, we show up and get the job done the right way. Why We Work Through the Winter In the St. Louis area, winter weather comes and goes. Some days are cold but workable, and those days add up to a lot of productive time. That’s why we stay open year-round. Here’s what you can expect from us during winter months: ✔ We can remove old fences Even in cold weather, tearing out old fencing is no problem. ✔ We can dig holes and prep the project As long as the ground isn’t frozen solid, we can dig and prepare your fence line. ✔ We can install full fences when temperatures allow Many winter days are perfectly workable. Our crews dress for the weather and stay efficient. ✔ We never rush or cut corners because of winter If a day isn’t safe or workable, we simply don’t force it. Quality always comes first. What We Won’t Do in Winter It’s important for homeowners to know this: 🚫 We do NOT pour concrete when it’s too cold. Concrete needs the right temperature to cure properly. If concrete freezes before it sets, the strength is ruined — and your fence will fail. We don’t gamble with your project just to finish quickly. When temperatures dip too low, we simply pause the concrete portion and resume as soon as conditions are right. Winter Fence Installation Benefits Believe it or not, winter can be one of the best times to schedule your fence. Less yard growth No thick shrubs, no weeds, and no summer overgrowth to fight through. Faster scheduling Spring and early summer fill up fast. Winter installations help you beat the rush. Your fence is ready for spring Instead of waiting months, you can enjoy a finished project as soon as nicer weather arrives. We’re a Year-Round St. Louis Fence Company You Can Count On At Makic Fence & Deck, we don’t use subcontractors — ever. Our own trained installers handle every job, and we stand behind our work in every season. Whether it’s snowing, sunny, or somewhere in between, we’re here when you need us. 📲 Call/Text: 314-866-5557 Email to: info@makicfence.com Makic Fence & Deck LLC — Serving St. Louis and all surrounding areas, all year long.

October 22, 2025
Many homeowners across St. Louis, Arnold, and Fenton ask us: “Is there such a thing as a maintenance-free fence?” It’s a fair question — and one that causes plenty of confusion. Most contractors advertise maintenance-free fencing as if you’ll never have to touch it again, but the truth is simple: every fence needs some level of care, even if it’s only occasional cleaning. Let’s clear up what “maintenance-free” really means — and what to expect from each type of fence. 🧼 Do “Maintenance-Free” Fences Really Exist? Not exactly. When you hear “maintenance-free,” it usually means the fence doesn’t require painting, staining, or sealing — not that it will stay spotless forever. Even the most durable materials collect dust, pollen, and mildew over time, especially in Missouri’s humid climate. 🧩 Vinyl Fencing: Low Maintenance, Not No Maintenance Vinyl fencing is often labeled maintenance-free, and while it doesn’t need paint or stain, it still collects dust, mold, and mildew — especially near trees, vegetation, or busy streets. Cleaning tip: A simple power wash brings it back to like-new condition. How often: Open areas may only need it every 2–3 years, while fences near trees or main roads might need it every 6–12 months. Result: Vinyl is a great choice for homeowners who want minimal upkeep and consistent appearance year-round. ⚙️ Ornamental & Chain-Link Fences: The Easiest to Maintain Metal fences like ornamental aluminum or chain-link truly require the least maintenance. They don’t rot and aren’t affected by moisture the way wood is. You may only need to rinse them occasionally or touch up rust spots on older steel sections. The trade-off? They provide less privacy. Many homeowners choose to combine materials — using chain-link for the back and vinyl or wood in front for appearance and privacy. 🌲 Wood Fencing: Still a Classic, But Needs Care Wood fences aren’t considered maintenance-free because most contractors recommend staining every 3–5 years. But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: If you don’t mind the natural gray look, you can skip staining altogether. Without stain: Expect about 10–15 years of life. With stain: Often 15–20 years, depending on exposure. Cleaning: Power washing can restore the original natural color of cedar, removing surface dirt and weathered gray tones. However, it does not restore color on fences that have been stained or painted — those must be recoated to bring back color. Tip: Always make sure the wood is completely dry before staining or painting. Not all stains and sealers perform equally, so it’s worth testing before you commit. We often tell customers to bring a piece of their fence picket to the paint store to test colors and finishes before buying. 🚪 Where Most Fence Maintenance Happens Gates and posts experience the most wear. Over time, posts can settle or shift slightly — especially on slopes or hilly yards. If a gate starts to sag, tightening hinges or resetting a post usually solves it. Also watch for mulch, flowers, or brush that sit against the bottom of a wood fence. They hold moisture and can cause pickets to rot prematurely. 🎯 The Real Meaning of “Maintenance-Free” “Maintenance-free” really means “minimal effort”, not “no effort.” With periodic cleaning and small adjustments, most fences can last many years and continue looking great. The right material depends on your goals — privacy, appearance, and how much time you want to spend on upkeep. 📞 Ready to Learn Which Fence Fits Your Lifestyle? At Makic Fence & Deck LLC, we help homeowners throughout St. Louis County, Arnold, Fenton, Oakville, and nearby areas choose the perfect balance of beauty, privacy, and maintenance level. If you’d like honest advice about which fence style best fits your yard and budget, contact us today for a free consultation — we’re always happy to explain the pros and cons of each material.
By Team Makic Fence
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Learn when to hire professional fence installers in Arnold. Understand project timing, replacement indicators, and local considerations for successful installations.
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Discover how to find reliable fence repair services in Fenton. Learn about common repairs, cost considerations, and choosing contractors for lasting results.
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Learn what to expect from professional handrail installation in Ballwin. Understand the process, material choices, safety standards, and local considerations for your project.
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Discover how to find reliable deck installation services in Chesterfield. Learn about evaluating contractors, understanding the process, and ensuring quality results for your outdoor project.
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August 20, 2025
Learn how to select the best fence contractor in St. Louis. Get expert tips on evaluating companies, understanding permits, and ensuring quality installation for your home.

