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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

We would like to fence in our back yard with 6' x 8' wood fence panels (I
would guess using 4" x4" posts). Wood choices would be probably white
pine, white cedar, red cedar, or redwood for the panels. The total
perimeter is approximately 200 lineal feet. We would probably need/want
two gates. We will probably use either Home Depot or Lowe's for both
product and contracted installation. We live in Mesa, Arizona, so would
only be concerned with heat issues since we get very little rain and
(obviously) no snow or ice. Overall cost is some consideration.

I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both companies
engage or arrange for independent contractors for installation.

We're not quite ready to get estimates, so thought I would ask here first.

TIA

--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Saturday, 07(VII)/19(XIX)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Cats must ride on the string mop while
Mom is cleaning the floor.
-------------------------------------------



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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
We would like to fence in our back yard with 6' x 8' wood fence panels (I
would guess using 4" x4" posts). Wood choices would be probably white
pine, white cedar, red cedar, or redwood for the panels. The total
perimeter is approximately 200 lineal feet. We would probably need/want
two gates. We will probably use either Home Depot or Lowe's for both
product and contracted installation. We live in Mesa, Arizona, so would
only be concerned with heat issues since we get very little rain and
(obviously) no snow or ice. Overall cost is some consideration.

I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both companies
engage or arrange for independent contractors for installation.

We're not quite ready to get estimates, so thought I would ask here first.

TIA


Why HD or Lowes? No fencing companies in your area of Arizona?

--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
in the original Orange County.
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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

On Sat 19 Jul 2008 08:21:54p, willshak told us...

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
We would like to fence in our back yard with 6' x 8' wood fence panels
(I would guess using 4" x4" posts). Wood choices would be probably
white pine, white cedar, red cedar, or redwood for the panels. The
total perimeter is approximately 200 lineal feet. We would probably
need/want two gates. We will probably use either Home Depot or Lowe's
for both product and contracted installation. We live in Mesa,
Arizona, so would only be concerned with heat issues since we get very
little rain and (obviously) no snow or ice. Overall cost is some
consideration.

I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both
companies engage or arrange for independent contractors for
installation.

We're not quite ready to get estimates, so thought I would ask here
first.

TIA


Why HD or Lowes? No fencing companies in your area of Arizona?


I'm sure there are plenty, but my guess is that they would be more
expensive. Cost is a consideration. When we get to the point of getting
estimates, I'm sure we'll include other options beside HD and Lowe's. But I
did want opinions...

--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Saturday, 07(VII)/19(XIX)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
How did a fool and his money get
together in the first place?
-------------------------------------------



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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
On Sat 19 Jul 2008 08:21:54p, willshak told us...

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
We would like to fence in our back yard with 6' x 8' wood fence panels
(I would guess using 4" x4" posts). Wood choices would be probably
white pine, white cedar, red cedar, or redwood for the panels. The
total perimeter is approximately 200 lineal feet. We would probably
need/want two gates. We will probably use either Home Depot or Lowe's
for both product and contracted installation. We live in Mesa,
Arizona, so would only be concerned with heat issues since we get very
little rain and (obviously) no snow or ice. Overall cost is some
consideration.

I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both
companies engage or arrange for independent contractors for
installation.

We're not quite ready to get estimates, so thought I would ask here
first.

TIA

Why HD or Lowes? No fencing companies in your area of Arizona?


I'm sure there are plenty, but my guess is that they would be more
expensive. Cost is a consideration. When we get to the point of getting
estimates, I'm sure we'll include other options beside HD and Lowe's. But I
did want opinions...


Lowes or HD do not have their own installers for anything. They contract
local installers for everything they sell, and usually at the cheapest bid.
Compare before you buy, anywhere.

--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
in the original Orange County.
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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?


I'm sure there are plenty, but my guess is that they would be more
expensive. Cost is a consideration. When we get to the point of getting
estimates, I'm sure we'll include other options beside HD and Lowe's. But
I did want opinions...


Popular assumption that HD and Lowes are bargain priced, but often wrong.
Personally, I'd not trust their installers for anything; a true crap shoot.
They have some good ones, but there are many horror stories.




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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

willshak wrote:
Wayne Boatwright wrote:
On Sat 19 Jul 2008 08:21:54p, willshak told us...

