Fence Contractor M.A.E Contracting: Quality Materials, Quality Build
Every fence tells a story about the property it protects. Some whisper privacy and quiet, others showcase a home with clean lines and confidence. On farms and commercial sites, the story is about durability and security. The difference between a fence that looks right and lasts, and one that sags, wobbles, or corrodes too soon, almost always comes down to two things: the materials chosen and the way those materials are installed. Fence Contractor M.A.E Contracting built its reputation on that pairing, and it shows up in the details you only notice in person. Posts that line up, concrete that holds through freeze-thaw seasons, gates that swing smoothly after a decade, hardware that still has bite rather than rust.
A fence contractor is more than a crew with a post-hole digger, and a Fence Company that can handle wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, and structural concrete is even more than that. The right team is part designer, part builder, part problem-solver. M.A.E Contracting does not sell a single style as a cure-all. Instead, they match material to purpose, climate, and budget, then commit to a build that respects the material. It is a craft approach in a trade often rushed by production schedules.
Materials that earn their keep
Clients usually start with a picture in mind. After a site walk, the conversation turns practical. How much wind does the yard get in January. Where does the snow drift. How often does the dog test the fence. Is the soil sandy, clay-heavy, or rocky. That is where quality begins. A poor match between material and conditions shortens the life of a fence more than any other decision.
Wood Fence Installation remains a favorite for its warmth and versatility. On a recent project, a cedar privacy fence wrapped a corner lot that sees constant lake wind. Many builders would give the nod to 6-foot dog-ear panels and call it good. M.A.E Contracting recommended board-on-board with 6x6 posts instead of 4x4s, stainless ring-shank nails rather than electro-galvanized, and a 2x6 rot board at grade. The result looks clean from both sides, and the extra structure prevents those winter wind ripples that make a fence look tired before year three. When clients prefer pressure-treated pine for cost reasons, the team is frank about movement and checking, then adjusts the design with strong rails and post spacing that keeps lines straight. With wood, it is less about the panel and more about the frame and fasteners that hold the shape.
Vinyl Fence Installation has more to it than sliding pickets into rails. Hollow posts on corners, underbuilt gates, or shallow post depth can sink a vinyl job fast. The crew at M.A.E Contracting treats vinyl like a lightweight material needing a heavyweight anchor. Corner and gate posts are often sleeved over steel or set with deeper footings. They align rails so thermal expansion does not create bulges in July. And they use manufacturer-matched brackets and caps, which sounds fussy until you try to replace a lost cap from a big-box brand three years later.
Aluminum Fence Installation hits a sweet spot for homeowners who want elegance without babysitting paint. Powder-coated aluminum does not rust, and the picket profiles offer safety without the heavy look of iron. The quality angle here is in the racking capacity of panels on slopes. Lesser panels fight the hill, stepping awkwardly and leaving gaps below. A higher grade aluminum allows for smooth racking, tighter ground follow, and cleaner lines. M.A.E Contracting also sets aluminum gate posts with larger footings and uses heavy-duty hinges, because sag on a light gate shows quickly in a clean, minimal design.
Chain Link Fence Installation still solves big problems economically. Schools, dog runs, commercial yards, and ballfields rely on it. The trick is in the fabric gauge, the coating, and the framework. M.A.E Contracting is quick to spec 9-gauge fabric with vinyl coating where longevity matters, not the cheaper 11.5-gauge that bows under foot traffic or soccer balls. They brace corners properly with tension wire and diagonal truss rods. If that sounds like overbuild, it is actually what separates a chain link fence that hums in the wind from one that buzzes and rattles each time a storm rolls through.
Privacy fence installation, regardless of material, raises a set of expectations: zero sightlines where it counts, minimal gaps over time, and a layout that respects property lines. That is surveying, not guesswork. On tight urban lots M.A.E Contracting will set stakes and string lines, confirm setbacks, and often meet a neighbor briefly to show the plan. It is faster to talk for five minutes now than to move a fence six inches after the posts cure.
