Fence installation FAQs
Real answers from the Thomas Fence sales team, to the questions customers ask before every project. No fluff, no runaround.
Licensing and credentials
Yes. Thomas Fence holds Arkansas Contractor's License No. 0155010427, maintained continuously since 2005 and renewed annually. Arkansas state law requires this license for any fencing project over $2,000. You can verify our license status at any time through the Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board.
Yes. Through the American Fence Association and the Accredited Contractor Institute (ACI), Thomas Fence became Arkansas's first Certified Fence Contractor. The accreditation is awarded after proving excellence in business practices, passing industry-specific testing and maintaining a trusted professional reputation. We renew every three years through advanced training and continuing education.
Yes. Thomas Fence holds the CGAT designation, the premier certification for automated gate installers. Our technicians have demonstrated experience, knowledge, safety awareness and skill in installing and servicing automated gate systems.
Yes. Thomas Fence is a verified US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) vendor, authorized to perform fencing contracts for government facilities, military installations and large public projects across Arkansas.
Yes. Thomas Fence is bonded and insured. Every project is covered from the first post to the final inspection, protecting your property and our crew under full liability coverage. Proof of insurance is available on request.
Before you start, and underground utilities
Not in every city. Seven Northwest Arkansas cities require a fence permit: Bella Vista, Bentonville, Gravette, Gentry, Lincoln, Prairie Grove and Tontitown. Springdale, Rogers, Fayetteville and Siloam Springs do not. HOA rules apply separately, and city requirements can change, so verify with your city before starting. Each customer is responsible for getting their own permit before installation begins, and our permits page has links for each city.
No. Rules vary a lot between cities and HOAs, so the permit is the customer's responsibility. We are happy to walk you through the process and answer questions.
Typically 1 to 3 weeks from the date you accept. There is always a 2 full business day window to complete the required underground utility locate before any post goes in the ground. A project manager calls you 1 to 2 days before the crew arrives.
No deposit is required for standard residential installations. Thomas Fence prefers to wait until the job is finished before asking for payment. The only exceptions are special order materials and custom metal work, and we tell you up front if that applies to your project.
Thomas Fence does. State law requires the company doing the work to submit the locate request. You do not need to do anything, because we handle it on every job without exception.
By law, utility companies have 2 full business days to locate and mark underground lines after we submit the 811 request. This is a fixed requirement, not an estimate. It is why there is always a short, required delay between signing your contract and the crew arriving to set posts.
One Call only marks utilities owned by public utility companies. Privately owned lines are not marked. Lines that are often missed include septic lines, irrigation lines, electric lines to outbuildings or sheds, gas lines to grills or pool equipment, and water lines from private wells. If you have any of these on your property, tell us before installation so we can work around them carefully.
Installation
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, and your project manager gives you a specific timeline at the estimate stage.
Yes. Posts are set in concrete as standard practice on every job, unless you request otherwise and it is noted in the contract. Concrete is the baseline, not an upgrade.
No. Staining is a different trade that needs 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 right after installation because it is naturally dry when milled. When in doubt, ask your staining contractor, who will check the moisture level before starting.
Payment, financing and warranty
Yes. Credit cards are accepted. A 3.5 percent processing fee is added to the invoice to cover the fee charged by the 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 with home improvement contractors. You can apply by scanning the QR code on your estimate. Our financing page has the details.
Thomas Fence offers a one-year craftsmanship warranty on all work. It 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.
Still have questions?
Call Thomas Fence or request a free estimate. We are happy to answer any question before you commit. No deposit is required on standard installations.