YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS? MIKE HAS ANSWERS!
Have questions about your fence project? You're in the right place. Mike Downs has been serving Sherman, TX and surrounding North Texas communities for over 25 years, providing honest advice and quality craftsmanship. As your local fence expert, Mike has answered thousands of questions about fence styles, materials, installation, repairs, and maintenance. Browse our FAQs below to get the answers you need and make your next fence project a success.
What services does Mike Downs Fencing offer?
At Mike Downs Fencing, we focus on one thing—building exceptional fences that are made to last. For more than 25 years, we've proudly served Sherman, TX and surrounding North Texas communities with expert craftsmanship, honest service, and quality materials. While custom wood privacy fences are our specialty, we also install wrought iron, chain-link, farm and ranch, pool, and specialty fencing solutions.
Unlike companies that try to do everything, we believe in doing one thing exceptionally well. Every fence is built with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that has earned the trust of homeowners throughout Texoma. From new fence installations and custom gates to fence repairs and professional staining, we're here to help you find the right solution for your property.
Residential Fencing
Unlike companies that try to do everything, we believe in doing one thing exceptionally well. Every fence is built with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that has earned the trust of homeowners throughout Texoma. From new fence installations and custom gates to fence repairs and professional staining, we're here to help you find the right solution for your property.
Residential Fencing
- Custom Wood Privacy Fences
- Board-on-Board Fences
- Side-by-Side Fences
- Horizontal Fences
- Custom Gates
- Fence Repairs
- Custom Wood Fence Staining
- Wrought Iron Fences
- Pool Fences
- Chain-Link Fences
- Farm & Ranch Fences
- Split Rail Fences
- No-Climb Horse Wire Fences
- Steel Post Installation
How long has Mike Downs Fencing been in business?
Mike Downs Fencing is built on three generations of fencing experience. The tradition began with Mike's grandfather, Wayne Carr, who owned and operated his own fencing business and passed down the values of quality craftsmanship, honesty, and hard work.
After high school, Mike chose a different path at first, proudly serving his country in the United States military as part of a family tradition of military service. The discipline, integrity, and work ethic he developed during that time continue to guide the way he serves his customers today. After completing his military service, Mike attended college and studied accounting. While earning his degree, he revived the family's fencing tradition by starting Mike Downs Fencing.
What began as a way to help pay for college quickly grew into a thriving business built on referrals, honest communication, and exceptional craftsmanship. More than 25 years later, Mike continues to personally build fences for homeowners across Sherman, TX and North Texas, earning the trust of generations of families through quality work and a commitment to doing every job the right way.
After high school, Mike chose a different path at first, proudly serving his country in the United States military as part of a family tradition of military service. The discipline, integrity, and work ethic he developed during that time continue to guide the way he serves his customers today. After completing his military service, Mike attended college and studied accounting. While earning his degree, he revived the family's fencing tradition by starting Mike Downs Fencing.
What began as a way to help pay for college quickly grew into a thriving business built on referrals, honest communication, and exceptional craftsmanship. More than 25 years later, Mike continues to personally build fences for homeowners across Sherman, TX and North Texas, earning the trust of generations of families through quality work and a commitment to doing every job the right way.
Why does Mike continue to build fences in Sherman, Tx and the surrounding area?
Mike Downs still builds fences in Sherman because this is home. Born and raised in North Texas, Mike comes from a family with deep roots in the Texoma area. His family has lived here for generations, and the people, communities, and values of North Texas have shaped who he is.
Mike builds fences because he genuinely loves building fences. He loves serving the Sherman community, building relationships, providing exceptional service at a fair price, and ending each day knowing he helped a local family improve and protect their property. His church, his friends, and his community are all here, and there's no place he'd rather live or work.
Mike builds fences because he genuinely loves building fences. He loves serving the Sherman community, building relationships, providing exceptional service at a fair price, and ending each day knowing he helped a local family improve and protect their property. His church, his friends, and his community are all here, and there's no place he'd rather live or work.
What should a customer look for in a good fencing company?
What shortcuts do fencing companies take?
In our Texas soil, good post depth is absolutely necessary for a strong, stable, long-lasting fence. Most fencing companies drill down 18–24 inches and set their fence posts at that depth. But unlike other fencing contractors, Mike Downs installs every fence post to a depth of 3 feet, no matter how tall or short the fence. He bought a specialty machine to do the work because, with Texas drought conditions, the soil can be cracked, loose, and expanded for the first two feet down. Mike knows it’s that third foot of soil that’s really solid and provides maximum strength for the fence. (He knows because he does the repairs on other fences!)
