Peek-a-Boo! How-to Fix a Hole in the Fence

Did one of your four-legged family members pull a Houdini? Many different breeds of dogs can dig their way out of a fenced yard, while other breeds have the ability to climb a perfectly good fence. For diggers, many homeowners place bricks or concrete blocks in the fence openings. Soon, their backyard looks like a minefield from a video game.

It doesn't matter what your fence is made of, a determined dog can get through most materials. Some days, you want to wrap the fences with barbed wire, but don't. The key to preventing Brownie from escaping is preparing the yard near the fence and then repairing the fence.

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Metal Fencing - If the fence is still intact, but there is a hole at the bottom, chicken wire fencing is the solution. Before beginning the fence repair, you will need to dig the hole a little wider and perhaps deeper.

Place the chicken wire into the hole and up to the wire fence. Use heavy metal or aluminum fence ties to secure the wire to the fencing. Cover the wire fencing with dirt. Now, when your dog begins to dig, her paws will hit the wire fencing and discourage her from repeating this bad habit.

Wood Fence  - To repair a wooden fence at the ground level, so your pup can't escape under it, will depend on what you want your yard to look like. One option is to add shrubbery and or flowers around the fence. After planting items along the fence, lay down a layer of chicken wire and cover with decorative rocks. Do Not use mulch, it makes dogs very ill when they eat mulch.

If you need help repairing your fence, or you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Franklin Fence services Nashville, TN, Franklin, TN, and Brentwood, TN. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Decorating Fences for the Holidays

It's that time of year again! Decorating for the holidays is a fun and festive way to show your holiday spirit. Most families decorate their house and/or yard for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other winter holidays, but forget their fence. A wood fence, a picket fence, vinyl fencing, or metal fences each lend themselves to create decorating spaces.

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Bring Your Fence to Life

It doesn't matter what type of fence you have in your home, you can use various decorations to bring your yard to life. Using large cloth or vinyl cutouts, drape them over the fence and secure with clothespins or other types of clips. This works for all holidays.

Use wrapping paper and large ribbons to create presents for Christmas. You may want to punch small holes in the paper to help the wind go through it and not take the paper down.

Use Lights

Do not regulate your colorful lights to Christmas alone. Use white lights for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Create a winter wonderland scene with white lights. There are also white and orange string lights available for Halloween. Be creative and cover a tree, a garden fence, or a fence gate, completely with lights, and don't forget the driveway.

Garland and Beads

Drape rope garland or strings of beads along the fence top for a more elegant look. Add festive wreaths to several posts for the best final additions.

Halloween colored beads of orange, purple, and green can become a fun decoration for the upcoming candy night. Add a string or two of lights to help guide the costumed kids to your front door.

Contact a Brentwood fence contractor to help with fence repairs and decorating. If you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Four Steps to a DIY Fence

If you are a little more than a weekend handy person, you could build your own wooden privacy fence. Here are the basic steps to building a beautiful fence around your home for privacy and added value.

Check Codes

Before you begin digging the post-holes, check with your local building and zoning division. There may be different codes you need to adhere to, or special permits required before building a fence in your area. You may also need an inspection when the job is completed.

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Design

You will need to come up with a design for your fence. A privacy fence allows you and your family to enjoy your backyard without a lot of noise and curious neighbors. Privacy fences are typically made of wood, but there are aluminum fences and vinyl fencing that also provides much needed privacy. Once you have your design, it is best to measure out and stake the area you are going to fence in. Find spray paint and small marking flags in any hardware store.  

If you are feeling overwhelmed, contact a Nashville fence contractor, such as Franklin Fence and Deck to build the fence of your dreams.

Materials

Depending on your needs, purchasing materials are the next step. Many associates at the large box hardware stores can help you with your plans, and direct you to any shortcuts they may know.

Lumberyards are another great place to purchase your fence materials. Their associates are also brimming with expert advice. In additions, this type of store will have prefabricated panels for an easy fit.

Fence Insulation

Once you have marked out the fence on the lawn, it is time to dig the holes for the posts. Renting a post hole digger and using some old-fashion elbow grease is the best way to get an accurate post spacing and depth.

Adding a fence to your yard is a two-person job. As you shovel the concrete into the holes, have the other person tap the mixture to remove bubbles.  Rounding the concrete will help water flow away from the fence posts. Using a combination square and line level will assure each rail to be square and level with the posts.

