Tennessee’s Board for Licensing Contractors, established in 1931, requires a state contractor’s license for any fencing project valued at $25,000 or more, covering both materials and labor. For residential fence projects between $3,000 and $25,000, contractors in many Tennessee counties must hold a separate Home Improvement (HI) license. The $25,000 threshold applies to prime contractors bidding directly with property owners and to subcontractors performing work on larger projects. Contractors who bid or negotiate prices without the appropriate license face civil penalties of $50 to $1,000 per offense, and the Board can impose fines up to $5,000 for unlicensed contracting.
Fencing needs across Tennessee vary with geography and property type. In Nashville’s rapidly expanding suburbs, privacy fences in wood and vinyl dominate residential installations, driven by HOA requirements and new construction. East Tennessee properties around Knoxville often require split-rail or farm fencing that accommodates rolling terrain and larger lot sizes. In the Memphis metro area, chain link and aluminum fencing are common for both residential security and commercial applications. Rural properties throughout Middle and West Tennessee frequently need agricultural fencing for livestock containment, a category that can involve hundreds of linear feet and specialized post-setting in clay-heavy soils.
Tennessee’s climate presents specific challenges for fence installations. High humidity and seasonal rainfall in the eastern mountains accelerate wood rot if posts are not pressure-treated and set in concrete. The state’s expansive clay soils, particularly common in Middle Tennessee, can shift fence posts during freeze-thaw cycles unless footings extend below the frost line (approximately 12 inches in most of Tennessee). Aluminum and vinyl materials offer lower maintenance in these conditions but carry higher upfront costs.
When evaluating a fence contractor in Tennessee, confirm their license status through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors’ online verification tool at tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor. A licensed contractor will carry a specific classification code, monetary limit, and expiration date. Request proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, both of which are required under Tennessee licensing law. Obtain at least three written estimates that itemize materials, labor, post-setting method, and cleanup. Tennessee does not regulate fencing materials at the state level, but local municipalities and HOAs frequently impose height restrictions, setback requirements, and approved material lists, so verify local zoning rules before a project begins.
Top Fence Contractor Providers in Tennessee
1. K & C Fence Company
- Address: 2503 Hart St, Nashville, TN 37207
- Phone: (615) 562-7651
- Website: https://fencenashville.net
- Rating: 4.9/5 (789 reviews)
- Services: privacy fencing, wood fencing, aluminum fencing, chain link fencing, PVC vinyl fencing, steel fencing, farm fencing, commercial fencing, picket fencing, gate installation, fence repair
- Description: K & C Fence Company is a family-owned business that has served the Nashville area since 2007. The company holds Tennessee State Contractor’s License #00063870, carries workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, and provides a workmanship warranty on all installations.
2. Tim’s Fencing
- Address: 4237 Greenway Dr, Knoxville, TN 37918
- Phone: (865) 255-9634
- Website: https://timsfencing.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (896 reviews)
- Services: privacy fencing, chain link fencing, vinyl fencing, aluminum fencing, rail fencing, commercial fencing, fence materials and DIY packs, fence repair
- Description: Tim’s Fencing was founded in 2017 by Tim and Sarah Wells and operates as a family-owned company serving the East Tennessee area from its Knoxville location. In addition to residential and commercial fence installation, the company sells fence materials directly to the public, including lumber, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, posts, hardware, and concrete.
3. Superior Fence & Rail of Memphis
- Address: 645 Chaney Dr, Collierville, TN 38017
- Phone: (901) 664-2848
- Website: https://superiorfenceandrail.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (265 reviews)
- Services: vinyl fencing, wood fencing, aluminum fencing, steel fencing, chain link fencing, cedar fencing, Trex composite fencing, pool fencing, dog fencing, gate automation, railing installation
- Description: Superior Fence & Rail of Memphis is the locally owned franchise location of a national fencing company, serving the Memphis metropolitan area from Collierville since 2022. The location offers manufacturer-direct pricing on vinyl, wood, and aluminum products, with proprietary technologies including StayStrong wind resistance and SolarShield UV protection on vinyl fences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fence Contractor in Tennessee
Q: Do fence contractors need a license in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires a state contractor’s license for any fencing project costing $25,000 or more in combined materials and labor, issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. For residential projects between $3,000 and $25,000, many Tennessee counties require a Home Improvement license. Projects under $3,000 generally do not require state licensing, though some municipalities impose additional local licensing requirements. Consumers can verify a contractor’s license status, classification, and monetary limit through the Board’s online lookup tool.
Q: How much does fence installation typically cost in Tennessee?
Fence installation costs in Nashville and other Tennessee metro areas generally range from $15 to $40 per linear foot, depending on material, height, and terrain. A standard six-foot wood privacy fence for a typical residential yard (150 to 200 linear feet) typically falls between $2,500 and $6,000 installed. Vinyl and aluminum fencing carry higher material costs but lower long-term maintenance expenses. Factors that increase price include rocky or clay-heavy soil requiring specialized post-setting, sloped terrain, corner posts, and gate installations.
Q: What fence materials work best in Tennessee’s climate?
Pressure-treated pine is the most common and affordable option for Tennessee fence installations, offering reasonable durability in the state’s humid subtropical climate when properly maintained with stain or sealant every two to three years. Cedar provides natural rot and insect resistance without chemical treatment but costs more. Vinyl and aluminum fencing require minimal maintenance and resist moisture damage, making them practical choices in areas with heavy rainfall. For agricultural properties, galvanized steel wire and treated wood posts hold up well in Tennessee’s clay soils.
Q: Does Tennessee have fence height restrictions?
Tennessee does not impose statewide fence height limits, but most municipalities regulate fence height through local zoning ordinances. In Nashville, for example, residential fences in front yards are generally limited to four feet, while side and rear yard fences can extend to six or eight feet depending on the zoning district. Homeowners in subdivisions governed by HOAs may face additional restrictions on materials, colors, and styles. Contractors familiar with local Tennessee codes should pull any required permits before installation begins.
Q: What questions should I ask a fence contractor before hiring?
Verify that the contractor holds a valid Tennessee contractor’s license or Home Improvement license appropriate for the project size. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Request a written estimate that separates material costs from labor and specifies the post-setting method (concrete versus gravel), fence style, and material grade. Ask about the warranty on both materials and workmanship. Confirm that the contractor will contact Tennessee 811 for underground utility marking before digging post holes, which is required by state law.