Metro Detroit's Wood Fence Experts
Classic Wood Picket Fence Installation in Metro Detroit
Timeless Pointed & Dog-Ear Picket Styles - Built to Last in Michigan
Nothing gives a home more classic curb appeal than a well-built wood picket fence. At All Fenced Up, we install traditional pointed picket, dog-ear picket, and Gothic picket fences throughout Metro Detroit - in cedar or pine, painted or natural. Our crews set posts properly, space pickets consistently, and finish every project with the care it deserves. Call us for a free estimate.
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Why Choose All Fenced Up for Your Picket Fence
A wood picket fence looks deceptively simple, but installing one properly requires more skill than most homeowners expect. Consistent picket spacing, level rails across varying grade, and proper post depth all determine whether your fence looks professionally built or hastily assembled. We take pride in the details, and our picket fence installations reflect that pride on every project we complete in Metro Detroit.
Consistent Spacing Every Time
We use precision spacing jigs to ensure every picket is identically spaced from the first post to the last. No eyeballing, no guessing. The result is a crisp, uniform fence line that looks intentionally designed rather than randomly assembled.
Grade Changes? We Racked It.
Metro Detroit yards often have subtle to significant grade changes from one end of the fence line to the other. We rack our picket fences to follow the grade naturally - pickets stay vertical while the top rail follows the slope.
Any Color, Any Style, Any Height
Our picket fences can be installed raw (natural cedar or pine), pre-primed, or pre-painted any color. We offer pointed picket, dog-ear picket, and Gothic (cathedral) picket tops. Height options range from 2 ft decorative to 4 ft standard.
Our Wood Picket Fence Styles
We install every major picket fence style available. Each style uses the same quality materials and installation standards - the differences are purely aesthetic. Here's a look at the options we offer across Metro Detroit so you can pick the style that complements your home best.
The most traditional picket style - a single upward point on each board. The quintessential American yard fence. Available in cedar or pine.
Two diagonal cuts at the top corners create a softer, more casual silhouette. Very popular in Metro Detroit residential neighborhoods.
Decorative arched cathedral-style top with two points. Adds elegance and personality to any front yard or garden area.
Wider boards (1x4 or 1x6) with a generous gap for a semi-open, modern look. Ideal for pool areas and decorative boundaries.
Classic white-painted cedar or pine picket fence. We prime and paint in the field for a beautiful finished appearance.
Scalloped top rail between posts creates a wave-like profile for added curb appeal on front yard and garden fences.
How We Install Classic Wood Picket Fences
Our picket fence installation follows the same disciplined process we apply to every project - proper post depth, level rails, consistent spacing, and a clean finished look. We've refined our picket fence process over hundreds of Metro Detroit projects to be efficient, precise, and minimally disruptive to your yard.
We assess your yard, measure the fence line, discuss style and height options, and provide a written estimate. We also identify any grade changes that affect installation planning.
Picket fence permits are typically required in front yards and near property lines. We handle all paperwork and fee submission on your behalf.
Posts are drilled 48" deep and set in concrete. For picket fences, we use 4x4 posts spaced 6–8 ft apart. Post tops are cut level or to a decorative angle after setting.
2x4 top and bottom rails installed level between posts. Pickets attached with a spacing jig for uniform gaps. Post caps and decorative trim added last.
Picket Fence Specifications & Details
Understanding the construction specifications helps you evaluate quotes and verify you're getting a properly built fence. Below are the standard specifications we use on every picket fence installation in Metro Detroit. These are our minimums - we never cut corners on structural integrity, even on decorative fence styles.
Picket Sizing & Spacing
Standard pickets: 1"x3" or 1"x4" pointed or dog-ear. Standard gap: 2.5"–3.5" (open view) or 1.5" (semi-private). Top of picket height: 36"–48" most common. All pickets face-nailed with 8d HDG nails, 2 per picket per rail.
Post & Rail Specs
4x4 posts set in 10" concrete footings at 48" depth minimum. Line posts 6–8 ft on center. 2-rail system for standard picket height (up to 4 ft). Rails: 2x4 cedar or PT pine.
Permit Requirements
Most Metro Detroit cities require permits for front-yard fences and fences exceeding 4 ft. Some HOAs specify maximum picket spacing. We're familiar with local requirements in all 70+ cities we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our classic wood picket fencing? We've compiled the most common questions from Metro Detroit homeowners below. Call us at (734) 977-0554 anytime.
What height is most common for a wood picket fence in Metro Detroit?
The most popular height is 36"–48" (3–4 ft) for front yards and garden areas. Most municipalities permit 4-ft picket fences in front yards without a variance.
Do I need a permit for a picket fence?
In most Metro Detroit municipalities, yes - especially for front-yard installations. Permit fees are typically $50–$100 for decorative fence styles. We pull all required permits as part of our service.
Can you build a picket fence on a slope?
Absolutely. We offer racked (slope-following) installation where pickets stay vertical while the top rail follows the grade. This looks natural and is the preferred method for most sloped Metro Detroit properties.
What's the best wood for a painted white picket fence?
We recommend Douglas Fir or SPF boards for painted applications - they take primer and paint exceptionally well. For natural or stained finishes, Western Red Cedar is the superior choice.
How far apart should pickets be spaced?
For decorative purposes: 2.5"–3.5" gap is standard. For semi-privacy: 1.5" gap. HOA rules in some subdivisions specify maximum gap requirements. We check your specific HOA rules before installation.
How long does a picket fence last?
A well-built cedar picket fence with regular painting or staining lasts 20–25 years. Pressure-treated pine with paint lasts 15–20 years. Maintenance is the biggest factor in longevity.
We Serve All of Metro Detroit
All Fenced Up installs classic wood picket fences throughout Metro Detroit, including front yards, rear yards, gardens, and property borders across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Our crews have installed picket fences in every style and terrain type across 70+ cities in Southeast Michigan.
Wyandotte•Woodhaven•Wixom•Westland•Wayne•Warren•Walled Lake•Utica•Troy•Trenton•Taylor•Sylvan Lake•Sterling Heights•St. Clair Shores•Southgate•Southfield•South Lyon•Royal Oak•Roseville•Romulus•Rockwood•Rochester Hills•Rochester•Riverview•River Rouge•Richmond•Pontiac•Plymouth•Pleasant Ridge•Orchard Lake Village•Oak Park•Novi•Northville•New Baltimore•Mount Clemens•Memphis•Melvindale•Madison Heights•Livonia•Lincoln Park•Lathrup Village•Lake Angelus•Keego Harbor•Inkster•Huntington Woods•Highland Park•Hazel Park•Harper Woods•Hamtramck•Grosse Pointe Woods•Grosse Pointe Shores•Grosse Pointe Park•Grosse Pointe Farms•Grosse Pointe•Gibraltar•Garden City•Fraser•Flat Rock•Ferndale•Fenton•Farmington Hills•Farmington•Ecorse•Eastpointe•Detroit•Dearborn Heights•Dearborn•Clawson•Clarkston•Center Line•Bloomfield Hills•Birmingham•Berkley•Belleville•Auburn Hills•Allen Park
Get Your Free Wood Picket Fence Estimate
Tell us your vision and we'll make it a reality. We install beautiful wood picket fences across all of Metro Detroit with detailed craftsmanship and no-surprise pricing.