Fence & Deck Tips from the Pros

Helpful guides, honest advice, and local know-how from Ruth Fence and Deck — Louisville's family-owned fence company.

Decks

Wood vs Composite Decking: Why Wood Might Be the Better Choice

Composite is heavily marketed but wood decks still win on cost, feel, and repairability. Here's the honest breakdown from a Louisville deck builder.

June 18, 2026
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Materials

Why We Use Eastern Red Cedar Pickets Over Treated Pine

After 15 years of building fences in Louisville, here's why we always choose Eastern Red Cedar for picket fences — and when treated pine still makes sense.

June 18, 2026
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Maintenance

Why Staining Your Wood Fence is So Important

Louisville's climate is tough on wood fences. Here's why staining every 2–3 years is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner.

June 18, 2026
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Pricing

How Much Does a Fence Cost in Louisville KY? (2026 Guide)

Real pricing for wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link fences in Louisville from a local company that's been building them for 15 years.

June 1, 2026
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Materials

Wood vs Vinyl Fence: Which is Better for Kentucky?

Trying to decide between wood and vinyl? We break down durability, cost, maintenance, and looks so Louisville homeowners can make the right choice.

June 1, 2026
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Local Rules

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Louisville KY?

Confused about fence permits in Louisville? We break down Jefferson County rules, height limits, setback requirements, and pool fence codes.

June 1, 2026
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Hiring Tips

How to Choose a Fence Contractor in Louisville KY

Red flags to avoid and questions to ask before hiring, from a family-owned company that's fixed plenty of other contractors' mistakes.

July 16, 2026
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Repair

What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Fence

Wind and ice storms tear up Louisville fences every year. Here's the right order of steps to take, including what your insurance needs to see.

July 16, 2026
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Materials

Chain Link Fence: Why It Still Makes Sense

Chain link doesn't get much love compared to wood or vinyl, but it's still the right call for a lot of Louisville properties. Here's when and why.

July 16, 2026
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Repair

Rotted Fence Post Replacement: Repair or Full Replacement?

A leaning fence is almost always a post problem, not a boards problem. Here's how we tell whether a few posts will fix it or the whole fence needs to go.

July 16, 2026
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Guides

How to Build a Fence: Step-by-Step Guide

A real step-by-step breakdown of how a fence gets built, from layout and setting posts to grading and staining — plus honest advice on when to call a pro.

July 16, 2026
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Installation

Dry-Set vs Mixed Concrete for Fence Posts: Why We Dry-Set

Dry-set and mixed concrete both set a fence post, but they behave very differently in the ground. Here's the real difference and why dry-set is our standard.

July 16, 2026
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Decks

Why Joist Tape Isn't Necessary for Most Decks

Joist tape has become a popular upsell in deck building, but properly treated lumber and correct framing already handle the problem it claims to solve.

July 16, 2026
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Maintenance

Carpenter Bees and Other Pests: How They Damage Decks

Carpenter bees, termites, and carpenter ants can all damage a deck over time. Here's how to spot each one early and prevent real damage in Louisville KY.

July 16, 2026
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Materials

Board-on-Board vs Shadowbox Fence: Which Is More Private?

Board-on-board and shadowbox are the two most common wood privacy fence styles. Here's the real difference in privacy, airflow, cost, and look.

July 16, 2026
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Decks

Is Trex Decking Worth the Extra Cost?

Trex costs more upfront than wood, but the math looks different over 20-30 years. Here's an honest breakdown of when it's worth it and when it isn't.

July 16, 2026
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Repair

How to Fix a Sagging Gate

A sagging gate is almost always a hinge post problem, not a hardware problem. Here's how to diagnose it and what actually fixes it for good.

July 16, 2026
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Decks

Ledger-Mounted vs Freestanding Decks: Which Is Right for You?

A ledger-mounted deck ties into your house; a freestanding deck stands on its own posts and beams. Here's the real tradeoffs between the two.

July 16, 2026
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Local Rules

What Is a "Good Neighbor" Fence?

A good neighbor fence looks the same from both yards, with no exposed rails or posts facing either side. Here's how it's built and why it matters.

July 16, 2026
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Maintenance

How to Clean a Fence and Deck Before Staining (and Year-Round)

Stain won't stick to a dirty fence or deck. Here's how to properly clean wood before staining, plus year-round cleaning tips for wood and composite.

July 16, 2026
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Maintenance

Paint vs Oil-Based Stain for Fences and Decks

Paint hides the wood and forms a film that eventually peels. Oil-based stain penetrates the wood and fades gradually instead. Here's how to pick between them.

July 16, 2026
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Materials

The Best Stain Brands We Use for Fences and Decks

Not all stains are created equal. Here are the three stain brands we reach for most on Louisville fences and decks, and why we trust each one.

July 16, 2026
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