Tired of contractors who promise "next week" but don't show up for a month?
When homeowners in DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster, Mesquite, Garland, or surrounding Greater Dallas communities call Top Rail Fences, they're done with vague answers. You want the truth: "How soon can we actually get started?"
Here's exactly what determines your fence installation timeline in Greater Dallas—and the insider moves that get you on the calendar faster.
The Honest Timeline for Greater Dallas Fence Projects
Expect 2-4 weeks from your first call to finished fence. Not what you hoped to hear? Keep reading—there are ways to beat this.
Here's where that time goes:
Week 1: Permits (5-7 days) The City of Dallas requires permits for fences over four feet in front yard setbacks or over six feet elsewhere on your property. Standard processing: 5-7 business days.
Week 2-3: Getting on the Calendar Your installation date depends on our project schedule and weather outlook.
Installation: 1-3 days Residential fences across Greater Dallas—from DeSoto and Cedar Hill to Mesquite, Garland, Rowlett, and Red Oak—typically wrap up in 1-3 days.
The 5 Things That Control Your Start Date (And What You Can Actually Control)
1. Time of Year Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Think
Spring and Fall: 3-4 weeks out Winter months: 1-2 weeks out Summer: 2-3 weeks out
The Best Southwest communities and Greater Dallas suburbs see big demand surges March through May and September through November. December through February? We can usually start within two weeks since we keep full crews working all year.
Your move: Need a fence by spring? Call in January. Want to avoid the wait entirely? Book a winter install.
2. Greater Dallas Weather (The Part Nobody Can Control)
Spring storms dump heavy rain across DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Mesquite, Garland, Lancaster, and surrounding areas. Saturated ground makes solid post installation impossible. We check extended forecasts before every start date and let you know about any changes right away.
Hot summers don't stop us. We begin early and take breaks as needed.
Your move: Spring fence? Build in buffer time for rain delays. Summer and winter offer more predictable schedules.
3. Dallas City Permits (We Make This Easy)
Dallas requires two copies of a scaled site plan showing fence placement and gates. Processing takes 5-7 business days for typical residential projects.
Watch out for these Greater Dallas factors:
- Properties in floodplains, Planned Development Districts, Historic Districts, or Conservation Districts face additional requirements
- Corner properties often have two front yard setbacks
- Easements limit where fences can go
We handle Dallas permits regularly, so these requirements don't slow your project.
Your move: Nothing. We've got this part covered.
4. What's Unique About Your Property
Our Greater Dallas site inspection reveals:
Texas utility marking: State law requires 2-3 business days before any digging.
Terrain variation: Cedar Hill reaches 800 feet elevation—the highest point between the Red River and the Gulf Coast. Rock and slope affect equipment needs and timing.
Removing old fencing: Tack on 1-2 days for demo work.
Homeowner association rules: Common in Greater Dallas neighborhoods from Rockwall to Midlothian. Approvals take 1-3 weeks extra.
We discuss everything upfront during your estimate.
Your move: Know your HOA rules before you call. Clear the fence line of plants and obstacles. Both speed things up.
5. Getting Materials (Usually Not a Problem)
Stock materials (wood, vinyl, chain link) arrive in days. Special orders like custom vinyl shades or ornamental iron take 1-3 weeks. Your choice affects when we can install.
Your move: Want the fastest timeline? Stick with standard materials. Custom designs are worth the wait if aesthetics matter most to you.
Three Ways to Jump the Line (Legally)
Book a winter installation. December, January, and February book fastest across Greater Dallas—from Seagoville to Richardson, Hutchins to Sunnyvale. Everyone wants spring fences. Smart homeowners get winter installs and skip the wait.
Make decisions fast. Delayed material choices or design changes push your date back. Know what you want before you call.
Book early for spring. Want a fence by April? Call us in February. We fill our calendar fast during peak season.
Common Questions from Greater Dallas Homeowners
Can you do it in a day? Small jobs under 100 feet? Maybe. Standard residential projects need 2-3 days.
How fast can you actually move? No permits needed in winter? We've done 7-10 days start to finish. Count on 2-4 weeks normally.
You work through Texas summers? Absolutely. Morning starts beat the heat. Your fence gets done on schedule.
What slows things down most? Rain in spring. Permits rarely delay us—we know Dallas requirements cold.
My neighborhood has strict rules. Does that matter? Yes. Greater Dallas communities vary widely—from Waxahachie to Rockwall, Glenn Heights to Richardson. We've worked with them all.
Why We Won't Promise What We Can't Deliver
We tell you realistic completion dates based on actual conditions—never sugar-coat timelines to close a sale.
If weather hits or something unexpected pops up, you'll hear from us the same day with a new plan.
Rushing creates problems. Your fence battles Texas heat, storms, and daily use for decades. We build it right, even if that means waiting an extra day.
The contractors who promise "we'll start Monday" and disappear for three weeks? That's not us.
Get Your Greater Dallas Fence Project Started (The Right Way)
Top Rail Fences serves Dallas, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster, Mesquite, Garland, Seagoville, Balch Springs, Hutchins, Wilmer, Red Oak, Glenn Heights, Ovilla, Midlothian, Waxahachie, Ferris, Sunnyvale, Rowlett, Rockwall, Richardson, and all of Greater Dallas.
Schedule your free estimate. We'll inspect your property, explain exactly what affects timing, and give you a start date we'll actually hit.
Contact Top Rail Fences today. Get straight answers, realistic timelines, and a fence that lasts. No runaround. No excuses. Just honest service from people who show up when they say they will.
