Serving Clovis, New Mexico and surrounding areas
In Clovis, the wind is constant, the sun is intense, and the soil does not forgive shortcuts. Most fences fail at the same weak point: the posts. If the posts lean, heave, or break, it does not matter how nice the boards or panels look—the fence is done. At DC Fencing, everything we do starts with one goal: Install wood and metal fence posts that stay straight in Clovis conditions for the long haul. This article explains how our post installation differs from “standard” practices in and around Clovis, why our spacing, depth, and footing choices matter in high wind, and how that supports the fence styles we offer: wood privacy, split rail, board on board, horizontal, chain link, sheet metal fences, and commercial chain link.
Why Post Installation Matters So Much in Clovis
Clovis sees strong, frequent winds across open plains, hot sun that dries and twists wood, and local norms that use 24″ deep footings for typical fence posts. If you combine high wind with long post spacing, shallow footings, or undersized posts, your fence will show it quickly. That is why DC Fencing intentionally overbuilds compared with common minimum standards.
How DC Fencing Builds Stronger Fence Lines
Here is how our standards compare to what many installers use in this area.
Post Spacing
Wood fences (wood or metal posts) – Common standard: 8 ft spacing. DC Fencing standard: 7 ft spacing.
Metal fences – Common standard: 10 ft spacing. DC Fencing standard: 9 ft spacing.
Residential chain link fences – Common standard: 10 ft spacing. DC Fencing standard: 9 ft spacing.
That one extra post here and there makes a real difference. Shorter spans between posts mean less flex, less stress on rails and panels, and a stronger fence line when the wind hits. We do not use the standard 8 ft wood spacing or 10 ft metal/chain link spacing. We tighten everything up: 7 ft for wood, 9 ft for metal and chain link.
Footing Depth and Gate Posts
Standard footing depth in Clovis is 24″ (2 feet) for typical fence posts. At DC Fencing: line and corner posts use 24″ deep concrete footings as our baseline. Standard gate posts go deeper than 2 ft, because gate posts carry extra weight and see more movement. Double gate posts get bigger posts and deeper, heavier concrete footings to support both gate weight and wind load. We follow the local norm for standard posts and then step up the strength where it matters most—at gates and double gates.
No Gravel in Our Post Holes
Some installation guides recommend gravel in the bottom of post holes. That is not how we build. At DC Fencing, we do not use gravel in post holes. Posts are set directly in full concrete columns from the bottom of the hole up. This gives maximum contact and a single, solid footing instead of mixed layers. If you want a fence that stands up to Clovis wind, you want a solid concrete footing, not a post resting on loose rock.
Our Process: Setting Wood and Metal Fence Posts
Whether the fence is wood, metal, chain link, or sheet metal, our core post-setting process is the same.
1. Layout and String Line
We start by marking all corner and end posts, running a tight string line where the fence will go, and marking posts along the string: every 7 ft for wood fences (with wood or metal posts) and every 9 ft for metal and chain link fences. This keeps lines straight and keeps spans short enough to handle local wind.
2. Digging Post Holes
Next, we dig the post holes. Line and corner posts get 24″ deep holes (standard depth for our area). Gate posts go deeper than 24″, with larger diameter holes as needed—especially for double gates. We keep the bottom of the hole on firm, undisturbed soil and do not bring in gravel.
3. Setting Post
Once the hole is ready, we place the post directly on the bottom of the hole (no gravel), align it with the string line so the fence will be straight, use a level on two sides to plumb the post.
4. Pouring the Concrete Footing
We then fill the hole completely with concrete up to just below grade, consolidate the concrete to remove air pockets, and confirm the post is still plumb as the concrete sets. Because there is no gravel layer, the post is embedded in a continuous concrete column, which resists movement from wind and everyday use.
5. Shaping the Top and Final Checks
Finally, we shape the top of the concrete into a slight dome that slopes away from the post so water sheds away from the post and footing. Once the concrete cures, we remove braces and begin installing rails, pickets, chain link, or sheet metal panels.
Fence Types We Build in Clovis & How Strong Posts Help
We do more than one style of fence, but they all share the same foundation: proper post installation.
Wood Privacy Fences
Wood privacy fences are solid and great for backyards and side yards, but they catch a lot of wind because they block airflow. We use 7 ft post spacing and concrete footings to keep the fence from leaning. Horizontal or taller privacy fences especially need this tighter spacing and strong posts to prevent sagging and racking.
Board on Board Fences
Board on board fences have overlapping boards for extra privacy and a more substantial look. They are heavier than standard side-by-side privacy, which adds load to the posts. Our 7 ft spacing and solid concrete footings are critical here to carry the extra weight and wind pressure.
Horizontal Wood Fences
Horizontal wood fences offer a modern, clean look with horizontal boards. Horizontal runs tend to show any lean or sag immediately. Shorter spans between posts (7 ft) and accurate, plumb posts keep lines straight and crisp.
Split Rail Fences
Split rail fences are more open and often used for front yards, property boundaries, or decorative ranch-style lines. They have less wind load than a full privacy fence but are still exposed to sun and soil movement. Our post standards give split rail fences a long, low-maintenance life.
Residential Chain Link Fences
Residential chain link is practical, durable, and great for pets and property lines. Many installers stretch chain link between posts 10 ft apart. We tighten spacing to 9 ft and set posts in concrete. For gates, we go deeper and heavier on posts to prevent long-term sagging.
Sheet Metal Fences
Sheet metal fences (metal panel fences) offer privacy and a modern, durable look. Panels catch the wind similar to a wood privacy fence, sometimes more. We use metal posts in concrete with 9 ft spacing, and we pay close attention to gate posts and corners where loads are highest. Strong, deep post footings are essential for sheet metal fences to stay straight and quiet in high winds.
Commercial Chain Link Fences
Commercial chain link fences are higher and heavier than typical residential chain link and often used around businesses, commercial yards, and high-security areas. We build commercial chain link with 9 ft post spacing instead of 10 ft, larger and heavier posts where needed, and deeper, stronger footings for large gates and high-traffic access points. In commercial applications, downtime and repairs are disruptive and costly, so our stronger post standards are designed to reduce future issues.
Ready for a Fence That Can Handle Clovis Wind?
Most problems people see with fences in Clovis—leaning sections, sagging gates, posts pulling loose—come back to how the posts were installed. At DC Fencing, we use 7 ft spacing for wood fences (with wood or metal posts), 9 ft spacing for metal and chain link fences, set posts in 24″ deep concrete footings as our standard, go deeper and larger on gate and double-gate posts, and never use gravel in post holes—we rely on solid concrete footings for strength. If you want a wood privacy fence, split rail, board on board, horizontal wood fence, chain link, sheet metal fence, or commercial chain link fence that is built for our local wind and weather, we would be glad to help. Contact DC Fencing in Clovis, New Mexico today to schedule a free estimate and get a fence that is built to stay standing.
