Can My Fence Go Up in One Day?

In this post:

• When a one-day fence is done properly
• When "done in a day" means corners were cut
• How the ground under your fence changes the timeline
• What to ask before you book

"Old fence out, new fence up, all in one day." It's a great thing to see in an ad, and some homeowners love it. Nobody wants their yard open overnight, especially with kids or a dog.

So can it be done? Yes. But how it's done matters a lot more than how fast.

How a one-day fence is done properly

The thing that usually takes time is the concrete. Posts need to be set firmly before the rails and panels go on, because those panels catch the wind and pull on every post.

Most crews who build a fence in a day use rapid-set concrete. It's made to set much faster than standard concrete, so the posts can be firm enough to keep building on the same day.

Add a crew that works well together, a clear site and good access, and a one-day job can be done properly. Every step still happens. They just happen faster.

When "done in a day" means corners were cut

The problem is when speed comes from skipping steps instead.

• Standard concrete, rushed. Panels hung on posts set in normal concrete that hasn't had time to firm up. The posts can shift before they've set, and the fence starts life slightly out.
• Shallow holes. Digging is the slowest part. Cutting depth is the easiest way to save time.
• Not enough concrete. A token scoop at the top of the hole instead of a solid footing.
• No checking. Lines and levels not checked properly as the job goes.

None of that shows on day one. It shows after the first big storm, when the fence starts to lean.

It depends on the ground

The biggest thing that decides how long a fence takes is what's under the surface. You can't see it until you start digging, and every hole can be different.

• Rock. A post hole that takes a few minutes in soil can take much longer in rock, and sometimes needs special equipment to get down to the right depth.
• Tree roots. Roots along the fence line have to be cut through carefully, or the hole moved, without damaging a tree you want to keep.
• Old footings. Concrete from the old fence often sits right where the new posts need to go, and has to be broken out first.
• Hard clay or soft, wet ground. Both slow digging down, and soft ground can need deeper or wider footings.
• Pipes and cables. Services near the boundary mean digging slowly and carefully.

A crew that hits rock or roots and still promises to finish on time has only one way to do it: dig shallower. That's exactly the corner you don't want cut.

It depends on the job, too

Not every fence should be done in a day. A long run, a steep slope, a retaining wall, or tricky side access all take longer. Rushing those to hit a one-day promise is where problems start.

A good contractor will tell you honestly whether your job can be done in a day, and if not, why.

What to ask before you book

• Will you finish in one day? If so, how?
• What concrete are you using for the posts?
• How deep will the posts go?
• What happens if you hit rock or roots?
• If it takes longer, will my yard be left secure overnight?

If the answer to "how" is just "we work fast", ask again.

How we handle it

When we quote, we look at the ground, the slope, the access and any trees along the line, and we tell you how long your job is likely to take and why. If it can be done in a day, great. If your yard needs more time to be done properly, we'll say so up front, and we'll make sure it's left safe and secure between days.

Fast is good. Fast and done properly is better.

Common questions

Can a fence really be built in one day?

Often, yes, with rapid-set concrete, a good crew and a straightforward site. Rocky ground, roots, slopes or bigger jobs can take longer.

What if you hit rock while digging?

It slows the job down and may need extra equipment. The holes still need to go to the proper depth, so we'll talk to you if it changes the timeline.

Is rapid-set concrete as good as normal concrete?

It's made for setting posts quickly and is widely used by fencers. What matters most is that the holes are deep enough and the footing is solid.

Will my yard be left open if it takes two days?

It shouldn't be. Ask your contractor how they'll keep pets and kids secure overnight.

Keep reading

• The part of your fence you'll never see matters most
• How long does fence installation take?
• My yard is hard to get into. Will that cost me more?

Want to know how long your fence will take? Call us on 07 2141 7748, get a price online or let's have a chat.