If you need help repairing your fence, or you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Beautiful Gazebos & Pergolas from Franklin Fence and Deck

Extending the life of summer is easier when your backyard contains a beautiful gazebo or airy pergola. A Nashville fence contractor, such as Franklin Fence and Deck, will custom build the perfect outdoor space for you and your family.

Taking dinner, or any meal, outdoors can become a disaster if the weather is not cooperating. Having a privacy fence with an attached deck and a gazebo or pergola helps keep the food fresh, less flying bug invasions, and a nice breeze for everyone to enjoy their meal.

  

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Many homeowners are unsure of the difference between a pergola and a gazebo. Here are the main dissimilarities.

Pergolas - these are more like an open-air shelter. There are no walls, only four posts. The ceiling is a crisscross top that allows the sun and other elements to peak through to those sitting under it. It's perfect for dinner, working on your laptop outside and reading and relaxing.

Planting a type of crawling vines along one or more of the posts provide a natural shade cover for a more relaxing atmosphere. There are various types of vine plants, some with hanging fruit and others with beautiful flowers. The amount of shade you want will be the determining fact for choosing living cover.

Attaching a pergola to a fence on one or two sides will add stability and beauty to your backyard environment. If the pergola were wood, a wood fence would look best. However, combining materials like metal fence, vinyl fencing, a garden fence, or an aluminum fence with wood can add a dramatic bold look.

Gazebos - this type of covering has a solid roof, can have one or more walls, and may have different shapes. A solid roof allows for full coverage from the sun and other elements and provides another option for perfect entertaining. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for gazebos, but there are other options available.

If you need help repairing your fence, or you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Maintaining a Franklin Fence and Deck

Once you have added a beautiful, durable fence from Franklin Fence and Deck to your house, you will need to maintain it year after year. Here are 3 tips to keeping each fence type looking brand new. In addition, there is 1 suggestion for repairing a damaged wood fence.

Cleaning

Metal Fences - Dirt, rust, and old paint will accumulate on metal fencing. Use a dry wire brush to remove these annoying stains from your metal fence. One gallon of warm water and 1 cup of a strong household cleaner will brighten and shine a metal fence.

Vinyl Fences - A sodium-bicarbonate cleaner is the best for vinyl fencing. Do not use bleach, as it will stain. Do not use a brush, but a soft cloth to keep from scratching the fence.

Wood Fences - Using a fiber scrub brush and a solution of mild detergent, most stains on your wood fence will disappear easily. Add 1-2 cups of bleach to warm water for tough stains. Be safe, wear gloves.

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Reinforcing an Older, Damaged Wood Fence

Adding a sister post to existing posts, which is wobbly or leaning, helps strengthen the entire fence. A sister post is the same width and approximately half the thickness of an original post. It should be no higher than the top rail. Bolt the new post to the old. Sheer off, at a 45-degree angle, the top portion of the new post so rain will not collect between the two wooden posts. 

Repairing a Wooden Gate

With continued use, a wood gate can swing too far out or in, causing the hinges to loosen. A simple solution is to cut a piece of wood 2 x 4 or 1 x 2 and attach it to the fence and the gate. When the gate swings open, it can only go as far as the block of wood, which is flush at the fence.

If you need help repairing your fence, or you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Animal Fencing Options with Franklin Fence and Deck

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) surveys' homeowners about their pet preferences each year. The latest data, as with the previous two decades, shows, pet ownership at an all-time high. Nearly one-quarter of the pet owning population, as well as all pet owners, live in small towns and rural areas.

To protect your pet, installing the right fence is important for their health and safety. You may think large breed dogs require a taller fence, no matter the materials, yet that is not always the case. Depending on the breed of dog, your fencing can be created for your specific pet.

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Dog breeds known for their climbing ability include Treeing walker coon hound (naturally), English setters, Catahoula leopard dogs, and Border collies to name a few. If you own one of these breeds of dogs, or one of the many other, rethinking your fence height and material is the first step to a safe dog.  

Dogs that dig can also have you decided on a different approach to the backyard fence. These dogs include Huskies, Chow Chows, and dogs with large heavy coats. They dig a pit to keep cool. Scent dogs, such as Bloodhounds, Beagles and Basset hounds are digging to follow their nose. Terriers dig because they have an instinct to find underground critters.

After you have figured out why your dog climbs or digs, you can talk to a Nashville fence contractor. A composite fence, a metal fence, an aluminum fence, vinyl fencing, and privacy fences are all good options for either type of dog. Your location is another consideration for fence materials. Homeowners are typically restricted to certain types of fences depending on the neighborhood, village, or city.

