Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for fence companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Tri-Valley Fence Works, the most effective way to keep customers satisfied is to utilize its small size and tight-knit staff to provide first-rate service and products. “We cater to our clients’ needs in order to give them a great experience from beginning to end,” says owner Jerrid Burton. “We’re firm believers in doing everything the right way, so we only use the best materials and build every customer’s fence to last.”

Tri-Valley Fence Works has been designing, building and installing redwood fences for residential clients throughout the East Bay since 2015. In addition to creating fences in a wide range of styles, the company has the in-house capabilities to build gates and retaining walls, install trellises, handle custom iron projects like railings and pool fences, and more.

Unlike less experienced fence contractors that use subpar lumber in an effort to reduce their operating costs, Tri-Valley Fence Works is committed to using thick-cut, mill-direct redwood on every project. “Using premium lumber is the key to making fences last longer,” says Mr. Burton. “We also sink all our fence posts in crowned cement, which prolongs the life of the fence by protecting the posts from vegetation, dirt and moisture.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, Tri-Valley Fence Works provides every job with the hands-on expertise of Mr. Burton himself. “Even with 16 employees, I still manage to get to almost every jobsite,” he says. “That has been my business model since day one: even if I’m only there for part of the process, I’m able to introduce myself and show the clients good faith. They really appreciate that because it shows we’re proud of delivering what we’ve promised.”

Take simple steps to ensure your fence lasts for many years.

A new fence can revamp the look of your entire home, so you’ll probably want to maintain that like-new look for as long as possible. However, if you hire a company that cuts corners or uses cheap materials, it can leave you with a fence that needs to be replaced much sooner than you expected.

According to Jerrid Burton, owner of Tri-Valley Fence Works in Livermore, quality products and good workmanship are the keys to getting a fence that lasts. “If you’re buying a new fence, you should ask as many technical questions about the product, types of material and construction methods as possible,” he says. “Knowing the building process and materials that different companies use can help you make a better decision when it comes to choosing a contractor.”

Mr. Burton’s years of experience give him the knowledge to explain what homeowners should look for. “One of the first questions to ask is if the posts are being pressure treated,” he offers. “No material should be in contact with the dirt unless it’s pressure-treated. Those posts and boards last much longer compared to untreated products. Dirt, moisture and dry rot are killers when it comes to fences. The rest of the fence can be in great condition, but if the posts rot, you’ll have to replace it.”

Mr. Burton also recommends asking if the contractor uses galvanized nails to prevent them from rusting over time. “This is especially important if the fence is exposed to the elements,” he explains. “You don’t want the materials that hold the structure together to rust out and fall apart.”

When it comes to choosing a fence installer, Mr. Burton says you should be picky. “Fence work is a niche industry. A lot of contractors think it’s easy to install a fence, but there’s actually a lot to it. If you need a fence rebuilt or installed, it’s best to hire a contractor who does this work every day instead of a landscaper or other construction professional who only has a passing knowledge of the trade.”