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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve been building fences in and around Winnipeg since 1946 so there’s likely not a question we haven’t answered. 

Here are a few of the common ones.

Yes! Be sure to let us know and we’ll identify it in the quote so you can decide if you want to incur the extra cost or remove the fence yourself.

Manitoba ground conditions contain a high clay content that holds moisture in the soil. Over time, the freeze/thaw cycle of wet soil pushes the concrete pile upward, which makes the fence uneven.

In standard conditions, we install posts 36-42” into the ground, deep enough to go below the frost line. This depth eliminates the need for concrete.

Recognizing the unique ground conditions of the Prairies, the City of Winnipeg recommended this approach in the late ‘90s. We were the first company in Winnipeg to adopt this practice.

In standard conditions, we install posts 36-42” into the ground, deep enough to go below the frost line in most areas in and around Winnipeg. Some areas, however, demand depths of up to six feet. 

There are seven advantages to using steel over wood posts. 

Steel posts are generally more cost-effective than a typical 4×4 or 6×6 post because they are quicker to install. It takes about half the time to install a steel post versus a wood post, which translates into savings for you. 

Second, driving steel posts is much cleaner than augering away clay to make room for a wood post. This means less mud to haul away and a lower cost for you. 

Third, there is far less risk of damaging the existing landscape driving steel vs augering for wood.

Fourth, because the surface area of a steel post is much smaller than a 4×4 or 6×6 wood post, it is less susceptible to frost-jacking over winter.

The fifth advantage is general durability. With wood posts there could be rotting, pest infestation, or damage by tools like weed whackers. Steel posts are resistant to this type of damage.

Sixth, steel post installation doesn’t require heavy machinery to install. With infills and smaller yards, a wood fence on steel posts is the perfect solution for those looking for the beauty of wood.

Finally, certain areas in and around Winnipeg require posts to be dug even deeper than a standard 36-42” depth. In these cases, driving extra long steel posts is a much more elegant solution than incurring the additional costs of augering deeper holes for wood posts and hauling away the extra material.

Of course!

While steel posts are superior structurally, we’ve all grown accustomed to the standard look of wood posts. For those who want the look of wood posts and the strength of steel, wood cladding is available as an option. That said, upgrading to black powder-coated steel posts is a more cost-effective option that delivers a dramatic and elegant look. 

An interesting feature of steel post fences is their resiliency. They flex slightly with lateral forces (windload) as opposed to remaining completely ridgid (as a wood post does). This feature allows them to better withstand extremely windy conditions that would typically cause a wood post to break. This movement is a feature, not a flaw, and does not indicate a poor installation. 

We require about 12 feet of space above the fence line to install each post. Advise us if you anticipate any of the following issues and we will take the appropriate steps to ensure a safe, smooth installation:

  • Overhead branches
  • Overhangs on a house or out-buildings
  • Overhead lines

Also, let us know if our crew will be able to park in a convenient place, close to the project, to allow for efficient transportation of equipment and material.

We use a hydraulic pounder to pound steel posts into the ground. Wood posts are installed using a power auger. An auger generates much more clay to haul away and can potentially impact landscaping and garden beds. Overall, augering holes for wood posts is messier, which is one of the reasons we recommend steel posts. 

It is important you inform us about your yard. Private water, sprinkler or power lines to out-buildings, pools, outdoor lighting, etc. may require us to hand dig or otherwise change our installation process and therefore must be marked. Uploading pictures of your site to our website is very helpful as they not only help us provide an accurate quote but will ensure your installation day goes as smoothly as possible. 

Also, let us know if we are installing posts onto concrete or through asphalt, and if through asphalt, if there is existing concrete below it. 

You do. We do not mark property lines; we rely on your instructions with respect to where the fence line goes. Therefore, you take sole responsibility for its location, and any issues that may arise from your municipality or your neighbours will be referred to you. 

If you are unsure of your property line, contact a land survey contractor or the Land Titles office to obtain accurate information. 

More information here: Whose Fence is it?

According to the City of Winnipeg bylaws, pools are required to have a fence surrounding them that is non-climbable and at least 5 feet in height. The gates must be equipped with self-closing hardware, and there cannot be any gaps exceeding 4 inches in the fence. You can read more about the pool fencing bylaw here: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/ppd/Documents/Brochures/Pools-and-Hot-Tubs-Spas.pdf 

The City of Winnipeg allows fences up to 4’ tall in the front yard, and up to 6’ tall in the backyard. Your front yard is defined by the front corner of your house.