If you’re planning a new fence installation in Brentwood or Belle Meade home, you probably already know what you want it to look like.

But do you know what the process actually involves?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much goes into a professional fence installation, from planning and permitting to post-setting and final finishing.

Understanding these steps helps you prepare your property, avoid delays, and set realistic expectations for timing and cost.

Here’s what the process looks like when you work with an experienced Middle Tennessee fence contractor like Heron Building Co.

1. Site Evaluation & Free Estimate

Every successful fence starts long before the first post is set.

A professional crew begins with a thorough site evaluation, walking your property to take measurements, identify boundary lines, and assess slope, grading, and drainage.

In Belle Meade and Brentwood, that’s especially important, properties often feature mature landscaping, irrigation lines, and hilly terrain that require careful planning.

Next comes the design portion of the appointment. This is where you choose the style, materials, and layout that complement your home. For example:

• Cedar or pressure treated wood privacy fences for natural, upscale curb appeal.
• Aluminum or decorative wood fencing for open, elegant properties.
• Custom gates and trims that align with architectural details.

At Heron, the free estimate also includes discussions about long-term maintenance and finish options (like stain or sealant) based on Tennessee’s humidity and sun exposure.

The goal is to design a fence that looks great on day one, and still stands strong 10 years later.

2. Permits, HOA, and Utility Marking

This is the part most homeowners underestimate.

In both Brentwood and Belle Meade, local ordinances outline fence height limits, setback requirements, and, in some neighborhoods, even approved materials or colors.

If your property sits within a homeowners’ association, their approval process might also apply before construction can begin.

Professional builders like Heron handle:

• City and county permits to ensure compliance.
• Tennessee 811 utility line marking, so no underground pipes or cables are hit during digging.
• HOA submissions, when applicable.

While this step may take a few extra days, it’s necessary. Cutting corners on permits can lead to fines or forced removal later, something reputable contractors always help you avoid.

3. Site Preparation

Once paperwork and design are complete, the crew prepares the site.

That means removing any old fencing, clearing vegetation, trimming back bushes or tree roots, and leveling uneven ground where possible.

This prep work is critical, a straight, stable fence depends on a properly graded base.

In Belle Meade’s older neighborhoods, trees, irrigation systems, and stone edging can complicate prep. Heron’s team works carefully to protect existing features and keep disruption minimal.

This stage also includes marking fence lines and gate placement with precision, ensuring the final layout matches both your vision and property boundaries.

4. Setting Fence Posts

The most important step in any fence installation is the one you’ll rarely see once it’s done.

Fence posts form the structure’s foundation, and how they’re installed directly affects your fence’s lifespan:

• Set posts 24–36 inches deep, depending on soil and fence height.
• Use gravel bases for drainage where clay soil holds water.
• Pour high-strength concrete and check alignment multiple times during curing.

This phase typically takes one to two days, depending on the project’s size and weather conditions. Posts need at least 24–48 hours to cure before panels or rails are attached.

In Brentwood’s clay-heavy soil, these small details make a big difference, they prevent shifting, leaning, or water-related rot down the line.

5. Installing Panels, Rails & Gates

Once the posts are secure, the visible structure starts taking shape.

Heron’s crew installs rails and panels according to your chosen design, whether it’s a traditional vertical privacy fence, a horizontal cedar layout, or a mixed wood-and-aluminum style.

This is also when gates are installed and tested, ensuring hinges, locks, and latches align perfectly.

On larger estates in Belle Meade, gates often include automation systems, decorative ironwork, or matching columns.

Every board, trim piece, and fastener is aligned by hand, checked for consistency, and adjusted for slope and spacing.

That attention to detail ensures the fence doesn’t just look good today, but continues to close cleanly and hold straight for years.

6. Finishing Touches & Cleanup

When the main structure is done, the focus turns to refinement.

Heron’s finishing process often includes:

• Sealing or staining the fence to protect against UV rays and moisture.
• Installing cap and trim boards for a polished appearance.
• Adding decorative post tops or accents.

Finally, the site is thoroughly cleaned, no leftover concrete, sawdust, or scrap materials.

The crew cleans the site, checks gates and latches one last time, and walks the fence line with you for a final inspection.

Homeowners often say this walkthrough is where they realize how much craftsmanship goes into what might seem like a simple structure.

7. Aftercare, Warranty & Maintenance

A great fence installation doesn’t end when the crew leaves your driveway.

At Heron, every project includes maintenance guidance tailored to your materials and site conditions. Homeowners receive clear advice on:

• When to clean or stain the fence.
• How to manage water runoff and prevent pooling near posts if applicable.
• How to check for shifting, warping, or gate realignment.

All fences come with a workmanship warranty, and premium materials include manufacturer guarantees for long-term protection.

In short, you’re not just getting a fence, you’re getting support for the years ahead.

Conclusion: A Clear Process, Built to Last

When you know what to expect, the entire installation process feels smoother, faster, and more transparent.

From site evaluation to final stain, Heron Building Co. handles every step with precision, ensuring your new fence looks exceptional and performs beautifully in Tennessee’s unique climate.

Whether you’re upgrading your property in Brentwood or adding privacy and security in Belle Meade, Heron combines design expertise with hands-on craftsmanship to deliver fences that truly stand the test of time.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with Heron Building Co. and discover what a difference professional design and installation can make for your home.