How Far Can Your Fence Posts Be Apart?

December 18, 2025
The strength of any fence is entirely dependent on its foundation: the posts. Whether you are building a ranch fence in Pinehurst or a privacy fence in Woodtrace, setting your posts at the correct interval is the difference between a fence that lasts 20 years and one that leans after the first big storm.

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For a standard residential wood privacy fence, the industry standard is to place posts 8 feet apart. However, in North Houston, we often recommend a 6-foot spacing for 8-foot tall fences to account for wind-load and the heavy clay soil common in our region.

Post Spacing by Fence Type

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  • Wood Privacy Fences: 8 feet is standard, but 6 feet provides superior stability against "wind-sail" effects.
  • Chain-Link Fencing: Typically spaced every 10 feet.
  • Ranch & Farm Fencing: Can range from 8 to 12 feet depending on the livestock being contained and the type of wire or rail used.
  • Ornamental Iron: Usually comes in pre-fabricated 8-foot panels, making the spacing fixed.

Why Soil Conditions in Montgomery County Matter

The "Blackland Prairie" and clay-heavy soils found around Tomball and Magnolia expand and contract significantly with moisture. If posts are spaced too far apart, the weight of the fence panels puts excessive leverage on the post base. Over time, this causes the post to "heave" out of the ground. By keeping your posts slightly closer together, you distribute the weight more evenly and create a more rigid structure.

The Ultimate Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Texas

December 18, 2025
In Texas, our weather is extreme. To get 20+ years out of your fence, you need to perform a quick 15-minute inspection every season to catch small problems before they become major expenses. Keep Your Fence in Top Shape — Book a Professional Tune-Up Spring and Fall Tasks Spring: Check for winter storm damage and ensure your gate hinges are lubricated. Fall: Clear away dead leaves and debris from the bottom of wood fences to prevent moisture trapping. Check your stain for "fading" and plan for re-coating if the wood is no longer repelling water.

Fence Repair vs. Replacement: Cost and Value Comparison

December 18, 2025
Should you fix that leaning section or tear the whole thing down? For many homeowners, the "fix-it" approach seems cheaper, but it may actually be a waste of money if the structural integrity of the entire line is compromised. Get a Professional Assessment — Schedule Your Inspection The 20% Rule As a general rule of thumb, if more than 20% of your fence requires repair, a full replacement is usually more cost-effective in the long run. Patchwork repairs often lead to a "Frankenstein" look and don't address the underlying issues like rotted posts or failing footings.

Fence Contractors in Conroe, TX: Your Local Service Guide

December 18, 2025
As Conroe continues to grow, homeowners need reliable contractors who can handle everything from standard residential wood to complex commercial iron projects near Lake Conroe. Secure Your Conroe Property — Get a Free Fence Estimate Serving All of Conroe From the downtown historic district to the new developments along 105, we provide high-quality installations that stand the test of time. We understand the specific wind-load requirements near the lake and use materials designed to handle the moisture.