As a fence contractor based right here in Katy, Texas (fencecompanykatytx.net), I spend most of my days surrounded by cedar posts, galvanized steel, and good ol’ Texas sunshine. But every now and then, I’ve had the opportunity to travel—both across the country and beyond. And while most folks collect souvenirs or Instagram photos from their trips, I tend to collect ideas, techniques, and inspiration that I bring right back to the neighborhoods of Katy.
Here are a few stories from the road—moments that changed the way I look at fencing, property, and even community.
New Mexico: Adobe Walls & the Meaning of Warmth
Several years back, I took a road trip through New Mexico. In Santa Fe, I was struck by how many homes used adobe or stucco-style walls instead of traditional wood or chain link. These fences weren’t just barriers—they were design statements. They blended seamlessly into the landscape, using earth tones and rounded corners to create a soft, almost welcoming sense of privacy.
It got me thinking about how a fence can feel. Back in Katy, we deal with all types of properties—from new builds in Cane Island to ranch-style homes on the outskirts. Inspired by that trip, I started offering warmer, more organic stains and incorporating curves or stucco bases for clients who wanted something different from the traditional picket look. That trip taught me that a fence doesn’t have to shout “keep out.” Sometimes it can just quietly say, “this space is mine.”
Iowa: The Simplicity of Function
Not all inspiration comes from exotic places. While visiting a friend’s farm in Iowa, I helped him put up a basic split rail fence. Nothing fancy—just wood, some nails, and strong hands. But what struck me was how much thought went into placement. Every post was driven with purpose. The spacing, the height—it all mattered, especially when livestock or crop protection was involved.
That experience stuck with me. Back in Katy, I started paying even more attention to the why behind a customer’s fence. Whether it’s for keeping pets in, creating a kid-friendly backyard, or adding a touch of elegance to a front lawn, function now drives form. And I think our local clients appreciate that. It’s not just about how the fence looks—it’s about how it works for your life.
England: Boundaries Without Walls
A few years ago, I visited the English countryside and stayed in a small village outside Oxford. What blew my mind was how many homes didn’t have fences at all—just hedges, short stone walls, or nothing at all. There was a quiet trust between neighbors, a cultural sense of community that didn’t require high barriers.
Now, obviously that wouldn’t fly in every part of Katy—let’s be real, our weather and wildlife alone make fencing a must—but it made me think. Could we design fences that promote openness instead of separation?
Since then, I’ve encouraged clients to consider open picket designs or even partial fencing combined with landscaping—things that protect your space while still feeling neighborly. Especially in subdivisions like Firethorne or Elyson, this approach has been really well-received.
Costa Rica: Sustainability in Every Post
One of the most meaningful trips I ever took was to Costa Rica. While volunteering on a community project in a rural village, we helped replace a storm-damaged fence. But here’s the thing: everything we used was recycled or repurposed—old metal rebar, local hardwood scraps, even tires cut into flexible barriers.
That project changed how I thought about waste in our industry. Back in Katy, I started looking into recycled composite fencing materials, low-waste construction practices, and even ways to repurpose old wood for future jobs. I’m proud to say our company now offers several sustainable options for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
It’s a small thing, maybe—but when you’ve seen a child smile behind a fence built from secondhand parts, you start to understand that how something is built can be just as important as what you build.
Bringing It Back Home to Katy
Travel has been my greatest teacher. It’s helped me see that fences are more than just boundaries—they’re reflections of values, needs, and culture. And it’s helped me bring a wider range of ideas to serve the good people of Katy.
Whether you’re looking to create a cozy backyard sanctuary in Cinco Ranch, protect your pets on a big lot out in Fulshear, or build a front-yard statement piece in Old Katy, we bring global inspiration right to your doorstep—no passport required.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: a fence might stand still, but the ideas behind it can travel far.
