Jan 06
We’re excited that WamBam’s vinyl fence is going to be on the DIY Network TV show “I Want That”. Set your DVRs for Dec 14, 2011 at 9:30pm to watch our fence live and in action!
Tobin does a fantastic job installing his vinyl WamBam Fence
Denise, Lisa, CJ, et al,
I completed the fencing project of about 200-feet of Plain Jane vinyl fence in three sections with two gates over the last two weekends by myself. It has been over 20-years since I worked on a fence, so this one was a bit different. Not hard, just different in a good way with my neighbors being amazed at the swift progress and professional appearance.
With a view like that, we'd like to share a beverage with you on that porch! Oh, and the mountains are nice, too.
I thought I would share some thoughts and pictures with you and the other “Wam-Bammers”.
When things got real ugly:
The bent tip LOCKED the post in the wrong position and height such that would NOT move up or down or even twist-around with a 36′ pipe wrench. After an hour or two I dug down through the “hard pan” to almost the base, but then exhaustion turned into innovation. I used a compression fitting to adapt a water hose to the 1.25″ OD Wam Bam steel post and literally “hosed it out” after pounding/loosening the dirt plug out. This might work as well to water-dig a hole (messy though).
A quick tip when close to another fence/wall and the steel post inevitably leans the wrong way. Although counter-intuitive, bend it to you a bit more, but then twist it around 180-degrees with a pipe wrench. Be care full to have the lower yellow anchor already in place because the pipe wrench will burr the steel post, (and watch your hands as well).
Looks great!
When things got way pretty:
As the remainder of the pics show, the three sides and two gates look and work great. We used the Plain Jane for continuity with with our existing rear porch deck railings. We also think the 4-foot height and open rails are more neighborly than a 6-foot solid panel.
Someone has a green thumb
Other stuff:
The gate on a 45-degree angle looks and works great since I used the hinges to obviate the whole angle issue. However, I had to use an old (it was in the bottom of one of my tool boxes for 20+ years waiting for its moment…) wood gate latch that I could reverse. The Wam Bam latch was not reversible - being either upside down or with the handle tang backwards.
I have a 4-pack set of the posts leftover. Maybe some day I will enclose the entire side yard and around the front as well. The mini-wiener dogs vote YES, but the “SheFO” votes NO and I am apparently a laborer with no votes.
Thanks for reading, peeking at pics. Please let me know if I have a shot at the $100 contest, (but don’t mention that possibility to Sheila).
Tobin from Winnemucca, NV
"Hey, what's with this fence? Now we can't roam the neighborhood anymore!"
Tobin also gave us a rave review on Homedepot.com (where he purchased his fence):
I wanted to try this product because of the innovative approach. I was NOT disapointed! Everything arrived OK and the instructions were great. Their website and news letter were done first rate and fun to read. This fence panel – along with the rest of their gates, posts, etc, were thought out as a full product line – not simply copied in the cheapest manner as some products are.
You still need to think about how to lay it out, but if you make an error – you can actually back up and it all works out OK.
Thanks Tobin, for being such a great customer and for taking the time to share your experience!
PS We vote “YES” to enclosing more of your property with a WamBam fence! And yes, you definitely have a shot at the contest!
Your house and property does our fence proud!
Here at WamBam Fence, we strive to offer the best technical support that we possibly can. In an effort to provide assistance to people outside of business hours, and to also make it easier for customers to easily search for answers, we are happy to launch our new knowledge base.
Our knowledge base is a no-nonsense, highly searchable repository of articles giving the answers to obstacles customers might encounter while installing their fence.
Have any suggestions for usability, functionality or article suggestions? Drop us a line- we’d love your feedback!
A beautiful shot of a job well done!
Hello WamBam,
Why is it seemingly straightforward, singular projects have a way of snowballing? It all started with the removal of trees on the terrace that were heaving and starting to crack the concrete walks and drive.