One option is a painted fence product, which looks like iron, but is actually an aluminum fence. Privacy fences work well for climbers, however; since there is no concrete foundation for the fence, dogs that dig are not a good fit for a wood fence or picket fences.  

If you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Get Creative with Franklin Fence and Deck

Looking to upgrade an existing fence? Franklin Fence and Deck is a respected Nashville fence contractor, which have helped countless homeowners with their fencing needs.  

If you have an existing privacy fence, most likely built from wood, it may be showing more wear and tear as the years march on. Wood lasts only so long before it needs to be replaced. Today, the wood privacy fences come in a variety of colors, styles, and treatments. Spraying wood panels with a special water resistant solution combined with a safe anti-mold, chemical, allows your wood privacy fence to last so much longer.  

If your privacy fence is connected to your deck, don't worry, Franklin Fence and Decks can help you with both. Many homeowners like to bring their deck theme to the backyard, and along the fence is a great idea. Using window sill boxes, colorful flowerpots, and even old empty picture frames can bring character to a plain wooden fence.

If you have old metal fencing, it's time to replace it. There are many reasons to upgrade to a new chain-link fence. First, there could be sharp edges in different spots from rust. These can be dangerous if caught on clothing or skin. If you are bored with a metal fence, try an aluminum fence or vinyl fencing. Both are sturdy and stand up to weather better than older metal fencing.

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You may think decorating a metal fence is difficult, but there are many ideas to brighten up your yard using your fence. Depending on how comfortable you are with DIY, the possibilities for bringing this type of fence to life is endless. Using shiny CD's, cover them using colorful glue in different patterns. These are easy to hang and help keep the birds from ruining your patio party. Another idea is aluminum slats that fit between the openings. These can be used in a pattern or as a coverall for more privacy.

If you are interested in enhancing your backyard with Aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Stay Safe with Franklin Fence and Deck

To add beauty, safety, and value to your home, contact Franklin Fence and Deck of Nashville, TN. In regards to safety, fences may keep people and pets inside; nevertheless, more critters such as deer, raccoons, skunks, possums, and the like are trying to reclaim their land all over the country.

 
A privacy fence works to contain backyard pool parties from annoying your neighbors. A composite fence is one option for both privacy and durability. Composite fences, made from recycled material, are also eco-friendly. The features of a privacy fence constructed of natural wood lend itself to many decorating ideas. Depending on the materials, a composite fence is brought to life with special hooks and hangers for decorative outdoor art.

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An aluminum fence or vinyl fencing is another option for privacy and security. In addition, there are metal fences designed for maximum privacy. Having a private backyard helps to deter would-be food scavengers to keep moving. Typically, the only fence materials that do not provide privacy are a small garden fence or a picket fence.      

The fence gates are another important part of backyard safety. Placing the latch as high as possible protects children, dogs, and smart animals from opening your privacy fence to enjoy or destroy your yard.  

If your backyard contains a pool, either in-ground or above, a secure fence is a must have. Self-locking gates can prevent major disasters where children are involved. Contact a Nashville fence contractor for fence maintenance. Address fence repairs as soon as they become evident. Critters and small children can hurt themselves crawling through a hole or tear in a fence.    

If you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Privacy with Franklin Fence and Deck

A nice little house with a picket fence out front may be your dream; however, neighbors are the determining factor in fence materials and height. A Brentwood fence contractor can help turn your yard into a private paradise while beautifying the space.

When first moving into a new home, you may love your neighbors, but there are going to be people your family won't get along with, due to no fault of either party. It happens. Getting along when your properties are so close takes patience and understanding. To avoid further conflict, a privacy fence could be the answer.

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A Nashville fence contractor will come to your home to measure the area needing the enclosure. There are many different styles and materials to choose from for your home's new fence. Wood, or treated lumber is the most popular in any Franklin, TN subdivisions. 

Painting this type of privacy fence in mild or bold colors is up to you.

Many homeowners take advantage of wood fencing materials to add a deck and increase their backyard entertainment area. A wood deck is an ideal pairing with a wood privacy fence. Incorporating benches, tables, and cooking areas, built directly into the fencing and deck wood, make wonderful additions for both large and small yards.

Metal fences can also become part of a private backyard. Threading simple strips of lightweight metal through the fence loops creates an inexpensive private look. Another fence material to consider for privacy is vinyl fencing. Metal fencing, wood fencing, or aluminum fencing each brings a measure of privacy to your home. Some of these materials offer a modern look, while others bring an earthy feel to your backyard atmosphere. The choice of fencing is up to you.   

