Stillwell Fencing | Professional Fence Builders in Mount Washington, KY

Mount Washington’s soil is high in clay, which expands when wet and contracts when dry. Combined with frequent freeze-thaw cycles in winter, the ground literally pushes fence posts out of position. That’s why we always set posts in concrete footings that extend below the frost line—typically 30 to 36 inches. This keeps the post stable even when the surrounding soil shifts, preventing that leaning look and sagging gates.

A sure sign is when the fence panel itself is still in good shape but the post is visibly tilted or the gate won’t latch properly. If you push on the post and it moves more than an inch at ground level, the footing has likely failed. Another clue is rust or rot only at the base of the post. Those symptoms point to a post-installation issue, not just a loose board or hinge. Stillwell Fencing can inspect your fence and suggest whether a simple repair or full replacement is needed.

For active dogs, a 4-foot or 6-foot pressure-treated wood privacy fence with a 2x6 rail system is very sturdy. We reinforce each post with concrete footings that resist the clay soil movement. If you prefer low maintenance, vinyl or aluminum fencing also works well, but we still set those posts in concrete. We also recommend adding a buried mesh or a “kickboard” at the bottom to prevent digging. We’ve installed dozens of these near the Mount Washington City Park, and they hold up great through our wet winters and hot summers.