Serving Western Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma since 1950
5801 S. 29th St., Fort Smith, AR(479) 649-6511
Fort Smith & the surrounding region

Residential fencing

A residential fence should do more than mark the edge of your property. It may need to give your family more privacy, keep children and pets safely inside the yard, protect a pool, improve curb appeal, or control access through a driveway gate.

1950

In business since

75+

Years of fence projects

100%

Employee install crews

1 yr

Workmanship warranty

Residential fencing

Fences built for privacy, security and long-term use

Modern Fence Company installs residential fencing for homeowners throughout Fort Smith, Western Arkansas, and Eastern Oklahoma.

We help you compare materials, styles, heights, gates, posts, finishes, and other options based on how you plan to use the fence.

Our goal is not to sell every homeowner the same basic fence. We want to build a fence that works for your property and stands the test of time.

Completed wood privacy fence running along a residential property
Completed residential fence line
What we install

Our residential fence services include

Wood fence installation

Solid board, board-on-board, shadowbox, horizontal and picket layouts, with steel-post and custom options.

Wood fencing

Privacy fence installation

Fences planned around the views you want blocked, the space you want defined and the rules that apply.

Privacy fencing

Chain link fencing

Galvanized and black-coated systems for pets, security, visibility and larger residential lots.

Chain link fencing

Ornamental iron fencing

Security and a finished appearance without closing the view — prefabricated systems or custom fabrication.

Ornamental iron

Agricultural and ranch fencing

Pastures, livestock areas, horse properties and ranch entrances planned around the land and the equipment.

Agricultural fencing

Custom gates

Walk gates, double-drive gates and steel-frame wood gates fabricated in our own shop.

Custom gates

Automatic driveway gates

Operators, keypads and entry systems specified with the gate rather than added to it afterwards.

Automatic gates

Fence repair

Leaning sections, damaged posts, storm damage, broken gates and worn hardware.

Fence repair

Fence staining and cleaning

Cleaning, staining, dip staining and Fence Facelift work using Wood Defender products.

Staining & cleaning

Before the material

Start with the reason you need a fence

The right fence begins with a clear purpose. A fence built mainly for privacy may need a different height and board layout than a fence designed for pets, a pool, a farm, or the front of a high-end home.

Before recommending a system, we ask questions about the property and how the fence will be used.

Your project may need to address:

  • Backyard privacy
  • Children or pets
  • Property boundaries
  • Pool safety
  • Driveway access
  • Equipment access
  • Livestock
  • Sloped or uneven ground
  • Drainage
  • Underground utilities
  • Sprinkler lines
  • HOA rules
  • Local permits
  • Existing landscaping
  • The style of the home

These details affect the material, layout, gate placement, post depth, and construction method. A fence should be planned around real use, not only how it looks in a small material sample.

Cedar privacy fence line completed along a residential boundary
Wood privacy fence
Wood fence installation

Privacy and a natural appearance

Wood fence installation is one of the most popular options for homeowners who want privacy and a natural appearance.

Wood can be used for a simple backyard fence or upgraded with steel posts, decorative tops, custom gates, cap and trim, horizontal boards, or other details.

Wood fence styles we build

  • Solid-board privacy fences
  • Board-on-board fences
  • Shadowbox fences
  • Horizontal fences
  • Picket fences
  • Dog-ear fences
  • Flat-top fences
  • Post-and-rail fences
  • Estate-style fences
  • Wood fences built with steel posts
  • Custom wood fence layouts

Available materials may include treated pine, cedar, redwood, and galvanized steel components. We help homeowners understand how each choice may affect appearance, maintenance, privacy, strength, and long-term performance.

Privacy fence installation

A backyard that feels like a room, not a lot

privacy fence can make a backyard feel more comfortable and useful. It can block unwanted views, create a defined outdoor living space, reduce distractions for pets, and separate the yard from nearby properties.

