Con-Heart redwood privacy fencing built for the Peninsula's coastal climate — every post set, every board fitted, every job permitted.
Redwood has defined Peninsula fencing for decades — it handles coastal fog, salt air, and hillside terrain better than most alternatives, and it looks the part doing it.
We build with Con-Heart redwood: clear of knots, consistent in grain, and selected for structural integrity from post to cap. Whether you are replacing a weathered old fence or starting fresh on a new lot, the material matters as much as the installation. Con-Heart grade is dimensionally stable in coastal humidity, naturally resistant to the conditions that degrade other wood species, and takes finish well. It machines cleanly, holds fasteners reliably, and presents a consistent face from board to board — which is why it has been the Peninsula standard for as long as we have been building here.
Post installation is where most fences fail early. Posts set in concrete without a drainage break at the base trap moisture and rot from the bottom up — you will not see the damage until the post moves. We dig to the correct depth for your soil conditions, set posts with proper drainage at grade, and treat all cut ends before they go in the ground. On rocky or unstable Peninsula soils we use steel post systems that anchor without a full concrete pour — the same Postmaster approach we apply on our rot and post replacement work. All hardware is hot-dipped galvanized or stainless; standard hardware corrodes fast in coastal air and we do not use it.
Board-on-Board is the most popular layout on the Peninsula — alternating boards on both sides of the stringer create full privacy from every angle while allowing airflow. Dog-Ear single-face is a clean traditional look that works well on flat lots and urban properties. Both can be built at standard 6-foot height or taller where code allows. Every fence we build can be paired with walk gates, double drive gates, or combination setups — frames built from the same material as the fence, reinforced at the corners, and hung on heavy-duty hardware rated for the gate weight. If your property is in a fire hazard zone, ask us about our Zone Zero non-combustible fencing options — a non-combustible transition at the house connection can bring a traditional wood fence into compliance.
Every material has a place — the right choice depends on your property, your city's codes, and what you are trying to accomplish. Here is a straightforward guide to the fencing systems we install most on the Peninsula.
Redwood is native to Northern California — it is dimensionally stable in coastal humidity, naturally resistant to the conditions that degrade other wood species, and takes finish well. On the Peninsula, where fog, salt air, and temperature swings are part of daily life, it has been the default choice for a reason. Con-Heart grade (clear of knots, cut from the heartwood) is what we specify for structural fence applications. It machines cleanly, holds fasteners well, and presents a consistent face from board to board.
Board-on-Board is the most popular layout on the Peninsula — alternating boards on both sides of the stringer create full privacy from every angle while allowing airflow. Dog-Ear (single-face with angled board tops) is a clean traditional look that works well on flat lots and urban properties. Both can be built at standard 6-foot height or taller where code allows.
Posts are concrete-set at appropriate depth for your soil and fence height. On rocky or unstable Peninsula soils we use steel post systems that anchor without a full concrete pour. All hardware is hot-dipped galvanized or stainless — standard hardware corrodes fast in coastal air and we do not use it. Cap rails and trim boards are included in our standard build; decorative post caps are available in several profiles.
Redwood can be left to weather naturally to a silver-gray patina, sealed clear to preserve the warm tone, or finished with a penetrating stain. Whatever direction you choose, a properly built redwood fence handles Peninsula conditions with minimal maintenance when it is finished correctly from the start.
A privacy fence is defined by function — full visual screening from ground to top rail — not by a single material. On the Peninsula we build privacy fences in redwood, composite board systems, and vinyl depending on the property and what the owner is after. The material determines the look, the maintenance profile, and how well it handles the site conditions. The layout — Board-on-Board, solid-face, or shadowbox — determines the privacy level and how the fence responds to coastal wind.
Most Peninsula cities allow 6-foot privacy fencing in rear and side yards without a permit. Front yard heights are regulated — typically 3 to 4 feet depending on the city. Corner lots have additional sight-line rules. We pull every permit required and handle all coordination with your city's building department. If you are unsure what is allowed on your property, we will confirm at the estimate.
Redwood is the traditional choice and the one we build most often — it is well-suited to the Peninsula climate and takes finish well. Composite board systems are a strong alternative where low maintenance is the priority; they will not check, split, or take on moisture the way wood can in high-humidity sites. Vinyl is available but we specify it selectively — it performs well in protected locations but can be problematic on exposed hillside lots with significant wind loading.