Foundations that hold through seasons
People underestimate concrete in fence work. It is not enough to pour a bag around a post and hope. Soil, frost depth, and drainage dictate footing design. As a Concrete Company that handles more than flatwork, M.A.E Contracting understands that water and movement are the enemies. In clay soils with freeze-thaw cycles, bell out the bottom of the hole, tamp a gravel base for drainage, and avoid a smooth-sided “popsicle” shape that frost can lift. In sandy or loamy soils, go wider and deeper, then crown the top to shed surface water. On steep slopes, step footings rather than tilt posts, or the fence telegraphs the terrain in odd ways.
Gate posts deserve special attention. A 4-foot pedestrian gate with a cedar frame can weigh 70 to 90 pounds. A 12-foot double driveway gate can push 250 to 400 pounds with hardware. The Concrete Company M.A.E Contracting commonly specifies 12-inch diameter footings for pedestrian gate posts and 18-inch or larger for driveway gate posts, often with rebar cages and longer embedment. It means the gate swings true, and the latch lines up year after year.
Clients sometimes ask about dry setting versus wet setting posts. Dry setting can work in arid climates with well-drained soils and lighter fences, and it offers speed. In wetter regions, or where loads are higher, wet setting with properly mixed concrete and a compaction strategy around the post earns its keep, especially on gates and corners. There is no one-size answer, and fence builder a good Fence Contractor explains the trade-offs rather than pushing a single method.
When structure matters beyond fencing: pole barns and concrete pads
Many property owners eventually add a building: equipment storage, a workshop, or a shelter for animals. Pole barns are a natural extension of fence and concrete expertise. The same principles apply, just at a larger scale: posts in the ground must resist uplift, lateral loads, and moisture. With pole barn installation, M.A.E Contracting leans on treated posts rated for ground contact, protective sleeves or barriers in aggressive soils, and footings that account for wind loads. Doors must roll smoothly on a level track, which means the slab or grade beam needs care. Ventilation, lighting, and drip edge details prevent the musty interior that plagues underbuilt barns.
On a recent 30 by 40 storage building, the team brought the Concrete Company M.A.E Contracting crew to handle a monolithic slab with thickened edges, fiber reinforcement in the field, and saw-cut joints placed on a clean 10-foot grid. They finished with a light broom texture and sealed the surface after a sensible cure period, not the same day. The pole barns they erect are not fancy for the sake of it. They are straight and plumb, with posts anchored to resist racking in wind. Doors keep their adjustments because the frame holds true.
The build process that prevents callbacks
Good crews follow a rhythm that surfaces problems when they are cheap to fix. M.A.E Contracting starts with a site review and utility locates, then double-checks survey stakes or known property markers. They mark gate swings on the ground so nobody realizes too late that a gate will hit a grade change or a planting bed. Material arrives staged in a clean line, not scattered. Posts get set in a single push when possible to keep string lines taut and consistent.
Rails and panels do not go up until posts have had adequate time to set when concrete is used. That delay pays off because slight adjustments in plumb are easy day-of, not once the concrete grabs. On sloped sites the crew decides between stepping and racking at the layout stage, not mid-panel. That yields tidy stairs for privacy fences or a smooth follow-the-ground look for aluminum and chain link.
Quality hardware is a tell. A Fence Company can save a few dollars per gate with lighter hinges and latches, but the savings disappear the first time a latch fails and a dog gets out. M.A.E Contracting uses stainless or hot-dip galvanized hardware outdoors, often specifying brand-name components that are easy to service. For wood gates they build steel frames or brace the wood diagonally from lower latch side to upper hinge side, a simple rule that prevents drop. Those small choices keep customers off the phone for the wrong reasons.
Matching fence types to real-world needs
Every property is a set of priorities. You may need privacy at the patio, openness on the front, hard security at a side yard, or a child-safe barrier around a pool. There is no reason to pick just one material for an entire lot. Blending materials is common, and done right it looks intentional.
A split-rail or aluminum picket across the front can keep sightlines and curb appeal while a privacy fence guards the backyard. For a pool, local code often calls for a 4-foot or higher, non-climbable barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Aluminum meets that need elegantly, but hinges and latches must be adjusted precisely. For a garden the chain link makes sense when backed by a hedge. Beyond security, consider air flow. A tightly spaced privacy fence near a garden can create dead air that encourages mildew and pests. M.A.E Contracting advises a gap style or a lattice top in those zones.