Privacy fence options may include

  • Solid-board wood fencing
  • Board-on-board fencing
  • Shadowbox fencing
  • Horizontal fencing
  • Taller fence layouts where allowed
  • Privacy slats added to chain link
  • Custom gate systems
  • Decorative tops and trim

The fence should provide the desired level of privacy without creating avoidable problems with drainage, wind exposure, access, or local rules.


Wood privacy fence stepped down a sloped residential boundary
Backyard privacy fence
Before construction begins

Planning around neighbours and property lines

Homeowners should confirm the location of the property line before installation. Existing fences, mowing patterns, landscaping, or verbal agreements between neighbors are not always reliable property markers.

A survey may be needed when the boundary is unclear. The homeowner may also need to review HOA requirements or local rules before selecting the height, placement, material, or finished side of the fence.

Privacy fence gates

Gate placement should be planned before construction begins. Consider whether the opening needs to accommodate:

  • Lawn equipment
  • Trash containers
  • Utility access
  • Trailers
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Pool equipment
  • Landscaping crews
  • Emergency access

We build custom gates based on the opening, grade, expected use, and surrounding fence. A steel-frame gate may provide added support for wider wood gates or openings that receive frequent use.

Galvanized chain link walk gate with latch and hinge hardware
Chain link walk gate
Chain link fencing for homes

Security, containment and a clear view

Chain link fencing is a practical choice for homeowners who need security, pet containment, visibility, or fencing around a larger property.

It can work well for

  • Backyards
  • Pet areas
  • Utility spaces
  • Side yards
  • Rural homes
  • Large residential lots
  • Gardens
  • Equipment areas
  • Secondary property divisions

Residential chain link options may include

  • Galvanized chain link
  • Black-coated chain link
  • Different fence heights
  • Different wire gauges
  • Privacy slats
  • Walk gates
  • Double-drive gates
  • Custom gate openings

Black-coated chain link can provide a softer appearance than standard galvanized fencing while keeping the practical benefits of chain link.

Chain link privacy options

Chain link does not have to stay completely open

Privacy slats may be added to reduce visibility while keeping the structure and lower-maintenance qualities of chain link.

The amount of privacy depends on the slat style, fence height, viewing angle, and surrounding conditions.

A privacy system also increases the amount of wind the fence receives. Posts, framework, and installation details should be selected accordingly.

Ornamental iron fencing

Security without closing the view

Ornamental iron fencing provides security without fully closing the view. It is a strong option for homeowners who want a clean, finished appearance around:

  • Front yards
  • Pools
  • Estates
  • Driveways
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor living areas
  • Decorative property lines
  • High-end homes
  • Entrance features

Modern Fence Company installs prefabricated ornamental systems and can fabricate custom iron components for projects that need a specific design.

Black ornamental iron fence installed around a high-end residential property
Ornamental iron property line
Custom ornamental details

Ornamental iron can be customised

  • Different picket layouts
  • Decorative finials
  • Custom posts
  • Scrollwork
  • Specialty coatings
  • Custom gates
  • Estate entrances
  • Access control integration

Custom work can be coordinated through our metal fabrication shop. This gives us more control over the fit, measurements, welding, materials, and finished design.

Pool and yard enclosures

Ornamental iron is often selected around pools because it provides a clear view of the enclosed area.

Pool fencing must be planned around gate operation, latch placement, spacing, height, and applicable safety requirements.

Rules can vary by property and location. Homeowners should confirm the requirements that apply before choosing the final system.

Agricultural and ranch fencing

Planned around the land, not the catalog

Agricultural and ranch fencing must be planned around the land, animals, gates, equipment, and daily use of the property.

The correct fence depends on what needs to remain inside the property, what needs to remain outside, and how people, animals, and equipment move through the land.

We provide fencing for

  • Farms
  • Ranches
  • Horse properties
  • Livestock areas
  • Pastures
  • Rural homes
  • Large estates
  • Ranch entrances
  • Equipment areas

Gates for farms and ranches

Farm and ranch gates often need to provide access for:

  • Trucks
  • Trailers
  • Tractors
  • Livestock
  • Mowing equipment
  • Deliveries
  • Emergency vehicles

The opening width, gate material, post strength, ground clearance, and operating method should be planned around the largest expected use.