Every privacy fence we build can be paired with walk gates, double drive gates, or combination setups. Gate frames are built from the same material as the fence, reinforced at the corners, and hung on heavy-duty hardware rated for the gate weight. Latch and lock options range from basic gravity latches to keyed deadbolts.
Pool fencing on the Peninsula is a permitted, inspected installation — it is not optional and it is not something to cut corners on. California code and local amendments establish specific requirements for height, post spacing, picket gap, self-closing gates, and latch placement. We know these requirements and build every pool enclosure to pass inspection on the first visit. If your city has stricter local amendments — and several Peninsula cities do — we will identify those upfront. For a dedicated look at pool safety options, see our Pool & Safety fencing page.
Pool fencing is most commonly built in aluminum (powder-coated, low maintenance, corrosion-resistant in pool chemical environments) or in a glass panel system for properties where the view of the pool area is a priority. We also build code-compliant wood pool fences where the design and site conditions support it.
Pool gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open away from the pool. Latch placement is specified by code — it must be out of reach from the pool side or protected against reach-over access. We supply and install hardware that meets or exceeds California requirements and holds up in the pool environment without corroding.
A pool fence permit is required in every Peninsula city and the inspection process is more involved than a standard fence permit. We handle the application, coordinate with the building department, and schedule the inspection.
A significant portion of the Peninsula — particularly the hillside areas of Pacifica, San Bruno, Millbrae, and unincorporated San Mateo County — sits within CAL FIRE Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Properties in these zones face stricter building material requirements, and fencing is included. A fence that does not meet the non-combustible standard can create a continuous fuel path from a public way to a structure — which is exactly what these codes are designed to prevent. See our dedicated Zone Zero non-combustible fencing page for the full picture.
Non-combustible fencing systems include aluminum, steel, masonry, and specific composite products tested and listed for fire-zone use. Not all composite products qualify — the material must carry the appropriate rating. We specify and install products that meet California fire code requirements and will clear your city's building department review.
Non-combustible does not mean industrial or plain. Powder-coated aluminum systems are available in a range of profiles and colors that work with both contemporary and traditional Peninsula architecture. Steel systems offer a heavier, more substantial look that pairs well with masonry walls and formal landscaping. We will work through the options at your estimate and show you what has been installed on comparable properties in your area.
Fire-zone fence permits require material documentation — you cannot simply tell the inspector it is non-combustible. We maintain the product specs and material certifications for everything we install and include that documentation in the permit package. If you are not sure whether your property is in a fire hazard zone, we can confirm that at the estimate.
The questions we hear most — before the estimate, during the build, and after.
We install redwood and cedar privacy fences, pool safety fences, ornamental iron and steel fences, automatic and manual gates, and non-combustible fencing for WUI and Zone 0 fire hazard zones. We select materials based on your site, HOA rules, and local requirements.
It depends on height, location, and your city. Most Peninsula cities allow fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards without a permit, but front yard fences and fences near property lines often have stricter rules. We confirm what applies to your specific address at the estimate.
A properly installed redwood or cedar fence typically lasts 15 to 20 years with basic maintenance — occasional cleaning and a coat of sealer every few years. Heart redwood is naturally rot-resistant. Posts set in concrete with proper drainage are the single biggest factor in fence longevity.
Yes. We do partial replacements, post replacements, and section repairs regularly. We’ll assess the existing fence and let you know whether a repair or a full replacement is the better long-term value for your situation.
Zone 0 refers to the immediate 0–5 foot zone around a structure in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area. California fire code increasingly requires non-combustible materials in this zone. We install qualifying metal, concrete, and masonry fence systems for properties in Pacifica, Brisbane, and other hillside Peninsula cities subject to these regulations.
Yes. We install slide gates, swing gates, and driveway entry systems with electric operators. We handle the ironwork, the motor installation, and the wiring rough-in. For low-voltage and smart-home integration we coordinate with your electrician or can recommend one.
This varies by city and zoning. In most cases a fence can be built directly on the property line, but setback rules and neighbor consent requirements differ. We help you understand what’s allowed before the project starts so there are no disputes after.
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