Pets demand honest talk. Dogs jump, dig, and lean. A 6-foot fence stops most jumpers. Added bottom tension wire on chain link discourages rabbits and diggers. For wood, a rot board at ground level saves the pickets from the wet-dry cycle and makes repairs cheaper after a determined dog claims a corner. With vinyl, a heavier rail and post spec for dog runs avoids flex that invites chewing.
Permits, property lines, and neighbor diplomacy
A well-built fence can still fail if paperwork is ignored. Many municipalities require permits for fences above a certain height, often 6 feet. Corner lots may have sight triangle restrictions near driveways. Historic districts can limit materials and colors. The Fence Contractor M.A.E Contracting team stays current on local rules and folds permitting into the schedule rather than springing it on clients after a deposit.
Property lines are the flashpoint in fence disputes. A lot survey solves problems before they start, and when a survey is old or missing, a new one is worth the fee. Setting a fence a few inches inside the line can be a smart move in dense neighborhoods, leaving room to maintain both sides without stepping onto a neighbor’s land. The Fence Company M.A.E Contracting encourages a quick conversation with adjacent owners. A short, polite chat with stakes visible is cheaper than a letter from an attorney.
What “quality materials” really means
Marketing copy makes every material sound premium. In the field, there are clear markers that separate the good from the merely adequate.
For wood, species and grade matter. Western Red Cedar and Cypress resist rot better than many alternatives. Clear or select grades minimize knots that can loosen. Pressure-treated pine should carry an above-ground or ground-contact rating appropriate to its use. Fasteners must match the wood chemistry, so stainless for cedar and ACQ-treated lumber, hot-dip galvanized at a minimum for general use.
For vinyl, look at wall thickness, UV inhibitors, and reinforced rails. Heavier-extruded posts resist wind and impact. Branded systems tend to have longer-lived colors and better fit between components.
For aluminum, powder-coat quality and welds show the difference. Hidden picket fasteners stay tight longer. Rackable panels with proper pin-and-hole systems follow slopes without leaving gaps that invite animals.
For chain link, fabric gauge and the coating type are key. Vinyl-coated fabric over galvanized core with matching powder-coated framework looks sharp and lasts. Bottom tension wire and a mid-rail or top rail maintain shape over long runs.
For concrete, consistency beats volume. Proper mix design, consolidation around posts, and finishing that sheds water all contribute to longevity. The Concrete Company M.A.E Contracting treats fence footings like structural elements, not afterthoughts.
Cost, lifespan, and the honest math
No one wants surprises. Installed costs vary by region, design, and site complexity, but ranges help. Entry-level chain link can start in the low teens per linear foot and climb with height, coating, and gates. Wood privacy often sits in the mid to upper twenties per foot for basic pressure-treated builds, reaching higher for cedar, custom trims, or board-on-board. Vinyl typically lands above wood on initial cost, but it earns back over time with minimal maintenance. Aluminum picket tends to price near quality vinyl or above, depending on style. A pole barn can range widely based on dimensions, doors, insulation, and slab work, from basic shelter structures in the low tens of thousands to full workshops with electrical and concrete finishing considerably more.
Lifespan ties to upkeep. A well-built wood fence, sealed and maintained, can serve 10 to 20 years, sometimes more. Vinyl and aluminum often run longer with little beyond occasional cleaning. Chain link with quality coating can outlast a generation. The cheapest install is rarely the cheapest fence after a decade. M.A.E Contracting leans into this math during planning, steering clients to the point on the curve where they are comfortable with both upfront spend and long-term upkeep.
Site realities: wind, water, and soil
A fence lives outdoors with no relief from weather. In high-wind areas, solid privacy panels act like sails. Options exist beyond overbuilding. Shadowbox designs bleed some wind while maintaining privacy at most angles. Stepping a fence down a slope rather than forcing it to follow grade too tightly can reduce panels catching gusts. In flood-prone yards, a fence that allows water to pass is often smarter than one that traps debris and bends under the load. The M.A.E Contracting team has replaced more than a few perfect-looking privacy runs after a single storm because a neighboring creek swelled and turned the fence into a dam.
Soil tells the truth about longevity. Clay heaves, sand slumps, and rocky ground laughs at post-hole augers. Crews that only plan for the easy dig waste time when they hit cobble or ledge. The Fence Company M.A.E Contracting carries rock augers, breaker bars, and strategies for offsetting posts or adjusting spans without telegraphing the struggle into the finished look. When the ground fights, they do not shrink post depth just to keep pace. They revise footing design to preserve strength.