Well, time to replace the concrete and… let’s add that pad on the side of the garage that we’ve wanted for years! Bobcat here and scooping up the old stuff in no time. Hmmm, we’ve always hated the grade of the front yard and as long as we have a bobcat and dump truck at our disposal, we might as well have them scrape off the yard and replace that too! Bring on the new sod and many hours of watering during this past particularly hot summer. All looking good except for that tired, rusting chain link gate/fence at the end of our pretty new boat pad.
The old chain link fence has got to go
Hmmm…. local fencing options very limited and ordinary. Off to the Web! Lo and behold, WamBam jumped right out. Nervous Nelly was calling my name! Even though is was not a huge project, there were some challenges. The fence/gate needed to be shortened as well as tied into the existing chain link fence. These modifications were easily managed.
Good riddance, chain link fence!
There were minor issues that were promptly remedied. Customer support at WamBam is awesome! A special thank you to Stephen. Everyone LOVES this fence. The perfect entry into my garden! Hope you enjoy my pictures. I haven’t a single regret and would not hesitate to recommend this to my family and friends.
Work in progress
Thank you for my vinyl fence!
Diane in Wisconcin
We are pleased to announce a new enhancement to our website to make it even easier for our customers to figure out their vinyl fence or ornamental aluminum fence project. Our new “Build Your Project” feature enables a person to put the coordinates of their project into the wizard, and POOF! a material list is generated. At the end, with one click of the button, all the items can be easily added to the shopping cart.
https://wambamfence.com/home/cart.html?cart_action=wizard
The latest feature of our site
Here is a hilarious and winning testimonial from John B who lives in North Huntingdon, PA:
“Erecting fencing is not a favorite summer pastime… then come to think of it, it is not a favorite pastime during any season. However, “The Boss” gave me little choice and fewer options.
MacGreggor, aka "The Boss"
Having installed a few fences in my day, I really did not look forward to installing another one. From cyclone, split rail, and privacy panels, I could see my entire summer pass in front of my eyes. Several years ago, I installed white vinyl railing around my deck. Therefore, I wanted something to match and blend in.
I began by reviewing online offerings at national box stores. Options were clearly available, but I was not impressed. A search of local installers followed resulting in possibilities but with a hefty price tag. Finally, I searched online for something “new and truly innovative.” Most search results offered the same-old-same-old.
Research Complete
Looking over product offerings did not indicate a clear winner but looking at installation techniques did. There was this company in North Carolina claiming to have the better way of installing fencing……”RIGHT!” I understand marketing so the claim of ease of installation was taken with a few grains of salt, several shots of tequila, and followed by a quick suck on a lime.
I read over the information available on the WamBam web site, not once, but several times. My feelings were reserved on the claim, “The only fence that’s fun to install.” At 61, I have been dragged around the block a few times, and once thought that it would fun to own a bridge AND ocean property that had a nice view of land. But fence that was fun to install? Whoever wrote this must have done the ads for “caveman insurance.” Fun is sitting on the deck with a few six-packs and watching someone else install their fence.
Convenience ME!
I sent an email requesting information on the Simple Simon fence style. A prompt and informative response from Denise suggested that I might want to consider the Even Stephen style. With continued skepticism, (over ease of installation) I did a design and created a materials list all the while receiving the look of “Where is my fence?” from The Boss.
I then called WamBam’s office to obtain information on how to make modifications to the gates I would need for the project. I was directed to Stephen who asked all the right questions and indicated that I, with the right tools, could make the modifications.
I reflected on my options. Purchase local, have it installed, and pay 60% more for labor. Purchase local and install myself by digging holes and planting poles in concrete. Or, take a leap of faith and try the new guy. I emailed my design and parts list to Stephen; he quoted me a price and said to let him know what I thought. I called and placed an order with the new guy.
The fence arrived and I was looking at this!
Thoughtfully packaged and shipped, but ouch, my aching back… I then questioned my sanity for not taking option 1. But I immediately set to task and moved the boxes to the backyard, and then retired to my deck with a few cold-and-wet cans of one of my favorite beverages.
