Fence Installation FAQs

Yes — in most cities, a permit is required before installing a fence. Requirements vary by city and HOA, so the specifics depend on where your property is located.

Thomas Fence maintains a fence permits page with links to permitting requirements for each municipality in Northwest Arkansas. Each customer is responsible for obtaining their own permit before installation begins.

No. Because rules vary significantly between cities and HOAs, permits are the customer's responsibility. Thomas Fence is happy to walk you through the process and answer questions. Our permits page has links to each town's permitting portal.

Typically 1 to 3 weeks from the date you accept. There is always a minimum 3-day delay to complete the required underground utility locate before any post goes in the ground. A project manager will call you 1 to 2 days before crews arrive.

No deposit is required for standard residential installations. Thomas Fence prefers to wait until the job is completed before requesting payment. The only exceptions are special-order materials or custom metal work — and we will tell you upfront if that applies to your project.

Thomas Fence calls. State law requires the company performing the work to submit the locate request. You do not need to do anything — we handle it on every job, without exception.

Typically 3 working days from the time the request is submitted. This is why there is always a minimum delay between signing your contract and the crew arriving — it is required by law, not a scheduling issue on our end.

One Call only marks utilities owned by public utility companies. Privately owned lines are not marked. Common examples that are frequently missed:

Septic lines  ·  Irrigation lines  ·  Electric lines to outbuildings or sheds  ·  Gas lines to grills or pool equipment  ·  Water lines from private wells

If you have any of these on your property, let us know before installation so we can work around them carefully.

A typical residential fence installation takes 2 to 3 business days, depending on the fence type and total length. Larger commercial or agricultural jobs may take longer — your project manager will give you a specific timeline at the estimate stage.

Yes. Posts are set in concrete as standard practice on every job, unless you specifically request otherwise and it is noted in the contract. Concrete is the right way to do it — it is not an upgrade, it is the baseline.

No. Staining is a different trade that requires different equipment and expertise. Thomas Fence refers customers to trusted local staining contractors when asked.

It depends on the wood. Pressure-treated pine needs time to dry out — typically 1 to 3 months, depending on weather and humidity. Staining too early traps moisture and can cause problems.

Cedar can typically be stained immediately after installation since it is naturally dry when milled.

When in doubt, ask your staining contractor — they will assess the moisture level before starting.

Yes. Credit cards are accepted. A 3.5% processing fee is added to the invoice to cover the fee charged by the credit card company.

No. Thomas Fence is not able to offer a discount for cash payments.

No. Thomas Fence does not currently offer a veteran's discount.

Yes. Financing is available through Hearth, a third-party lender that works specifically with home improvement contractors. You can apply online or by scanning the QR code on your estimate. Learn more about financing options.

Yes. Thomas Fence holds Arkansas Contractor License No. 015501-0427, which has been maintained continuously since 2005 and is renewed annually. We are also AFA Certified Fence Contractors and CGAT certified for gate automation.

Thomas Fence offers a one-year craftsmanship warranty on all work. The warranty is included in every written contract and delivered to you at the final walkthrough. If something is wrong with the installation within one year, we come back and fix it.