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
We would like to fence in our back yard with 6' x 8' wood fence panels
(I would guess using 4" x4" posts). Wood choices would be probably
white pine, white cedar, red cedar, or redwood for the panels. The
total perimeter is approximately 200 lineal feet. We would probably
need/want two gates. We will probably use either Home Depot or Lowe's
for both product and contracted installation. We live in Mesa,
Arizona, so would only be concerned with heat issues since we get very
little rain and (obviously) no snow or ice. Overall cost is some
consideration.
I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both
companies engage or arrange for independent contractors for
installation.
We're not quite ready to get estimates, so thought I would ask here
first.
TIA

Why HD or Lowes? No fencing companies in your area of Arizona?


I'm sure there are plenty, but my guess is that they would be more
expensive. Cost is a consideration. When we get to the point of
getting estimates, I'm sure we'll include other options beside HD and
Lowe's. But I did want opinions...


Lowes or HD do not have their own installers for anything. They contract
local installers for everything they sell, and usually at the cheapest bid.
Compare before you buy, anywhere.


I shouldn't have clicked on "Send" when I did.
If you have a problem with a HD or Lowes installation, you complain to
the store. They complain to the local installer, who may, or may not
come around to fix the problem in a timely manner, if at all. After all,
they did not contract with you, the store did.
When you deal directly with that local installer and like what he/she
says, only pay half at the start, with the remaining paid at the end of
a satisfactory installation. If it doesn't suit your expectations and is
not what was agreed upon, withhold the final payment and take pictures,
in case there is a court case.
I've dealt with substandard contractors where I have followed the above
and have saved thousands of $ for shoddy and unfinished work.
i.e. Fence installed around pool. Contractor installed the whole fence
except for the gate that entered the pool area (required by law before a
CO can be granted). Numerous calls produced no response. Bought and
installed the fence gate myself so the pool could be used. Never was
asked, nor paid the $1000 still owed on the installation.
2. Same pool. Successfully sued a concrete contractor in Small Claims
court for allowing a pile of concrete to dry in a pile before he and his
unexperienced workers could get it all down and smooth it out for a
sidewalk around a pool ( he didn't want to pay the extra time for the
concrete truck, so had the driver drop all the concrete in a pile in the
sidewalk area which had to be pneumatically removed).
I didn't save any money on this, but had to pay a few $ more, since I
had to hire someone else to come in and remove the concrete and install
a proper sidewalk.

--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
in the original Orange County.
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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

"Wayne Boatwright" wrote

I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both companies
engage or arrange for independent contractors for installation.


Wayne, it's highly dependant on your area for which would be best. Really.
Lowes in my area happens to be decent and i've had bad luck with Home Depot,
but I do know come carpet time, Home Depot has better installers than my
local Lowes.

The price is apt to be really close between the 2 with Lowes possibly being
just a hair cheaper.

I have my fence work from a local fellow, not associated with either. Dunno
waht wood is best.


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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

Wayne Boatwright wrote:

We would like to fence in our back yard with 6' x 8' wood fence
panels (I would guess using 4" x4" posts). Wood choices would be
probably white pine, white cedar, red cedar, or redwood for the
panels. The total perimeter is approximately 200 lineal feet. We
would probably need/want two gates. We will probably use either Home
Depot or Lowe's for both product and contracted installation. We
live in Mesa, Arizona, so would only be concerned with heat issues
since we get very little rain and (obviously) no snow or ice.
Overall cost is some consideration.

I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both
companies engage or arrange for independent contractors for
installation.


Pine, cedar, and heart redwood (notice that's _heart_ redwood) are all
fine woods for fences. Pine should last you 10 years unpainted. Keep it
painted, and it will last indefinitly. My dad built his own heart
redwood fence when I was a baby, and I just replaced some posts that
rotted out after fifty years. He's in New Mexico, with similar weather
to you. Redwood costs maybe three times as much as pine. Cedar is in
the middle somewhere.

Before you pick your contractor, _insist_ on seeing some of his work.
If you go with Lowes or Home Depot, make sure the work is by the guy
they send you. Fences are simple to build, so the quality is in the
details:
* The top of the fence should be a straight, level line (unless it
needs to follow the terrain, in which case it should be a nice curve).
* Gates should be sturdy and straight, and they should swing easily.
All gates sag over time, but they shouldn't drag when new.
* The panels should be vertical.
* Use steel posts instead wood. The steel posts don't rot. That's not
a huge concern in AZ, but it still happens. Wood posts also warp,
making your fence lean.
* Pet Peeve: Make the contractor cut the tops off the posts short
enough that they don't show above the fence.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX
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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood FencePurchase/Installation?


Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

I'm sure there are plenty, but my guess is that they would be more
expensive. Cost is a consideration. When we get to the point of getting
estimates, I'm sure we'll include other options beside HD and Lowe's. But
I did want opinions...


