The build itself is faster than most people expect. The part that takes time usually happens before we ever show up.
Here's how that breaks down on the build side — and the one thing that can add weeks if you don't plan for it.
Why it's 2–3 days, not one
A solid fence is built around the posts, and posts are set in concrete that needs time to cure. So a typical job looks like this:
- Day 1 — Layout & posts. Mark the line, dig the holes to proper depth, set the pressure-treated posts in concrete, and let the footings begin to cure.
- Day 2–3 — Panels, rails & gates. Once the posts are solid, we hang the rails, attach the cedar pickets, set the gates, and do cleanup.
Could someone slam it all in a single day? Sure — by skipping the cure. That's exactly how you end up with a leaning fence a season later. We don't cut that corner.
What stretches the timeline
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Length over ~200 feet | More posts, more panels — pushes toward 3–5 days |
| Multiple gates | Each gate is extra hardware + fitting time |
| Slope / uneven ground | Stepping or racking the fence to grade is slower |
| Old-fence tear-out | Adds a removal phase before the new build starts |
| Hard digging (rock, clay, roots) | Slower post holes |
Weather rarely factors in — Kansas spring, summer, and fall are reliable for fence work. (For seasonal timing, see the best time of year to install a fence in Kansas.)
The real wait: HOA approval
Here's what catches people off guard. The fastest part is the build. The slowest part — if it applies to you — is HOA approval, which can take 30 to 60 days before any work can begin. If you're in an HOA, submit your application early; we'll give you the fence specs and reference photos you need for it. (More in our guide on fence permits and HOA approval in Wichita.)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to install a fence in Wichita?
Most residential cedar fence installs take 2-3 days. Larger jobs — over 200 linear feet, multiple gates, slope work, or old-fence tear-out — can run 3-5 days. The build itself is fast; the longer wait is often HOA approval beforehand, which can take 30-60 days.
Why is a fence installed over two or three days instead of one?
Posts are set in concrete, and the concrete needs time to cure before the pickets and rails go on so the fence is solid and plumb. A typical job is post-setting on day one, then panels and gates once the footings have set. Rushing the cure is how you get a leaning fence a season later.
What can delay a fence installation?
The build is rarely the holdup. The common delays are HOA approval (30-60 days before work can start), old-fence tear-out, hard digging conditions, slope work, multiple gates, and weather. In Kansas, spring through fall rarely causes weather delays.