We also build estate and ranch gates for homeowners who want a more finished entrance with automatic operation or controlled access.

Custom residential gates

A gate must work correctly every time it is used

It needs to fit the opening, clear the ground, follow the slope, support its weight, and remain aligned through regular use.

Modern Fence Company fabricates custom gates in our own shop.

Residential gate options include

  • Walk gates
  • Wood gates
  • Steel-frame wood gates
  • Double-drive gates
  • Sliding gates
  • Driveway gates
  • Estate gates
  • Ranch gates
  • Ornamental iron gates
  • Automatic gates
Ornamental metal driveway gate installed between masonry columns
Estate driveway entrance
Weathered wood fence section in need of post and board repairs
Repair or replace?
Residential fence repair

A damaged fence does not always need replacing

Modern Fence Company provides residential fence repair for many common problems, including:

  • Leaning fence sections
  • Damaged posts
  • Broken boards
  • Storm damage
  • Wind damage
  • Damaged chain link
  • Bent framework
  • Broken gates
  • Worn hinges
  • Gate alignment problems
  • Damaged hardware

We inspect the condition of the fence and explain whether a repair is practical or replacement would provide better long-term value.

Repair or replace?

When a repair is the wrong answer

Repair may be a good option when the damage is limited and the remaining fence is still in usable condition. We provide straightforward recommendations based on the condition of the fence.

Replacement may make more sense when

  • Several posts are failing
  • Large sections are leaning
  • Materials are heavily weathered
  • The fence no longer meets the property’s needs
  • Repairs would only provide a short-term fix
  • The homeowner wants a different layout or material
Built for local conditions

Fence installation here is affected by the ground and the weather

Fence installation in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma can be affected by:

  • Rocky ground
  • Mountain rock
  • Expansive clay
  • Drainage problems
  • Uneven yards
  • Heavy rain
  • High winds
  • Ice
  • Snow
  • Freezing temperatures

These conditions can affect post holes, concrete, equipment access, gate clearance, drainage, and installation time. We review the property before finalizing the construction plan.

Rocky ground

Rock can slow excavation and may require different equipment or installation methods. It can also affect post placement when the planned fence line crosses areas that are difficult to dig.

Expansive clay and drainage

Clay soil can move as moisture conditions change. Poor drainage may also allow water to collect around posts or along the fence line. The layout and installation plan should account for visible drainage patterns and property conditions.

Wind exposure

A solid privacy fence catches more wind than an open ornamental or chain link fence. Post size, depth, spacing, framing, and overall design should reflect the fence height and level of exposure.

How a project runs

Our residential fence installation process

  1. 1

    Tell us about the project

    Call our office or complete the estimate request form. Provide the property address, reason for the fence, preferred material, approximate size, gate needs, and desired schedule.

  2. 2

    Property visit

    A Modern Fence salesperson visits the property to review the fence line, access, slope, gates, visible utilities, and other conditions.

  3. 3

    Material and layout review

    We discuss fence styles, materials, heights, gates, finishes, and available upgrades.

  4. 4

    Written proposal

    We prepare a proposal based on the selected project scope and specifications.

  5. 5

    Approval and deposit

    After the proposal is approved and the required deposit is received, the project is prepared for scheduling.

  6. 6

    Materials and fabrication

    Materials are ordered, and any custom gates or metal components are planned through our fabrication shop.

  7. 7

    Installation

    The crew reviews the work order, lays out the fence, sets posts, installs the fence sections, and completes the gates.

  8. 8

    Cleanup and final review

    Project debris is removed, and the work area is left lawn-mower ready. A crew supervisor or salesperson reviews the completed work and addresses any concerns.

