An Honest Look at Both Options
We’re a fence company, so you might expect us to say “always hire a pro.” But the truth is, some homeowners have the skills and time to build a great fence themselves. The key is going in with realistic expectations about what DIY actually involves.
Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
The Real Cost Difference
The biggest reason people consider DIY is to save money. The savings are real — typically 25–40% off the cost of professional installation for a typical Wichita cedar privacy fence. But they’re smaller than most people assume once you add up tool rentals, hardware, concrete, disposal fees, and materials you waste from mistakes.
For a detailed breakdown of what fences actually cost in the Wichita area, see our 2026 fence cost guide.
The cost gap also closes when you factor in the value of your time. A professional crew finishes in 1–3 days. A DIY project of the same size realistically takes 3–6 full weekends. At some point, the question shifts from “how much do I save?” to “what are my weekends worth?”
Time Investment
This is where DIY surprises most people:
- Professional crew (2–3 people): 1–3 days for 150 linear feet, depending on terrain and old fence removal
- DIY (1–2 people): 3–6 full weekends is realistic. Digging post holes alone takes most people an entire weekend for 150 feet, even with a rented auger.
That’s 40–80+ hours of physical labor in Kansas heat (or cold, depending on when you start). Be honest about whether you have that time and energy available.
Quality and Longevity
The difference between a professional fence and a DIY fence usually comes down to the details that aren’t visible:
- Post depth and concrete: We set posts 36–42 inches deep with proper concrete footings. Many DIY fences fail because posts are set too shallow (24 inches is not enough in Kansas soil) or the concrete wasn’t mixed correctly.
- Plumb and level: A fence that’s off by even 1 inch at the posts shows up as a visible lean over a long run. Getting 20+ posts perfectly plumb is harder than it looks, especially on sloped ground.
- Rail alignment: Professional crews use string lines and laser levels to ensure rails are straight over long distances. Eyeballing it leads to wavy fence lines that become obvious once the pickets are up.
- Stepped vs. racked on slopes: Kansas yards aren’t always flat. Handling grade changes correctly requires cutting techniques that many first-time builders haven’t practiced.
What DIY Guides Don’t Tell You
After years of repairing DIY fences, here are the most common issues we see:
- Utility line strikes: Kansas has buried gas, electric, water, and fiber lines everywhere. You must call 811 before digging. Professional companies handle this automatically.
- Property line disputes: Building a fence even 6 inches onto a neighbor’s property can result in legal issues and forced removal. We verify property lines and setbacks before breaking ground.
- Permit requirements: Wichita and most surrounding cities require fence permits. The permit process includes setback requirements, height limits, and material restrictions. Professionals know the local codes; DIYers often learn them the hard way with a code violation notice.
- Kansas clay soil: The heavy clay soil common in the Wichita area is extremely hard to dig through, especially in summer when it dries out. A rented two-person auger helps but still takes serious effort. Some areas have rock layers that require specialized equipment.
- Old fence removal: Removing an existing fence and disposing of the materials is a major project on its own. At Midwest Fence, we include free old fence removal and disposal with every installation.
When DIY Makes Sense
DIY can work well if you:
- Have construction or carpentry experience
- Own or have access to the right tools (not just a hammer and drill)
- Have a helper for at least the post-setting phase
- Are doing a short run (under 50 linear feet)
- Have flat terrain with no old fence to remove
- Genuinely enjoy this type of project and aren’t just trying to save money
When to Hire a Professional
Professional fence installation is the better choice if you:
- Need 100+ linear feet of fencing
- Have sloped terrain, clay soil, or obstacles
- Want a warranty on materials and workmanship
- Need old fencing removed
- Need the project done in days, not weeks
- Want permits and property lines handled correctly
- Value your weekends
No judgment either way. If you decide to DIY and run into trouble, we’re happy to help finish the job. If you’d rather have it done right from the start, get your free estimate or call (316) 710-5824.