Several days earlier, I had received a package from WamBam containing a clip to help self-install the leveling donuts, installation instructions, and a booklet on “Murphy’s Law.” I only scanned the materials then, but now I would attempt to wrap my head around the project while I could now lick, hold, and see the materials. To my surprise, the processes and steps were clearly organized and followed the same principles of any other fence installation BUT without digging (still skeptical).
The Murphy’s Laws booklet included some advice about NOT using dynamite! Really… anyone who has installed fencing knows that blasting is not only fun, but is better than breaking one’s back with digging. The problem is post 911 this stuff is no longer available at the local feed-and-grain store. I also could not find any military grade materials online. But, should I encounter any potential “back breaking” obstacles, I could always improvise. I did not watch all of the episodes of “Macgyver” for nothing and July 4 provided an abundance of raw materials.
In the beginning…
The photographs above visually display the beginning.
Laying out the installation
Yes, The Boss is in my office chair!
Notes-to-Self
REAL men do not read or take installation instructions seriously because they:
- Are written in Chin English.
- Contain confusing language.
- Provide illustrations and/or pictures that are as confusing as the language, and/or were taken or drawn by a preschooler to save money.
- These instructions are spot on and when followed all is good!
The pictures demonstrate how I ran my string line, measured off distances, placed the post holders in the ground, and then simply inserted the pipes into the holders to get a picture of what I was doing and where I would go. The rough outline allowed several small design changes that enhanced installation and aesthetics.
All the while, the pressure from The Boss was mounting and I was stressed out from the constant stare.
The FUN Begins!
Note the position of The Boss when the real work is taking place!
With all planning finalized, I began driving the posts. Using the Basic Betty Post Pounder, I easily drove the posts into place. This should not be confused to mean that I did not experience rock issues or correct for level.
When pounding began, a rhythm took over. Since “real” men do not read instructions, and yes there is a warning in the instructions to be careful, be warned least Basic Betty is directed toward one’s head. When the post’s height just slips under your reach, and Betty no longer has contact with the post, steel and bone will meet. The black-and-blue knot on my forehead had a face under it for about a week. Fool me once, shame on you…well it happened a second time when I was kneeling during the final strokes, BUT this time I drove Betty down on my thigh, now shame on me!
Installing Rails
Since my installation was designed in two unconnected segments, I chose to complete the small segment that included one of the two gates.
I hate to waste anything, and yes, I turn all precious liquid containers bottom up to drain all the “nectar of the gods” out. So, I cut apart the shipping skids and created spacers to demonstrate spacing before making final installation of rails. What this enabled me to do was once again modify my installation to ensure a continued professional look to the project. Here you can see the beginning of the changes as I modified the design to include 4-rails per post. The Even Stephen style is supplied with 3-rails per post. When installing the post with the gate, I discovered that 4-rails would enable me to:
- Customize the installation so that The Boss could not escape his new play area. With the spacers in place I attempted to coax The Boss to escape, and he did. Therefore, I reduced the size of the spacers by 1” resulting in a virtually escape-proof design.
- Permit symmetry so that all lines flowed.
- Customize the height and width of the gate for a very customized installation.
Post heights have not been modified at this point so that I could ensure a symmetrical and aesthetically professional finish.
Additional Modifications
The pictures indicate one change in plans.
Looking to keep an esthetically pleasing look, I made additional modifications and moved from 4 to 5-rails in certain areas in the largest segment. Yes, this did result in a shortage of rails and I did incur additional cost, but the result was so worth it. After all, I made a substantial savings by not buying local and electing self-installation.
3-rail to 4-5ail and then to 5-rail design change
These photos demonstrate the rationale for using 5-rails in one part of the fence design, 4, and 3-rails in a few others. My slope was such that this enabled me to maintain a professional look! Is this possible?
Almost There!
Being pleased that The Boss could not “leave the building” (sorry to all Elvis fans), and appearances were symmetrical and professional looking, I began utilizing the supplied fasteners. When looking at the materials, I was unsure of the look and stability of the long screws. Yes…. I continued to be a skeptic. However, I found out in the completion of the small section:
- The screws did NOT distract from the look of the installation
- The screws were structurally sound and secured the rails to the post (grandchildren considerations)
The Completed Project
Final View?