Before the crew arrives

Preparing for fence installation

Before work begins, homeowners should:

  • Confirm property lines
  • Complete HOA approvals when required
  • Complete permit requirements when required
  • Allow access to the fence line
  • Move furniture and equipment
  • Secure pets
  • Identify known sprinkler lines
  • Identify private electrical or plumbing lines
  • Remove decorations attached to the existing fence
  • Discuss gates and final layout before installation

Public utility locating services do not always mark private lines. Homeowners should tell us about known sprinkler systems, landscape lighting, private electrical lines, plumbing, drainage, and other items near the fence line.

Temporary fencing or a temporary dog enclosure may be available when needed during installation.

Modern Fence employee at the company's Fort Smith shop
Our own crews, not subcontractors
Why homeowners choose us

What a homeowner is actually buying

  • 01

    Serving the region since 1950

    More than 75 years of experience with residential, commercial, and industrial fence projects.

  • 02

    Employee installation crews

    Our fence installation work is completed by Modern Fence Company employees rather than subcontracted installation crews.

  • 03

    In-house gate fabrication

    We fabricate custom gates in our own shop, allowing us to build around the opening, grade, weight, and intended use.

  • 04

    Premium material options

    We offer material and construction choices designed for dependable long-term performance.

  • 05

    Residential and commercial experience

    Our experience with larger and more complex projects helps us bring better planning, gate construction, and quality control to residential work.

  • 06

    Cleanup after installation

    Our crews remove project debris and leave the work area lawn-mower ready.

  • 07

    Workmanship warranty

    Residential fence installations include a one-year workmanship warranty for qualifying labor issues caused by our work. Review our warranty information for complete terms and exclusions.

Where we work

Residential fencing across
Western Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

Based in Fort Smith, serving homes, businesses, farms, industrial facilities and public properties across the region.

We also serve communities throughout Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Scott, Le Flore, Sequoyah and Haskell counties. Travel charges may apply outside our primary service area.

See our residential fence projects

See the quality of the work before you decide

Visit our project gallery to view completed wood fences, privacy fences, chain link fencing, ornamental iron, ranch fencing, and custom gates. You can also read customer reviews from property owners who have worked with our team.

Common questions

Residential fencing questions

Visit our fencing and access control FAQ for more answers.

What type of residential fence is best?

It depends on your need for privacy, security, visibility, pet containment, appearance, maintenance and budget. Wood, chain link, ornamental iron and agricultural fencing each solve different problems.

Do you provide free residential fence estimates?

Yes. Contact our office or complete the estimate request form and tell us about your property and the fence you are considering.

Does Modern Fence Company use subcontractors?

No. Our fence installations are completed by Modern Fence Company employees rather than subcontracted installation crews.

Can you build a fence on a sloped yard?

Yes. The fence and gates have to be planned around the grade. The final approach depends on the material, the amount of slope, the layout and the appearance you want.

Can you build custom gates?

Yes. We fabricate custom wood, steel and ornamental gates in our own shop.

Do you install automatic driveway gates?

Yes. We install automatic gates and access-control equipment for residential properties.

Can you repair my existing fence?

Possibly. We inspect the damaged area and explain whether repair or replacement is the better option for the condition it is in.

Do you stain wood fences?

Yes. We provide fence cleaning, staining, dip staining and Fence Facelift services using Wood Defender products.

Do I need a permit?

Permit requirements vary by city, location, fence height and project type. HOA approval may also be needed.

Should I have my property surveyed?

A survey may be needed when boundaries are unclear. Existing fences and mowing lines should not automatically be treated as legal property lines.

Do you offer a workmanship warranty?

Yes. We provide a one-year workmanship warranty for qualifying labour issues caused by our work. Written terms and exclusions apply.

Request a residential fence estimate

More privacy, security, function and curb appeal

A properly planned fence can give your property more privacy, security, function, and curb appeal. Our team will help you compare the available options and plan a fence built for the property.

Tell us

  • Where the property is located
  • Why you need the fence
  • Which materials you are considering
  • The approximate length
  • The number and size of gates
  • Whether the yard is sloped
  • Whether pets or children use the area
  • Whether HOA approval is required
  • When you would like the project completed