Wood Fence Installation and Repair in Kirkwood, Missouri

Wood fencing fits naturally with many Kirkwood homes. From established neighborhoods with mature trees to historic properties and older homes near central Kirkwood, wood offers a traditional look that can provide privacy, define a yard, secure pets, and complement the character of the property.

Makic Fence and Deck provides wood fence installation and repair in Kirkwood, Missouri for residential and commercial properties. We install cedar and treated pine fencing in a variety of styles and can also repair damaged sections, gates, posts, rails, and pickets when replacement of the entire fence is not necessary.

We are a family-owned St. Louis area fence contractor with experienced in-house installers. Our approach is straightforward: look at the property, discuss what the customer wants the fence to accomplish, explain the available options, and provide a clear estimate before the project moves forward.

Wood Fence Installation for Kirkwood Homes

Kirkwood has a mix of older homes, historic properties, renovated houses, newer construction, mature landscaping, and established neighborhood lots. Because of that variety, there is no single wood fence style that works for every property.

Some homeowners want complete backyard privacy. Others want a traditional fence that defines the property without making the yard feel closed in.

We install wood fencing including:

Cedar privacy fence

Treated pine privacy fence

Board-on-board fencing

Shadow box fencing

New England cap-and-trim styles

Traditional wood picket fencing

Custom gates

Double gates

Fence sections around patios, pools, gardens, and side yards

During an estimate, we can look at the grade of the yard, existing fence lines, gates, trees, driveways, sidewalks, and other features that can affect the layout.

Wood Fencing for Older and Historic Kirkwood Properties

One reason wood remains a popular choice in Kirkwood is that it can work well with traditional architecture and established neighborhoods.

Kirkwood has numerous designated historic properties and nine locally designated historic districts. The city states that designated landmarks receive additional protection and that certain exterior changes are reviewed through the Landmarks Commission.

That does not mean every older Kirkwood home is subject to historic review. It depends on the specific property and its designation.

If a property is a designated landmark or is located within a locally protected historic district, it is worth confirming any additional requirements before finalizing the fence design.

For these properties, details such as fence location, height, openness, material, and overall appearance can matter.

We do not assume that a particular wood fence style is automatically acceptable simply because it looks traditional. The safest approach is to confirm the requirements that apply to the property before installation

Wood Fence Repair in Kirkwood

Not every damaged fence needs to be completely replaced.

We provide wood fence repair in Kirkwood when the remaining fence is still in reasonable condition and the damaged area can be repaired effectively.

Common repairs include:

Broken or missing pickets

Damaged fence panels

Loose or deteriorated rails

Leaning fence sections

Damaged or failed posts

Gate repairs

Gate hardware replacement

Storm and tree-limb damage

Replacement of limited deteriorated sections

During an estimate, we look at more than the visibly damaged board or panel. If several posts are failing or large sections of the fence have deteriorated, replacing part or all of the fence may make more sense than continuing to repair individual areas.

We explain what we find so the homeowner can decide which option makes the most sense.

Replacing an Older Fence in Kirkwood

Older Kirkwood properties sometimes have fencing that has been repaired several times over the years.

A fence can look repairable from the street while having deteriorated posts, weak rails, or sections that have shifted significantly.

When evaluating an older fence, we look at:

Condition of the posts

Whether the fence is leaning

Condition of rails and pickets

Gate operation

Existing fence layout

Property grade

Trees and mature landscaping near the fence

Whether the current layout appears compatible with today's Kirkwood requirements

If only a small portion has failed, repair may be practical. If deterioration is widespread, replacement may provide a better long-term result.

Fence Permits in Kirkwood

Kirkwood requires a permit for new fence construction and for rebuilding a fence. The city requires information about the fence height, type, construction, and material, along with a site plan showing the fence in relation to property lines, streets, sidewalks, and structures.

The city currently states that residential fencing generally cannot exceed 6 feet in height. A residential fence located in front of the residence is generally limited to 4 feet and must be at least one-third open.

Kirkwood also requires the finished or “good” side of a residential fence to face outward, with the framing and support members facing toward the property being fenced.

Fence placement also matters. Kirkwood identifies minimum distances from streets, sidewalks, and street intersections, so the final layout should be reviewed before installation.

Because requirements can depend on the exact property and project, we recommend reviewing the current city requirements before construction begins.

Wood Fences Around Mature Trees and Landscaping

Mature trees are one of the things that make many Kirkwood neighborhoods attractive, but they can also affect fence installation.

A fence line may need to work around:

Large tree trunks

Surface roots

Landscaping beds

Retaining walls

Established shrubs

Existing patios or walkways

We look at these conditions during the estimate instead of assuming the fence can simply follow a straight line through the property.

Sometimes a small layout adjustment can preserve an important tree or avoid unnecessary disturbance while still keeping the fence functional.

Gates That Work With the Property

Gate placement deserves as much consideration as the fence itself.

A gate may need to provide everyday access for people and pets, while a wider gate may be useful for lawn equipment, trailers, or future backyard access.

We can install single and double wood gates and discuss placement based on how the homeowner actually uses the property.

For properties with utility easements or areas that may need future equipment access, a wider gate may also be worth considering.