Not quite...
WELLLLL…….. NO! I am sorry, but I will have to append that later. I am looking at landscaping and have thoughts on lighting using LED’s. This is at the planning stage and I have thoughts of how to use the cut off vinyl posts to create lighting that also ties into lighting installed into the top of the posts. I do hate wasting anything.
Parting Thoughts!
I emailed Stephen during day 2 that:
- I was having fun
- That the installation was professional in appearance (I can show my mistakes but choose not to do so!)
- That “WamBam”ing was simple and easy. However, it is not effortless
- With some degree of diligence and thought, customization can occur on the fly and does not have to be written in stone tablets during the design.
Total time from receiving materials to demonstrated completion was just 2 weeks. HOWEVER, the time included:
1) Ordering and receiving an additional rail section
2) Spending time with The Boss on the deck, where I enjoyed partaking of Johnny Buffet’s…I mean Jimmy Buffet’s favorite beverage. I did tack actual time at 30-hours, this included approximately 6 hours of thought and redesign.
Overall, I am extremely impressed. I experienced a company whose ads “told it like it is.” The hype that I considered brag was not. It was just plain fact. And this was quite refreshing.”
What does The Boss think?
If he’s even half as impressed as we are, he’s thrilled! Great job, John!
We’re excited to introduce our latest video showing WamBam’s Vinyl Jiminy Fence installation in action!
We’re excited about our new chat feature!
Come say hello!
This feature will only be available when we’re online–which means business hours (and some evenings and weekends)– but we hope it helps service our customers even better.
Stop by and let us know what you think!
Nyle single-handedly knocks out his fence in a day and a half!
Nyle was so thrilled with his WamBam Fence system that out of the goodness of his heart he took the time to send us a letter informing us just what he thought of his WamBam fence project. It made us so happy that we just had to pass it along. Thanks, Nyle, for being such a fabulous customer!
Re: WamBam Fence
July 4, 2011
Dear Stephen,
I feel obligated to communicate the high degree of satisfaction I have experienced with WamBam Fence. Although I have installed some fences in my years, I have not installed a fence SYSTEM as well planned and executed as yours.
The "Before" Shot
At 65 years old I was not looking forward to digging posts for 126 feet of fencing. I evaluated practically every vinyl fence option available, including fence contractors and their products. It did appear there are as many different versions of fence as there are contractors’ opinions of how fencing should be installed. After exhaustive research I decided to purchase the WamBam SYSTEM, and I emphasize SYSTEM.
Working hard
I define the WamBam SYSTEM, as follows:
- Excellent web-site with easy-to-understand product offering, video and published instructions
- Expedient follow-up and acknowledgement of order, at a personal level
- Quick delivery
- Quality components packaged accordingly
- Preparatory hard copy instructions mailed prior to shipment receipt
- Installation ease (It is actually fun!)
- Creative/Innovative…Clever
- Phone assistance very accessible, knowledgeable and responsive
As a recently retired global corporate leader I believe the WamBam Fence SYSTEM will become the international standard.
The 125 feet of Simple Simon fence was installed in about 1½ days, with occasional help from my wife carrying parts to the site. WamBam Fence is truly a do-it-yourself system. It eliminates contractor quoting, call-backs and concerns of liability for contractors that may not be insured. (Yes, the homeowner may be responsible for injuries to contractor employees on your property!)
Looking good, Nyle!
If I had decided to auger and anchor fence posts with concrete I’d still be working on the holes. It’s been a pleasure to work with the WamBam Fence SYSTEM. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering q high quality fence system. Pictures enclosed/attached.
Sincerely,
Nyle La***
Northern Minnesota
I'm sure you're the star of the neighborhood!
Here’s some photo contest entry highlights of the past month!
Not only does Diane submit a picture, but also a runner-up for WamBam's new poster boy!
