If you’re planning on building a fence in Springfield, Missouri, there are a few common mistakes that can turn a straightforward project into a long-term headache. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or someone who has built a fence before, avoiding these pitfalls can save you time, money, and frustration.
At Ozark Fence, we’ve installed thousands of fences across Southwest Missouri. Below are the top five mistakes we see most often—and how to avoid them.
1. Not Locating Utility Lines Before Digging
One of the biggest and most dangerous mistakes when building a fence is failing to locate underground utilities before you start digging post holes.
In Missouri, it’s actually against the law to dig without first calling 811 to have your utilities marked. Beyond the legal side, hitting a gas line, water line, or underground electric line can be extremely costly—and potentially life-threatening.
Before you set a single post:
- Call 811 and request a utility locate.
- Wait for lines to be clearly marked.
- Adjust your layout if necessary.
Skipping this step can result in expensive repairs, service interruptions, and serious safety risks. If you’re hiring a professional fence company in Springfield, MO, this is always handled before installation begins.
2. Setting Posts Too Shallow
Fence posts are the foundation of your fence. If they’re not set deep enough, the entire fence will eventually suffer.
In Missouri, frost depth plays a major role in how deep posts should be set. When the ground freezes and thaws, shallow posts can heave upward, leading to:
- Leaning posts
- A “snake-like” fence line
- Loose or unstable panels
Here in Southwest Missouri, we typically bury posts at least 24 inches deep, and often closer to 28 inches depending on conditions. That depth helps protect against frost movement and ensures long-term stability.
If you’re unsure about proper depth, check your local frost line requirements—or better yet, work with an experienced Springfield fence contractor who understands regional soil and climate conditions.
3. Using Premade Fence Panels
Premade fence panels can seem like the easy route. You can buy them at a big box store, set your posts, and attach them quickly. Simple, right?
Not always.
The biggest issue with premade panels is that they don’t follow the grade of your yard very well. Most properties in Springfield and the surrounding Ozarks aren’t perfectly flat. When you use premade panels, you’re often forced to “stair-step” them to accommodate slopes.
The result?
- Uneven gaps at the bottom
- Awkward transitions
- A less professional look
Building a fence on site allows each section to be custom-fit to your yard’s slope. The rails and pickets can follow the natural grade, creating a clean, continuous appearance.
If curb appeal matters to you, avoid premade panels and consider custom-built sections instead.
4. Not Using Quality Materials
Another common mistake is choosing materials based solely on upfront cost instead of long-term durability.
At Ozark Fence, we strongly recommend upgrading to steel components wherever possible—especially for:
- Fence posts
- Gate frames
- Hardware
Wood posts and wood-framed gates may cost less initially, but they are much more likely to warp, rot, or sag over time. Gates, in particular, are under constant movement and stress. A steel-framed gate holds its shape and lasts significantly longer.
For privacy fences in Springfield, MO, investing in steel posts and high-quality hardware can dramatically extend the life of your fence.
In short: build it once, build it right.
5. Messing Up Fence Height Transitions
Many homeowners want a 6-foot privacy fence in the backyard and a 4-foot fence in the front yard. That’s perfectly reasonable—but the transition between the two heights is where mistakes often happen.
If you abruptly butt a 6-foot section directly against a 4-foot section, it creates an awkward visual break. It looks unfinished and unbalanced.
Instead, the transition should be gradually stepped down over at least one 8-foot section. This creates a smooth, intentional shift in height and gives the fence a more polished appearance.
It’s a small detail—but it makes a big difference.
Bonus Mistake: Not Staining and Sealing Your Wood Fence
You’ve invested time and money into building a beautiful wood fence. Don’t skip the final step.
Staining and sealing your fence helps:
- Protect against UV damage
- Prevent moisture intrusion
- Reduce warping and cracking
- Extend the life of the wood
In Missouri’s climate—with hot summers and cold winters—untreated wood can deteriorate quickly. A quality stain and sealant preserves both the look and structural integrity of your fence for years to come.
If you’re building a privacy fence in Springfield, sealing it is not optional—it’s essential.
Final Thoughts
Building a fence may seem simple at first glance, but there are critical details that separate a fence that lasts five years from one that lasts twenty.
To recap, avoid these common mistakes when building a fence:
- Not locating utilities
- Setting posts too shallow
- Using premade panels on uneven ground
- Choosing low-quality materials
- Poor height transitions
- Skipping stain and seal
If you’re planning on building a fence in Springfield, MO, and want it done right the first time, working with an experienced local fence company can make all the difference.
At Ozark Fence, we specialize in professional fence installation across Southwest Missouri—from privacy fences and chain link to gates and custom builds. If you have questions about your project, we’re always happy to help.