Fence Posts Set in Concrete

We set our fence posts in concrete.

Post installation is one of the most important parts of a wood fence because the posts support the rails, boards, and gates.

We also look at grade changes and drainage conditions so the fence can follow the property naturally rather than treating every yard the same.

Utility Locates Before Fence Installation

Before digging fence-post holes, public underground utilities should be located.

For Missouri projects, public utility locating is handled through Missouri 811.

Utility markings identify the approximate location of participating public utilities. They do not necessarily identify privately installed lines on the property.

Homeowners should let us know about private utilities such as:

Irrigation systems

Invisible dog fences

Landscape lighting

Pool plumbing

Private electrical lines

Gas lines serving grills or outdoor equipment

Utilities running to detached garages, sheds, or other structures

Knowing about these systems before installation helps us plan the fence line more carefully.

Fences and Utility Easements

Some Kirkwood properties have utility or drainage easements along the side or rear of the lot.

An easement does not automatically mean a fence cannot be installed there, but the utility or easement holder may have access rights.

If utility work is needed in the future, part of a fence located within an easement may need to be removed or disturbed.

Reviewing the property survey before construction can help identify easements and other conditions that may influence the fence layout.

Why Kirkwood Homeowners Choose Makic Fence and Deck

When someone contacts us about a wood fence, we want the process to be easy to understand.

We take time to look at the property, listen to what the homeowner is trying to accomplish, and explain the available options without making the process unnecessarily complicated.

Customers work with a local family-owned company and experienced in-house installers.

Our focus is on:

Clear communication

Straightforward estimates

Respect for the customer's property

Practical recommendations

Proper planning before installation

Cleanup when the work is complete

Addressing questions when they come up

Whether the project is a new cedar privacy fence, a traditional wood picket fence, a gate replacement, or repair of an existing fence, the goal is to provide a solution that fits the property and the customer's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Fencing in Kirkwood

Do I need a permit to install a wood fence in Kirkwood?

Yes. Kirkwood currently requires a permit for the new construction or rebuilding of a fence. The application includes information about the proposed fence and a site plan showing its location on the property.

How tall can a residential wood fence be in Kirkwood?

Kirkwood generally limits residential fences to 6 feet in height. Fences located in front of the residence are generally limited to 4 feet and must be at least one-third open.

Do historic homes in Kirkwood have additional fence requirements?

Some can. Kirkwood has designated landmarks and nine local historic districts. Certain exterior alterations to designated properties are subject to Landmarks Commission review, and a Certificate of Appropriateness may be required depending on the property and work proposed.

If you own an older or historically designated Kirkwood home, it is a good idea to confirm the property's status before selecting the final fence design.

Can I replace an existing fence on a historic Kirkwood property?

Possibly, but do not assume the existing fence can simply be replaced with any new style. If the property is locally designated or falls within a protected historic district, additional review may apply. The city should be consulted before the final design is approved.

What type of wood fence works well with an older Kirkwood home?

That depends on the architecture and the homeowner's goals. Cedar picket fencing, traditional privacy fencing, shadow box designs, and cap-and-trim styles can all complement older properties. Historic approval, when applicable, is determined by the city and should be confirmed before installation.

Does the finished side of a wood fence have to face outward in Kirkwood?

Yes. Kirkwood states that fence framing and support posts should face the interior of the property, leaving the finished or “good” side facing outward.

Can you repair only part of my wood fence?

Often, yes. If the remaining fence is structurally sound, damaged posts, rails, pickets, gates, or individual sections may be repairable. We inspect the surrounding fence before recommending repair or replacement.

Is cedar or treated pine better for a Kirkwood privacy fence?

Both can work well. Cedar is frequently chosen for its natural appearance and traditional look, while treated pine can be a practical alternative. The right choice depends on the fence style, budget, maintenance expectations, and appearance the homeowner wants.

Are your wood fence posts set in concrete?

Yes. We set our fence posts in concrete.

Do utilities need to be marked before a fence is installed?

Yes. Public underground utilities should be located before digging. Missouri 811 handles public utility locate requests, while homeowners should identify privately installed utilities such as sprinkler systems, invisible dog fences, landscape lighting, and private lines serving detached structures.

Can a wood fence be installed in a utility easement?

Sometimes, but the easement holder may still have the right to access that area. If future utility work requires removal or disturbance of the fence, restoration may become the homeowner's responsibility depending on the easement and circumstances. Reviewing the survey before installation is helpful.

Can you install a wood fence for dogs?

Yes. Wood fencing can work well for dog containment. The appropriate height and style depend on the dog's size, behavior, and the property layout.

Will a 6-foot wood privacy fence keep deer out?

A 6-foot privacy fence can be a meaningful deterrent and may keep deer out of many residential yards, but it should not be considered guaranteed deer exclusion. Areas with heavy deer pressure may require a different strategy.

Request a Wood Fence Estimate in Kirkwood

If you are considering a new wood fence or need an existing fence repaired in Kirkwood, Makic Fence and Deck can look at the property, discuss the options, and help determine the best approach for the project.

We install and repair cedar and treated pine fencing throughout Kirkwood and surrounding St. Louis County communities.

Makic Fence and Deck

314-866-5557