You’ve decided to get a new fence — now you want to know: how long will it actually take? Whether you’re planning around a backyard party, selling your home, or just tired of looking at your old fence, knowing the timeline helps you plan.
As Sacramento’s owner-operated fence contractor, we’ve installed hundreds of fences across the greater Sacramento area. Here’s exactly what to expect from estimate to finished fence.
Quick Answer: Most Fences Take 1-3 Days to Install
For a standard residential fence installation in Sacramento:
- Small yard (50-100 linear feet): 1 day
- Average yard (100-200 linear feet): 1-2 days
- Large yard (200-350+ linear feet): 2-3 days
- Full perimeter with multiple gates: 3-5 days
But the installation days are only part of the story. The full timeline — from your first call to the finished fence — typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on the season and material availability.
The Full Fence Installation Timeline
Step 1: Free Estimate (Day 1)
We come to your property, measure the fence line, discuss your options (material, height, style, gates), and give you an accurate quote on the spot. This usually takes 30-45 minutes. At VMK Builders, the owner is on every estimate — you’re not dealing with a salesperson.
Step 2: Scheduling & Material Ordering (1-7 Days)
Once you approve the estimate, we schedule your installation date and order materials. During busy season (spring and summer in Sacramento), we typically book 1-2 weeks out. During fall and winter, we can often start within a few days.
Pro tip: Booking your fence in fall or winter often means faster scheduling, and you’ll have your fence ready before the spring barbecue season.
Step 3: Old Fence Removal (Day of Install)
If you have an existing fence, we remove it the morning of your installation. Old fence removal and haul-away is included in our pricing — you won’t see it stacked in your yard for weeks.
Step 4: Post Setting (Day 1 of Install)
This is the most critical step. We dig post holes 24-30 inches deep and set steel or wood posts in concrete. In Sacramento’s clay-heavy soil, proper post setting is essential — soil conditions here are tough, and posts that aren’t set deep enough will lean within a year or two.
We allow concrete to cure before hanging panels. Some contractors rush this step, but we don’t cut corners.
Step 5: Rails & Panels (Day 1-2)
Once posts are set and cured, we attach horizontal rails and install fence boards or panels. This is where your fence really takes shape. For a standard wood privacy fence, we install boards individually for a tight, clean look.
Step 6: Gates & Hardware (Final Day)
Gates are installed last. We use heavy-duty hinges and latches — not the cheap hardware store kits that sag after six months. Walk gates, drive gates, and RV gates all get the same premium treatment.
Step 7: Cleanup & Walkthrough
We clean up all debris, remove old fence materials, and walk you through the finished product. We leave your yard cleaner than we found it — that’s our guarantee.
Installation Time by Fence Type
Different fence materials take different amounts of time to install:
- Wood Privacy Fence: 1-2 days for 150 linear feet — Individual boards take longer than pre-built panels but look better
- Vinyl Fence: 1-2 days for 150 linear feet — Pre-fabricated panels speed up installation
- Iron/Wrought Iron: 1-2 days for 150 linear feet — Panels are heavy but install quickly
- : 1 day for 150 linear feet — Fastest installation of any fence type
- Trex Composite: 2-3 days for 150 linear feet — More complex installation with aluminum posts
What Can Delay Your Fence Installation?
Several factors can add time to your fence project:
- Sacramento’s clay soil: Rocky or clay-heavy soil (common in East Sacramento, Carmichael, and Fair Oaks) makes digging harder and can add time
- Slopes and uneven terrain: Stepped or racked fencing on hills requires more planning and installation time
- Underground utilities: Always call 811 before digging. If utilities are found in your fence line, posts may need repositioning
- Weather: Sacramento’s rainy season (November-March) can cause delays. We don’t pour concrete in rain — it weakens the set
- Permit requirements: If your fence needs a permit, add 1-3 weeks for processing
- Material availability: Most standard materials are in stock. Specialty items like Trex composite or custom iron may need to be ordered
How to Speed Up Your Fence Installation
- Book during the off-season — Fall and winter mean shorter wait times for scheduling
- Have your property lines marked — If you already know your boundaries, we can start faster
- Call 811 before your estimate — Utility marking takes 2-3 days, so getting it done early saves time
- Check your HOA rules first — Having pre-approval eliminates back-and-forth
- Choose in-stock materials — Standard wood and vinyl are always available
Ready to Get Started? We Work Fast.
At VMK Builders & Co, we pride ourselves on efficient, quality installations. The owner is on every job site — no subcontractors, no rotating crews, no excuses. That’s why we have 100+ five-star Google reviews from Sacramento homeowners.
Get your free estimate today: We serve Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, Rocklin, Carmichael, and all surrounding areas.
Call (916) 754-6962 or request your free estimate online.
Related articles:
- How Much Does a Fence Cost in Sacramento?
- Do I Need a Permit for a Fence in Sacramento?
- Wood vs Vinyl Fence: Which Is Better?
- Best Fence for Dogs in Sacramento
Ready to get started? VMK Builders & Co is Sacramento’s top-rated fence contractor. Whether you need a custom fence builder or are comparing Sacramento fence companies, call Vlad directly at (916) 754-6962 for a free estimate.