These installation practices are why Mike Downs' fences last for many years—really, for as long as the wood, wrought iron, or chain link itself will last. Our fences don’t fall down or get shaky. We guarantee our workmanship with a lifetime warranty, but we don’t have many customers who need repairs. Mike Downs builds the kind of fences he would want to live with: strong, sturdy, long-lasting, and excellent.
With Mike Downs Fencing, customers also get a lot of little freebies and extra services. Mike wants them to be comfortable and satisfied, and he treats them the way he would want to be treated—helping them make the best decisions for their property and getting all the details just right.
These installation practices are why Mike Downs' fences last for many years—really, for as long as the wood, wrought iron, or chain link itself will last. Our fences don’t fall down or get shaky. We guarantee our workmanship with a lifetime warranty, but we don’t have many customers who need repairs. Mike Downs builds the kind of fences he would want to live with: strong, sturdy, long-lasting, and excellent.
With Mike Downs Fencing, customers also get a lot of little freebies and extra services. Mike wants them to be comfortable and satisfied, and he treats them the way he would want to be treated—helping them make the best decisions for their property and getting all the details just right.
What do you look for in great gate construction? What about automatic gates?
Gates are easy to construct—it’s the lifetime use of the gate you have to worry about. After installation, the ground settles over time, which can cause a gate to become uneven and affect its swing and ability to close properly. Wood also naturally swells and contracts, which can affect the gate and cause it to no longer line up properly. It’s a very frustrating problem for customers.
There’s no way to completely prevent these issues over the lifetime of a gate, so Mike offers lifetime gate adjustment service to all of his customers. He stops by and adjusts their gates anytime they ask, no matter how old their fence is. It’s a simple extra service that keeps his customers happy and their gates working the way they should.
When Mike installs an automatic gate in Sherman, Texas, he uses top-of-the-line mechanical parts. He uses the type of gate operator that comes with one of the best warranties in the industry. Mike also offers a lifetime warranty on the workmanship of the gate.
There’s no way to completely prevent these issues over the lifetime of a gate, so Mike offers lifetime gate adjustment service to all of his customers. He stops by and adjusts their gates anytime they ask, no matter how old their fence is. It’s a simple extra service that keeps his customers happy and their gates working the way they should.
When Mike installs an automatic gate in Sherman, Texas, he uses top-of-the-line mechanical parts. He uses the type of gate operator that comes with one of the best warranties in the industry. Mike also offers a lifetime warranty on the workmanship of the gate.
How much does a fence cost?
Fence pricing depends on several factors — total footage, material choice (like genuine Western Red Cedar vs. wrought iron), style (board-on-board, privacy, farm/ranch, etc.), gate additions, and site conditions such as terrain or soil type. Because every property and project is different, the best way to get an accurate number is a free on-site estimate. Call Mike Downs Fencing at 903-814-8118, and we'll walk your property and give you a straightforward quote — no surprises, no subcontractors, just quality work built to last.
Can my fence project be financed?
Yes! In most cases, fence financing can be approved quickly, often within 24 hours. Give us a call at 903-814-8118 to learn more about your financing options and get started with a free estimate — we'll help make your new fence work for your budget.
What fence styles require the least maintenance?
Wrought iron fencing typically requires the least maintenance of any fence type. It won't rot, warp, or need staining like wood, and a quality coating helps resist rust for years with little more than an occasional wipe-down or touch-up paint. Wood privacy fences, like our genuine Western Red Cedar builds, do require more upkeep over time (staining/sealing) but offer a classic look many homeowners prefer. Whichever style fits your property best, give us a call at 903-814-8118 for a free estimate and we'll help you weigh the options.
Do you handle the fence permit?
Yes, we handle the whole process. From start to finish, Mike Downs Fencing takes care of any permits needed for your fence project, so you don't have to worry about the paperwork. Just give us a call at 903-814-8118, and we'll walk you through everything.
Do you check for underground utilities before installation?
Yes, we call 811 and follow protocol before every fence installation. It's a step we never skip — for our safety and yours. Locating underground utility lines ahead of time helps prevent damage and keeps the whole project running safely and smoothly from start to finish.
Can you help locate property pins or determine fence placement?
Yes, we work hard with every homeowner to make sure property lines are accurate before we build. Our goal is to protect you and your investment, so we take the time to get pin placement right from the start — helping avoid boundary disputes or costly mistakes down the road. Give us a call at 903-814-8118 and we'll walk the property with you.
