If you need a fence company in Van Buren, AR, Fort Smith Fence Pros takes your request and connects you with an independent local fence contractor who works on both sides of the Arkansas River.
Van Buren is the Crawford County seat, home to about 23,000 people at the 2020 census, and it sits right across the river from Fort Smith with I-40 running through town. The city nearly tripled in population between 1970 and 2010, so fence work here ranges from century-old lots to recent builds.
Fence Styles That Fit Older Van Buren Properties
The Van Buren Historic District covers eight blocks of Main Street between Cane Hill Street and the river, with Victorian, Italianate and Queen Anne buildings. Homes in the older parts of town often look right with a fence that does not compete with the house.
- Wood picket for a front yard that stays open and friendly
- Ornamental aluminum or steel for a classic look with little upkeep
If your property is near the historic district, ask the city whether any design review applies before you pick a style.
Wind-Ready Privacy Fencing for Van Buren Backyards
Van Buren sits on the eastern edge of Tornado Alley, and the 1996 tornado damaged about 1,800 homes, most of them here. A tall privacy fence acts like a sail in a strong storm, so the build matters as much as the boards.
What helps a privacy fence stay standing
- Posts set deep in concrete
- Steel posts behind a wood face
- Shadowbox styles that let some air pass
Fencing Low Ground Near the Arkansas River and Lee Creek
The 2019 Arkansas River flood crested near 41 feet at Van Buren, and Lee Creek runs through the west side of the city. On low ground, chain link or open ornamental fencing lets water and debris move through instead of piling against solid panels. Vinyl and aluminum also hold up better than bare wood after a soaking.
What to Ask a Van Buren Fence Contractor Before Work Starts
- Who confirms the property line, and do I need a survey?
- Will you check permit needs with the City of Van Buren?
- Will you call 811 to mark utilities before digging?
- How long will the install take, and who hauls off the old fence?
Common questions
How long does it take to get a fence installed in Van Buren AR?
Most residential fences take a few days to install once materials are on site. The wait before that depends on the contractor's schedule, material availability and weather. Utility marking through 811 also has to happen before any post holes are dug. Request a free estimate and the contractor can give you a realistic start date for your yard.
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Van Buren Arkansas?
Permit and height rules are set by the City of Van Buren, and HOAs can add their own. We do not want to guess at them for your address. Check with the city's permit office or your HOA before work begins, and ask the contractor whether they handle that step as part of the job.
What fence holds up to Van Buren storms?
No fence is storm proof, but construction makes a real difference. Deep concrete footings, closer post spacing and steel posts all help a privacy fence resist high wind. Chain link and ornamental metal catch less wind than solid wood. Ask the contractor how they set posts and what spacing they use.
Can a fence go in near the river or in a flood-prone yard in Van Buren?
Yes, but the style should match the site. Open designs such as chain link or aluminum let floodwater pass and are easier to clean up afterward. Solid wood panels can trap debris and take more damage. Tell the contractor about any past flooding so they can plan post depth and gate placement.