If you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Franklin Fence and Deck Shading Your Summer

The summer sun in Nashville, TN can be brutal at times. This means you and your family will need to stay indoors where the cool air is plentiful. If you had a deck from Franklin Fence and Deck, you can move the party outdoors under the shade of the deck.

A Nashville fence contractor will survey your backyard, or side yard, and come up with the exact dimensions for a comfortable, stylish, and functional fence and deck. For all weather fun, an experienced fence company will build you a useful, sturdy, and safe deck for all-weather fun.

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If your house has a walkout basement, with or without a sliding glass door, a deck on top with plenty of room for fun and relaxing underneath is ideal. This is also the perfect combination for large gatherings and entertaining outdoors.

Choosing which wood for your deck may sound like a daunting task, but a Brentwood fence contractor knows the best wood for decks and fences in your area. Beginning with a wooden fence, Franklin Fence and Deck can work off the fence to add the deck for a seamless transition.

If you plan on a lot of entertaining, a privacy fence would be a great new look and add value to your home. A fence, no matter the materials, needs to have a fence gate as a matter of safety.  Vinyl fencing, an aluminum fence, wood fence, or a picket fence can bring a backyard and deck together nicely.

Once Franklin Fence and Deck installs your family fence and deck, they are also the ones to call if a fence repair is needed.  This Nashville fence contractor can fix a broken metal gate or a loose deck board. They do it all.

If you are interested in enhancing your backyard with aluminum fencing, custom wood fencing, composite fences or a deck and gazebo, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428 for a free estimate. Alternatively, contact them by email at franklinfence@yahoo.com.

Proper Fencing Protects Pets - and Friendships!

The phone rings. It’s early, and you realize you haven’t noticed Patches through the window in a while. Your neighbor doesn’t sound amused: “Patches is over here again, and he’s tearing up my garden!” Your friendship with Sheila has been a little rocky ever since Patches discovered how delicious her beautifully cultivated herbs are...

Dogs just wanna have fun. Of course, it’s no fun for us to field those phone calls, and not much fun to be playing a one-sided game of catch with Patches while you’re running late for a meeting. Oh, the frustration of it all! He’s worth it, but there’s got to be a better way…

Of course, there is. It’s funny how much we sometimes think about fixing a problem without actually doing it - only to realize that the solution was simple from the start. Don’t waste anymore of your precious time or energy with temporary patches and quick fixes that just don’t last. Call the experienced professionals at Franklin Fence & Deck today.

Franklin Fence & Deck can repair or install a beautiful, 100% Patches-safe fence that keeps keeping him out of danger or trouble with the neighbors, and with you.  After all, noone needs that kind of frustration.

Thinking of installing a dog run? If you long for the convenience of letting Patches out off leash without running to the dog park all the time, but can’t install a full property fence, a dog run might be a good option for you. Dog runs 10 feet wide and as long as possible allow your dog to run up and down and exercise nicely. They can be especially useful for homeowners with more than one pet.

If you’re thinking about installing a pet fence, dog run, or giving your existing fence a pet-safe facelift, contact us at Franklin Fence & Deck. With 30+ years experience in fencing and decking, arbors, gazebos and screened porches for your backyard and property, you can rest assured that Franklin Fence & Deck will get the job done quickly, and get it done well. we guarantee that none will produce the quality craftsmanship and care that we do.

So whether you have a Middle Tennessee pet fencing repair need, or decide that a full replacement is a better option, Franklin Fence & Deck can get the job done efficiently and with excellence. So why DIY when you can leave it to the pros? Give Franklin Fence & Deck a call today at (615) 790-8428. At, we take great pride in "Treating Others As We Would Like to Be Treated".

To learn more about special savings and offers from Franklin Fence & Deck, click here:  http://www.aluminumfencesbrentwood.com/

Fence & Deck Repair: D-I-Why?

Diy-ing can be fun and is sometimes a good way to save money. But for the homeowner short on time, proper tools & materials - and the experience to get the job done right the first time, repairing your fence or deck can be a bit like riding an out of control roller coaster.

A temporary fix has a short expiration date. Mounting pressure and anxiety to “refix” builds quickly, and soon you are running a race against time to return to the project before further damage to your fence or deck ensues. Arghhhhh! Wise homeowners know the value of their time; and the value of quality, expert workmanship and materials.