Popular assumption that HD and Lowes are bargain priced, but often wrong.


Prices between the big boxes and the "regular" places is highly
variable. Sometimes the big boxes have a better price, but often they
are the same or higher. I did find Depot to be significantly cheaper on
some special order Square D stuff once, so you really can't make
assumptions.

Personally, I'd not trust their installers for anything; a true crap shoot.
They have some good ones, but there are many horror stories.


I've long since settled on "don't trust anyone for anything", the old
"if you want it done right do it yourself" is very true it seems.
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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?


"Pete C." wrote in message

I've long since settled on "don't trust anyone for anything", the old
"if you want it done right do it yourself" is very true it seems.


Mostly true, but there are some great craftsman out there plying their
trade. The hard part is finding them; the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages
does not count as a plus either. . Recommendations help a lot if you know
someone that has had similar work done.




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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood FencePurchase/Installation?


Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

"Pete C." wrote in message

I've long since settled on "don't trust anyone for anything", the old
"if you want it done right do it yourself" is very true it seems.


Mostly true, but there are some great craftsman out there plying their
trade.


Yep, but seemingly few and far between.

The hard part is finding them; the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages
does not count as a plus either.


Usually just the opposite, since the good ones are usually sole prop's
and don't have big ads since they can't handle a big volume.

Recommendations help a lot if you know
someone that has had similar work done.


If you can find some.
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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

On Sat 19 Jul 2008 08:11:46p, Wayne Boatwright told us...

We would like to fence in our back yard with 6' x 8' wood fence panels
(I would guess using 4" x4" posts). Wood choices would be probably
white pine, white cedar, red cedar, or redwood for the panels. The
total perimeter is approximately 200 lineal feet. We would probably
need/want two gates. We will probably use either Home Depot or Lowe's
for both product and contracted installation. We live in Mesa, Arizona,
so would only be concerned with heat issues since we get very little
rain and (obviously) no snow or ice. Overall cost is some
consideration.

I would welcome opinions on choice of material as well as any
recommendation of Home Depot vs. Lowe's. I understand that both
companies engage or arrange for independent contractors for
installation.

We're not quite ready to get estimates, so thought I would ask here
first.

TIA


Following up on my own post to thank all of you for your experience and
advice. I have had my doubts about the contracting and workmanship issues
with Home Depot and Lowes. Reading your posts pretty much confirms that I
won't use them.

As to carpeting, we had extremely good luck with Home Depot and the
installers they used. But, then, that's not a fence. :-)

I'll check out several fence companies and get some bids.

Thanks again to all of you who commented!

--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Monday, 07(VII)/21(XXI)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Outlaw junk mail, and save the trees!
-------------------------------------------




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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

On Sun 20 Jul 2008 09:32:23a, Pete C. told us...


Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

"Pete C." wrote in message

I've long since settled on "don't trust anyone for anything", the old
"if you want it done right do it yourself" is very true it seems.


Mostly true, but there are some great craftsman out there plying their
trade.


Yep, but seemingly few and far between.

The hard part is finding them; the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages does
not count as a plus either.


Usually just the opposite, since the good ones are usually sole prop's
and don't have big ads since they can't handle a big volume.

Recommendations help a lot if you know someone that has had similar
work done.


If you can find some.


That would be my problem. I don't personally know anyone who has had a
fence installed. There is a lot of block wall installation out here in AZ,
but we really can't afford that. I suppose if I were bold enough, I'd
drive around and look for recent fence installations that look good, and
knock on a door to ask.

--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Monday, 07(VII)/21(XXI)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Cleanliness is next to clean-limbed,
in the dictionary.
-------------------------------------------



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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

Wayne Boatwright wrote:

Following up on my own post to thank all of you for your experience
and advice. I have had my doubts about the contracting and
workmanship issues with Home Depot and Lowes. Reading your posts
pretty much confirms that I won't use them.


I wouldn't say not to use them. I'd say to get references for the guy
they want to send out.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX
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Default Experience with Home Depot or Lowe's Wood Fence Purchase/Installation?

On Mon 21 Jul 2008 10:02:06p, SteveB told us...

Wayne Boatwright wrote:

Following up on my own post to thank all of you for your experience
and advice. I have had my doubts about the contracting and
workmanship issues with Home Depot and Lowes. Reading your posts
pretty much confirms that I won't use them.


I wouldn't say not to use them. I'd say to get references for the guy
they want to send out.


Good point, Steve.

--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Monday, 07(VII)/21(XXI)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Clark Kent is a transvestite.
-------------------------------------------




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