Fence & gate company in Plano, TX

Morrison Gate & Fence serves Plano with fence and gate installation, repair, and replacement. Repair may suit isolated damage when surrounding posts and framing remain sound. Replacement deserves consideration when deterioration is widespread. For driveway gates, the choice also depends on opening width, available clearance, gate condition, and whether you need automated access.

Service area / Plano

Should I repair or replace my fence in Plano?

Start with the parts that hold the fence upright: posts, footings, rails, and their connections. A few broken pickets do not necessarily justify a full replacement. A straight-looking fence with decayed post bases, however, may need more than surface repairs.

| Broken or missing pickets | Damage is limited and rails hold fasteners securely | Boards and rails are deteriorating across several sections |A leaning section | The cause is isolated to a post or connection | Multiple posts or footings have failed |A dragging walk gate | Hinges, latch alignment, or one support post need correction | The gate frame and supporting structure are damaged

These are inspection starting points, not a diagnosis from appearance alone. A useful repair scope identifies the cause, the parts being replaced, and the adjacent components being retained. For replacement, clarify where the new work starts and stops, including any gates or shared fence connections.

What should I consider before installing a wood fence?

Choose the fence layout around its job: screening a yard, defining a boundary, containing pets, or providing access. Then compare the construction details rather than relying only on a style name.

A side-by-side fence places pickets next to each other. Gaps can become more noticeable as boards dry and move. A board-on-board layout overlaps pickets to maintain screening, but uses more boards and creates a different finished appearance.

Ask the estimate to identify:

• Wood species and grade: Know what material is being supplied.
• Picket layout: Confirm side-by-side or overlapping construction.
• Posts and rails: Specify materials, dimensions, and connections.
• Fasteners: Use hardware compatible with the wood and its treatment.
• Ground clearance: Plan the bottom edge around drainage and changing grade.
• Finish: Clarify whether staining is included, separate, or deferred.

Post and footing choices should suit the proposed fence and site conditions. A decorative cap or trim board does not compensate for weak framing. Discuss structural details before choosing finishing touches, especially where a gate places extra load on a post.

How should property lines and ground conditions be checked?

Do not treat an existing fence as proof of the property boundary. Review available survey information and resolve uncertainty before setting a new line. If the boundary remains unclear, a qualified surveyor may be needed.

Walk the proposed route and identify slopes, drainage paths, tree roots, utility equipment, and adjoining structures. These details affect post placement and how the bottom of the fence follows the ground. They can also reveal where a gate would be awkward to use.

For sloping ground, ask whether the design will step between sections or follow the grade. Either approach can leave different gaps beneath the fence, which matters for pets and appearance.

Arrange the appropriate utility-location process before digging, and discuss private lines that may need separate locating. Settle access for materials and removal at the same time so the work scope reflects the actual site.

What type of gate fits my Plano property?

Choose a gate by how people and vehicles need to move through the opening. Measure the usable opening, not just the distance between nearby fence sections, and account for hinges, stops, and other hardware.

| Walk gate | Everyday pedestrian or yard access | Clear opening, swing direction, latch location, and ground clearance |Single-swing driveway gate | A vehicle entrance with room for one leaf to swing | Leaf weight, support structure, driveway slope, and swing clearance |Double-swing driveway gate | An entrance divided between two moving leaves | Center alignment, stops, leaf clearance, and operator layout if automated

Think beyond the vehicle used most often. Yard equipment, deliveries, and occasional access may change the opening you need. Keep the full movement area clear; a gate that fits when closed may still conflict with a parked vehicle or rising driveway.

Can my existing driveway gate be automated?

Possibly, but the gate must work properly before an operator is added. Automation should not be used to pull a sagging gate through its travel or overcome binding hinges.

An assessment should cover the gate leaf, supporting posts, hinges or rollers, stops, and the full travel path. Gate weight and length matter, but so does how freely the assembly moves. Operator selection must follow the equipment manufacturer's application limits.

Electrical supply, control wiring, and access devices also need planning. Keypads, remotes, and vehicle detection serve different purposes; decide who needs entry and how they should exit.

Safety is a separate requirement from convenience. The layout must address entrapment hazards and appropriate protective devices, such as photoelectric sensors or monitored sensing edges where required by the system design. Ask how those devices will be tested and how manual operation works before approving the automation scope.

What information helps define a fence or gate estimate?

Provide enough information to show both the problem and the desired result. Photos help explain visible damage, but they cannot confirm buried footing condition, exact boundaries, or every structural issue.

For a Plano fence or gate estimate, gather:

• The property address and a description of the proposed work.
• Approximate fence length or gate opening width, marked as estimates.
• Photos of the full run, damaged areas, post bases, and gate hardware.
• Whether you want repair, replacement, a new layout, or automation.
• Preferred material, privacy level, and gate access needs.
• Known access constraints, slopes, drainage concerns, or utility equipment.
• Existing operator information, including the model label if readable safely.

State whether the old fence or gate needs removal and whether connected sections must remain. If you have a survey or relevant approval documents, mention them when requesting the estimate.

Separate essential work from optional changes. That makes it easier to understand the scope without confusing structural repairs with finish upgrades.

How do I compare fence and gate estimates fairly?

Compare the written scope before comparing totals. Two estimates may cover the same length of fence while specifying different posts, rails, picket layouts, or removal work.

Check whether each estimate identifies materials, gate hardware, demolition, disposal, and the limits of the work. For repairs, look for a clear distinction between parts being replaced and parts being reused. Ask what happens if additional deterioration becomes visible during removal.

For automated gates, compare the operator model, access controls, protective devices, electrical responsibilities, and setup work. “Gate automation” alone is not a complete equipment description.

Clarify exclusions and any warranty terms in writing. The goal is to understand what each proposal includes, what remains your responsibility, and which decisions still need to be made.

Can you replace just one section of fence?

Yes, replacing one section can make sense when the adjoining posts and rails remain sound. The damaged section should be checked for the cause of failure before new materials go in. New boards may differ in color and texture from weathered wood, even when the dimensions match.

Does staining fix a damaged wood fence?

No. Stain changes the finish and can help protect suitable wood, but it does not restore rotten posts, broken rails, or loose connections. Make structural repairs first. Then prepare the surface and follow the stain manufacturer's instructions for wood moisture, application conditions, coverage, and drying time.

Do I need approval before installing a fence in Plano?

Check current City of Plano requirements for your address and proposed work before installation. Also review any applicable deed restrictions or HOA requirements. Approval needs can depend on the scope and location, so do not assume a replacement is exempt or that a neighbor's fence establishes what is allowed.

What happens to an automatic gate during a power outage?

It depends on the operator and its power setup. Some systems have battery backup; others require a manual release during an outage. Ask how your specific operator works, where the release is located, and how to use it safely. Do not force the gate against an engaged drive mechanism.

For another property nearby, see our Frisco fence and gate service page or review the full service area.

To discuss your Plano project, request an estimate from Morrison Gate & Fence or call (469) 654-7729. Share the location, photos, and whether you are considering repair, replacement, or a new installation.