Building Fences Right the First Time
Living in coastal Florida means your fence needs to be more than just pretty — it has to be tough. Between high humidity, tropical storms, salt air, and strict HOA regulations, it’s easy for homeowners to make mistakes that lead to costly repairs or replacements.
At SW Fences Port St. Lucie, we’ve repaired and replaced hundreds of fences that failed due to poor installation, wrong materials, or lack of planning. To help you avoid those same headaches, we’ve rounded up the most common fencing mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them — so your fence looks great, performs perfectly, and stands strong year after year.
1. Choosing the Wrong Fence Material
Your fence should match your lifestyle, your property’s needs, and Florida’s unpredictable weather. Choosing the wrong material is the first (and most expensive) mistake homeowners make.
Common Pitfalls:
Selecting untreated wood that can’t handle humidity.
Using cheap vinyl that cracks under the sun.
Forgetting to use rust-resistant hardware near coastal areas.
Best Choices for Florida:
Vinyl fencing: UV-resistant, low-maintenance, and hurricane-tested.
Aluminum fencing: Sleek, rust-proof, and ideal for pool or perimeter areas.
Pressure-treated wood: Beautiful and durable when properly sealed.
Chain link: Affordable and practical for large yards or pets.
Pro Tip: At SW Fences Port St. Lucie, we only use premium, hurricane-rated materials approved for St. Lucie and Martin County codes.
2. Skipping Professional Installation
Many homeowners try to save money by going the DIY route. Unfortunately, improper alignment, uneven posts, and poor anchoring can cause major issues later — especially after a storm.
A professional fence company ensures every post, panel, and gate is installed securely and up to Florida’s strict standards. Our licensed team uses precision equipment, deep-set posts, and reinforced concrete footings for maximum durability.
Call to Action:
Don’t take chances with your investment — call 772-577-2447 today for your FREE professional estimate and let the pros handle it.
3. Ignoring HOA or County Requirements
Many local neighborhoods and gated communities in Port St. Lucie and Martin County have specific rules about fencing height, color, and materials.
Building before checking these rules can result in fines or forced removal.
Avoid this mistake by:
Consulting your HOA before choosing a design.
Reviewing local ordinances with your contractor.
Working with a company like SW Fences Port St. Lucie that handles permits and approvals for you.
4. Overlooking Property Lines
Few things create tension faster than a fence that crosses into a neighbor’s property.
Always confirm your property boundaries before digging.
We recommend:
Reviewing your property survey.
Marking boundaries clearly.
Having your neighbor present during planning if possible.
At SW Fences Port St. Lucie, we double-check property lines before any installation — so your fence stays where it belongs.
5. Not Accounting for Florida’s Climate
Coastal humidity, salt air, and strong winds can destroy a poorly built fence. Many homeowners forget that materials behave differently in Florida than they do elsewhere.
Avoid weather-related damage by:
Using galvanized or stainless-steel fasteners.
Setting posts deep enough to resist uplift.
Choosing materials resistant to corrosion and sun fading.
Our fences are engineered for hurricane zones, using reinforced vinyl, aluminum, and pressure-treated wood built for long-term resilience.
6. Setting Posts Too Shallow
A fence is only as strong as its foundation. Posts set too shallowly can cause the entire fence to lean or topple after a heavy storm.
The Fix:
Bury at least one-third of each post below ground.
Anchor with concrete and allow for water drainage.
Space posts evenly to distribute wind load.
At SW Fences Port St. Lucie, we go deeper than the average installer — literally. That’s why our fences remain upright long after others fail.
7. Installing Gates Without Proper Support
Your gate is the most used part of your fence — and one of the first to fail when installed incorrectly. Weak posts or low-quality hinges can cause sagging or alignment problems.
Avoid these issues by:
Reinforcing gate posts with extra concrete.
Using heavy-duty, weatherproof hardware.
Aligning gates perfectly before securing hinges.
We use commercial-grade gate systems that look beautiful and stand up to daily use and coastal weather.
8. Forgetting Maintenance
Even low-maintenance materials like vinyl or aluminum need occasional care. Neglecting basic upkeep can reduce your fence’s life span.
Maintenance Checklist:
Rinse off salt and dirt quarterly.
Check for rust, cracks, or loose posts.
Trim landscaping that grows against your fence.
At SW Fences Port St. Lucie, we provide easy maintenance tips with every installation to keep your fence looking new for years.
9. Not Matching Fence Style to Purpose
Choosing the wrong fence style for your property can waste money and hurt curb appeal.
Choose smartly:
Privacy fences: Ideal for backyards and pool areas.
Decorative aluminum fences: Perfect for front yards or around gardens.
Chain link fences: Great for pets and security.
Ranch-style fences: Ideal for larger properties or estates.
Our design specialists help you select the right style to complement your home and neighborhood.
10. Hiring the Wrong Fence Contractor
Sadly, not all fence companies deliver quality. Some cut corners with inferior materials or unlicensed labor.
When hiring a fence company in Port St. Lucie, always look for:
Proper licensing and insurance.
Verified customer reviews.
Warranties on labor and materials.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
SW Fences Port St. Lucie is fully licensed, insured, and trusted by homeowners across the Treasure Coast. Our fences are hurricane-tested, HOA-approved, and designed to add real value to your property.
Testimonials: What Our Clients Are Saying
“They saved us thousands.”
We almost went with another company, but SW Fences Port St. Lucie pointed out design issues the others missed. Our fence is solid and gorgeous.
— J. Martinez, St. Lucie West, FL
“Best fence company in town.”
The crew was professional, quick, and detail-oriented. They even cleaned up afterward. Love our new vinyl fence!
— K. Robinson, Tradition, FL
“Hurricane-proof for real.”
Our aluminum fence stood tall through the last big storm — no damage at all. 100% recommend!
— S. Nguyen, Jensen Beach, FL
11. Overlooking Fence Design & Property Value
A well-designed fence adds more than privacy — it boosts your home’s resale value and curb appeal.
According to Florida property appraisers, professionally installed fencing can raise property value by up to 15%.
SW Fences Port St. Lucie helps homeowners choose designs that balance beauty, privacy, and strength — from modern white vinyl panels to rustic wood finishes and custom gates.
12. Forgetting Drainage & Landscaping
Water buildup around fence posts can cause rot, rust, and instability.
To prevent this:
Grade the ground to divert water.
Use gravel for drainage at post bases.
Avoid burying fence boards directly in soil.
We plan every installation with drainage and landscape design in mind for maximum longevity.
Conclusion: Build It Once. Build It Right.
Avoiding these common fence mistakes isn’t just about saving money — it’s about protecting your home, your property, and your peace of mind.
At SW Fences Port St. Lucie, we combine premium materials, professional craftsmanship, and years of local experience to deliver fences that last through storms, seasons, and years of Florida sunshine.
If you want a fence that’s strong, stylish, hurricane-tested, and HOA-approved, trust the pros who know Florida best.
📞 Call SW Fences Port St. Lucie today at 772-577-2447 for your FREE estimate and experience the difference of quality fencing done right.
Submit your review | |