Gates, the most used part of any fence
If a fence has a failure point, it is usually a gate. The daily cycle of opening and closing, children hanging from it, snow load against it, or a delivery driver pushing a dolly through it adds up. M.A.E Contracting treats gates like mini structures. They build steel-reinforced frames inside wood skins for wider gates, spec self-closing hinges where safety matters, and install adjustable latches so a small seasonal shift can be tuned with a wrench. On driveways, they set posts with deeper footings and sometimes include surface-mounted wheel guides or stoppers to relieve hinge load. When automation is planned, they coordinate conduit and power early rather than trenching after the fact.
Maintenance plans that match the material
Not every client wants to do seasonal upkeep. The conversation about maintenance is candid from day one. Wood benefits from sealing within the first three to six months, once moisture content stabilizes. A clear penetrating oil or a quality stain with UV blockers can double the life of exposed surfaces. Vinyl appreciates a gentle wash once or twice a year to prevent mildew buildup. Aluminum needs little more than rinsing. Chain link holds up with minor attention to tension and vegetation control at the base.
M.A.E Contracting occasionally offers a maintenance check a year after build, especially on larger projects, to tighten hardware, assess settling, and answer questions. That visit takes under an hour and avoids small issues becoming big ones. When storms hit, the company triages repairs to restore security first, then aesthetics.
The value of a single point of accountability
There is a reason many clients prefer a full-service contractor over coordinating multiple trades. Fence Contractor M.A.E Contracting and the Concrete Company M.A.E Contracting operate under one roof, which reduces the common finger-pointing when a post shifts or a slab cracks near a gate pad. The same project manager who lays out the fence sets expectations for concrete curing, gate timing, and inspections. For pole barns, that same continuity ties structural posts, trusses, and slabs into a coherent schedule.
The Fence Company M.A.E Contracting also tracks warranties and product registrations. If a vinyl supplier updates a color that closely matches an older shade, they know it and set client expectations. If aluminum hardware gets an improved hinge design, they specify it. That attention pays dividends years later when a homeowner needs a single panel replaced or a latch upgraded.
When a contractor says “no,” it is a good sign
Not every request makes sense in the field. Asking for a 6-foot privacy fence on a retaining wall with minimal footing space, or a gate that swings uphill with no room for grade changes, runs into reality. M.A.E Contracting is comfortable saying no to a design that will fail or look wrong in six months. They will propose alternatives, like a stepped section with a small retaining curb, or a sliding gate where swing space is tight. That directness is part of a quiet promise: the finished work will not embarrass the homeowner or the builder.
A short homeowner checklist for comparing bids
- Confirm post size, depth, and footing details for corners and gates, not just line posts. Ask for hardware specifications by type and finish, and look for stainless or hot-dip galvanized where appropriate. Clarify whether rails and panels will be installed after concrete cures or the same day. Verify how slopes will be handled: stepped, racked, or terraced, with examples. Request references with projects at least three years old to see how builds age.
Why M.A.E Contracting’s approach holds up
Quality materials without skilled hands still fail, and skilled hands with poor materials struggle to produce lasting work. Fence Contractor M.A.E Contracting invests in both. The crews carry the right tools for the soil, the estimators speak clearly about options and trade-offs, and the company stands behind the build with transparent warranties. For wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link fences, for privacy or openness, for residential yards or commercial perimeters, and for structural projects like pole barns that depend on true posts and sound concrete, the through-line is careful planning and disciplined execution.
A fence is not just a line on a survey map. It frames your daily life, protects pets and children, marks pride of place, and keeps honest boundaries with neighbors. When it is built with respect for material and site, it fades graciously into the background until the moment you need it. That is the outcome M.A.E Contracting spends every day delivering. Quality materials, quality build, and no drama after the truck pulls away.
Name: M.A.E Contracting- Florida Fence, Pole Barn, Concrete, and Site Work Company Serving Florida and Southeast Georgia
Address: 542749, US-1, Callahan, FL 32011, United States
Phone: (904) 530-5826
Plus Code: H5F7+HR Callahan, Florida, USA
Email: [email protected]
