Fence Gate

Burying a large pole in the ground using specialized machinery for fence installation

An Iowa Contractor’s Perspective on Why Most Residential Fence Posts Don’t Need Concrete

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TL;DR: Iowa contractor Micah Taintor explains why most fence posts don’t need concrete despite popular belief. Concrete creates yard mess, increases frost heave risk (posts can push several inches out of the ground), and makes repairs expensive. Mechanical driving 3-4 feet deep works better for most residential fences, including chain link, wood, vinyl, and ornamental…

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A Professional’s Guide to Choosing and Installing the Perfect Gate

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As a family-owned and operated fence contractor in central Iowa, we’ve installed thousands of gates over the years, from simple residential entries to complex commercial projects. Our experience with fencing solutions across Ames, Ankeny, and surrounding areas has taught us that every gate project requires careful consideration of both function and design. Selecting the Right…

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A white vinyl privacy fence with a gate, enclosing the side yard of a house, with trees and a wooden fence in the background

Choosing the Right Style Privacy Gate for Your Driveway and Fence

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When homeowners ask us about installing a privacy gate for their driveway, they usually want three things: security, durability, and curb appeal. At Thrive Fencing, we’ve installed hundreds of residential fence gates across central Iowa, and we’ve learned that the right gate depends on how you’ll use it. We help you find a driveway gate…

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Cantilever Gates vs Swing Gates: What’s the Difference?

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When you’re looking at installing a new gate, two main types come up: swing gates and cantilever gates (also called slide gates or rolling gates). Swing gates work like a door — they’re attached to a post with hinges and swing open and closed. Cantilever gates, on the other hand, work more like a pocket…

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