Top Fence Installation in Baltimore, Maryland Ranked

Adding a fence to your Baltimore property is a significant investment that enhances privacy, security, and curb appeal. Whether you're looking to create a private backyard oasis, safely contain pets and children, or define your property lines, understanding the local regulations, material options, and costs is crucial. This guide provides essential information to help you navigate the process of installing a new fence, from planning and permitting to selecting the right materials for your needs and budget.

Ergeon

10001 Derekwood Ln Suite 204, Lanham, MD 20706

Ergeon is a fence installation contractor serving Washington, DC. They specialize in installing wood and vinyl fences, offering a range of styles suited for residential properties. The company handles local permits and inspections to ensure compliance with city regulations. With over 40,000 projects completed nationwide, including more than 20,000 fence projects since 2020, Ergeon brings extensive experience to the Washington area. Their team is known for setting posts in concrete and completing installations efficiently, typically within a few days depending on project size.

4.9

485 Reviews

CLM Home Improvements

8311 Fremont Pl, New Carrollton, MD 20784

CLM Home Improvements is a fence installation contractor serving Washington, DC, and the surrounding Maryland area. They specialize in privacy fence installation, vinyl fences, and custom decks, aiming to improve both the safety and appearance of residential properties. The company also offers interior and exterior remodeling and light construction services to help homeowners update their homes. Their team focuses on replacing old or damaged fences and decks to enhance property value and curb appeal.

5.0

85 Reviews

EMPEROR FENCE LLC

8817 Briarcroft Ln, Laurel, MD 20708

EMPEROR FENCE LLC is a fencing and hardscaping contractor serving Washington, DC, as well as Maryland and Virginia. The company specializes in fence installation and replacement using materials such as wood, vinyl, chain-link, and aluminum. They also provide custom gate design, fence repair, deck installation and repair, and retaining wall construction to address landscape and drainage needs. Established in 2018, EMPEROR FENCE LLC holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is fully licensed and insured.

4.9

209 Reviews

Fence & Deck Connection, Inc

1544 Whitehall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409

Fence & Deck Connection, Inc is a fence installation contractor serving Washington, DC and surrounding areas. They specialize in fencing, decking, screened porches, and pool code fencing, offering in-person consultations and a lifetime structural warranty. Established in 1991, the company has over 30 years of experience serving Maryland, Delaware, and now expanded to Savannah and Richmond. Their craftsmanship emphasizes durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, with products and materials made in the USA.

4.9

138 Reviews

Scutro Fence & Deck

416 Holly Farms Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146

Scutro Fence & Deck is a fence installation contractor serving Washington, DC, and surrounding counties. They provide custom fencing and decking solutions including metal, wood, vinyl, and chain link fences, as well as composite and wooden decks with matching railings. Their services focus on security, privacy, durability, and aesthetic appeal, with attention to customer vision and project customization. The company is known for swift installations and offers flexible financing options to support home improvement projects.

4.9

106 Reviews

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Understanding Baltimore's Fence Regulations

Before you break ground on any fencing project, it's imperative to familiarize yourself with the local codes. Baltimore City and Baltimore County have specific rules governing fence height, location, and construction, and failing to comply can result in costly fines or being required to remove the structure.

Permit Requirements: In both Baltimore City and Baltimore County, a permit is required for any fence exceeding 42 inches (3.5 feet) in height in a front yard, or any fence over 6 feet in height in side or rear yards ^{1 2 3}. The permit process ensures your planned fence complies with zoning laws and is structurally sound.

Height and Setback Rules: The rules differ based on your yard's location:

• Front Yards: The maximum allowable height is 42 inches ^{1 3}.
• Side and Rear Yards: The standard maximum height at the property line is 6 feet ^{1 2 3}. However, Baltimore County allows for taller fences if they are set back from the property line. For every foot the fence exceeds 6 feet in height, it must be set back horizontally by 2 feet. This means a 10-foot-tall fence would need to be set back 8 feet from the property line ^{2 4}.
• Property Lines: Your fence must be constructed entirely within your property boundaries. Encroaching on a neighbor's land or a public easement can lead to legal disputes ^{1 2}.