At Franklin Fence & Deck, our services reach far beyond that of our competitors, as we provide quality customer service with a number of viable options regardless of the scope of your project. For decking, we offer a large array of materials, from aluminum to weather resistant woods. What’s more, we guarantee that our decks will stand the test of time and elements.

With 30+ years experience in fencing and decking, arbors, gazebos and screened porches for your backyard and property, you can rest assured that Franklin Fence & Deck will get the job done quickly, and get it done well. we guarantee that none will produce the quality craftsmanship and care that we do.

So whether you have a restoration need, or decide that a full replacement is a better option, Franklin Fence & Deck can get the job done efficiently and with excellence. So why DIY when you can leave it to the pros? Give us a call today at (615) 790-8428. At Franklin Fence & Deck, we take great pride in "Treating Others As We Would Like to Be Treated".

To learn more about special savings and offers from Franklin Fence & Deck, click here:  http://www.aluminumfencesbrentwood.com/

Spring Fixs Up

Spring is in the air and now is the time to spruce up the outside! Starting with your fence! One of the first things to do once the temperatures warm up is inspect your fence for any damage caused by the severe winter weather.

Why Now? Sunlight degrades the lignin that bonds wood fibers, allowing water to penetrate and causing the surface to gray. A semitransparent stain fortified with UV blockers can halt damage while giving pressure-treated pine a warm tone that mimics pricey hardwood.

How to Do It: Knock debris and flakes off the wood with a broom. Brush on a nontoxic deck cleaner, then rinse and let it dry. Use a landscape pump sprayer to evenly apply a penetrating stain. You need a stain that offers UV protection, and has zero VOCs, so it's safe for you and the environment. Better yet, call Franklin Fence and Deck. We have all of the materials to make your fence look new AND protect it from the suns harmful rays.

This means checking your fence boards for any leaning, warping or rotting, and making sure your posts are structurally sound.  Be sure to check the base of your posts to see if there’s any major deterioration as the last thing you need is a visit from some strong spring winds that can cause your fence to blow over.

Spring is also a good time to pressure wash your wood fence (and your deck too!).  If you use a pressure washer, make sure to keep it on the light setting—at about 500 to 800 psi so as to not damage the wood.  Never use hot water to pressure wash your fence as it could damage the wood—especially if you have never sealed it in the past.

The Payoff? Extend the life of your fence and keep it for years to come!

Franklin Fence and Deck can do all of this for you and more! We are a fencing and deck contractor, locally owned and operated in beautiful Franklin, TN. Additionally, we serve all of Williamson County and beyond. In fact, our humble company is the oldest fencing and decking contractor in the county. Having started the business back in 1984, over the years, we have turned our business into the predominant provider of fencing and deck installation in the area.

Give us a call today at 615-790-8428! Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts!

A Breath of Fresh Air!

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. What's not so great? The long list of projects you probably have going to get started on this Spring!

Below you'll find a list of just a few common Spring Home Improvement projects!

1. Update your rain gutters: Without rain gutters, our homes are defenseless against the raging rain storms. The water from rain could erode the soil around the foundation of your home, splash dirt onto the siding of the house and leak into the basement causing internal damage to the house. None of this sounds good! If you aren't quite ready to update your gutters, at the very minimum, make sure they are free and clear of debris! 
2. Update the Siding: Not a task for the faint of heart! While you were inside all winter cozied up by the fire, your house was left to deal with all of the weather elements! Have your siding inspected and if needed, consider replacement! There are so many great looking, high performance, energy efficient vinyl siding options available! The possibilities are literally endless.
3. Build a Deck: Why not? Decks allow you to fully enjoy the sun and serve as a great place for socializing and dining. Decks come in all sizes and can be built in a short time! They're also great for adding value to your home! Franklin Fence and Deck specializes in all decks - no matter how big or small!
4. Install an Enclosed Porch: Porch additions are wonderful additions to any home; sunrooms add so much light and character to a home! Create a three or four season living space with energy efficient windows that make full use of the sun. Franklin Fence and Deck can help you plan your porch addition and execute it to the highest standards in the industry.
5. Repair your roof: One of the most important things you can do! Check this off your "To Do" list ASAP! Make sure there are no missing shingles, curling shingles, etc. Damage to your roof is not only costly, it's dangerous!
6. Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected: What follows Spring? Summer. Nobody wants to be left in the heat in July! It’s a smart idea to have your AC system inspected before it starts to get too hot. 

If you're looking to build that deck you've been dreaming of all winter, call Franklin Fence and Deck at 615-790-8428. Be sure to visit us HERE to sign up for special offers and discounts!