Special Considerations for Pools: If you are installing a fence around a pool or spa, specific safety codes apply. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch mechanism placed at least 48 inches from the ground to prevent young children from opening it ^{1 5}.

Choosing the Right Fence Material for Your Home

The material you choose will define your fence's appearance, durability, maintenance needs, and cost. Baltimore homeowners have several popular options, each with distinct advantages.

Wood Fencing: A classic choice that offers a natural, warm aesthetic. Wood is versatile, available in styles ranging from solid privacy panels to traditional picket fences. Common woods include pressure-treated pine and more durable cedar. While often more affordable upfront, wood fences require regular maintenance like staining or sealing to protect against Baltimore's humid summers and wet winters, which can cause rot, warping, and insect damage ^{1 6 7}.

Vinyl (PVC) Fencing: Gaining immense popularity for its durability and low maintenance. Vinyl fences won't rot, warp, or need painting. They are available in a wide array of styles, including designs that mimic wood grain, and are excellent for both privacy and decorative purposes. They resist moisture and insects, making them a long-lasting option for the local climate ^{1 6 8}.

Chain-Link Fencing: A highly cost-effective and durable option primarily chosen for security and pet containment. Made from galvanized or coated steel wire, chain-link is utilitarian and provides clear visibility but offers little privacy or decorative appeal. It is one of the most affordable materials to install ^{1 6}.

Aluminum or Ornamental Metal Fencing: Offers exceptional durability and a decorative, often upscale appearance. Aluminum is rust-resistant, making it ideal for the coastal-influenced climate. It's commonly used for elegant picket-style fences, estate fencing, and as pool enclosures, providing security with an open, ornamental look. Privacy can be added with integrated slats or landscaping ^{1 6}.

Composite Fencing: A premium option that combines wood fibers and plastics to create a product with the look of wood but with far greater resistance to rot, insects, and weathering. It requires minimal upkeep but comes at a higher initial cost, representing a long-term investment in durability and aesthetics ⁶.

What Impacts the Cost of Fence Installation?

The total price of your fencing project can vary widely based on several key factors. Understanding these will help you establish a realistic budget.

Primary Cost Factors:

• Material: This is the single largest variable. Vinyl and composite are typically on the higher end, while chain-link and basic pressure-treated pine are more economical ^{1 6 7}.
• Linear Footage: The total length of the fence line is the baseline for cost calculations.
• Height: Taller fences require more materials and often more robust posts, increasing the price.
• Labor & Terrain: Complex installations on sloped, rocky, or uneven ground require more labor and expertise. The need to remove old fencing or clear land also adds cost ^{1 9}.
• Gates: Including one or more gates adds to the material and labor cost. Custom or automated gates are a significant additional expense.
• Permits: The cost for a required fence permit is an additional line item in your budget ^{1 2}.

Estimated Cost Ranges: In the Baltimore area, fence installation costs generally range from $20 to $60 per linear foot for a complete project, including materials and professional installation ^{1 9 10}. Here's a closer look at material-specific averages:

• Vinyl Fencing: Typically costs between $15 and $40 per linear foot. A standard residential project often falls in the range of $3,000 to $6,000 total ^{1 6}.
• Wood Fencing: Can range from approximately $9 to $28 per linear foot, with custom styles like cedar picket fences reaching the higher end of that spectrum ^{1 7 11}.

Essential Steps for a Successful Project

A smooth installation process hinges on thorough preparation.

1. Confirm Your Property Lines: This is the most critical first step. Do not rely on guesswork or existing markers. Hire a professional land surveyor to stake out your exact property boundaries to avoid disputes with neighbors ^{1 12}.
2. Review HOA or Historic District Rules: If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA) or a Baltimore historic district, you must review their covenants and guidelines. These rules are often stricter than city or county codes and may govern material, style, color, and height ^{1 12}.
3. Secure Necessary Permits: If your planned fence exceeds the height thresholds, you must apply for and receive a permit from Baltimore City or Baltimore County before any work begins. Your fencing contractor can often assist with this process ^{1 2 3}.
4. Choose a Reputable Installer: Select a licensed and insured professional with experience installing fences in Baltimore. They should be familiar with local codes, provide a detailed written estimate, and have positive references or reviews.

Frequently asked questions

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