“Thanks for a great product. My dogs can now run free in the back yard!” – Diane from Evansville, IN
Charles gets creative by cutting his picket into a swoop style
Steve does a great job with his privacy fence
“I am very happy with it and all my neighbors have given me positive feedback.” – Steve from Willimantic, CT
Phil puts the finishing touches on his house with the Simple Simon Fence
“Not bad for a Saturday afternoon.” – Phil from Ostrander, OH
Maybe Doug will have us over for a pool party?
“This vinyl fence is exactly what I wanted and my wife and I love it. It was easy to install and is very durable…even in high winds.” – Doug from Williamsville, IL
Starring Linda LaChance!
Hi Everyone! I was welcomed into the WamBam Family back in March and it’s time I introduced myself. Of course being on the shy side it has taken Denise hitting me with a WamBam pipe anchor a couple times to get me to do this. I’m just kidding about the shy part. I must admit I’m a talker. I truly love connecting and helping people. WamBam gives me this opportunity daily. I have talked to people from the East coast all the way to the West coast. It makes my day interesting. I have to say WamBam customers are the BEST! I know it can be a lengthy process to purchase a fence, but by the end of the process I feel like I connected with you in both the business and personal sense. The WamBam Family is here to help you before, during and after your installation so if I can help you in any way please let me know. If there is something I can’t help you with, I’ll get you to the right person. I mean it truly when I say… I love my job!
We can barely keep up with our explosive growth around here, and we’re hiring! If you know of anyone who fits the bill, have them email a resume to stephen(at)wambamfence(dot)com.
Customer Service Representative
Experience Required:
1-3 years customer service strongly preferred
Job Overview:
We are seeking a customer service representative who will assist the Do-it-Yourself customer through their purchases, follow-up with them, and hold their hand through the order and installation process. You love people and enjoy helping to solve their problems. Your adaptable to change and a good listener and communicator. You should enjoy do-it-yourself projects and creative problem solving.
Hours:
9:00am-4:00pm with an optional ½ hr- 1 hr lunch break.
Application Process:
We encourage you to spend some time on our website and our blog. If you feel that you would be a fit, send us a resume with an email answering the following questions:
- The best personal growth book you have ever read, and why.
- An example of when you came up with a creative solution to a problem.
- The worst experience with a customer you ever had, and how you handled it.
- Why you are interested in working at WamBam Fence.
Our booth at the hardware show
Our booth at the hardware show
Our booth at the hardware show
Last year we introduced WamBam Fence to the world at the annual National Hardware Show in Vegas. This year we were back with a vengeance.
I ended up working the show solo, because things are just too crazy at the office to have had anyone else leave. It was a bit of a challenge to set up myself, but thankfully I was able to pilfer some help along the way thanks to our sister companies- Mayne Outdoor Products and New England Arbors. There was only one casualty when the showcase piece fell on top of me during tear down. I have an impressive gash and bruise on my back. I guess I should just be thankful that it didn’t land on my head!
The show was a success with some solid leads, even though it was a bit heartbreaking to inform several people that we’re pretty much all out of product. However, a lot of people broke out into a grin and said that it was a great problem to have. I’m not sure I share the sentiment as we are unfortunately turning sales away every day.
After a week in Vegas, the old saying “the best part about going away is coming home” rings very true.
The good news keeps coming!
Costco.com has beautifully merchandised some of our aluminum fencing on their site www.costo.com!
We’re thrilled to be partnering with such a powerful brand.
“What?! We’ve already blown through all that product just in the past week? Oh man, we’re screwed. Lights out until July at WamBam Fence.”
This is what Steve proclaimed after a recent conversation about inventory issues that seemingly have come out of nowhere. While he is being dramatic, the truth still remains: We are back-ordered on certain models of fence. And we don’t like it one bit.
We didn’t know how to project sales this spring because we had no history of product sales. While we thought we beefed up inventory enough to have lots of product (and figured we erred on the side of too much as opposed to too little), we didn’t expect it to go quite like this. We’ve ordered more containers, but since they come from overseas, they are going to take 6-8 weeks to get to us. We do have another container coming into our warehouse on Monday, but a chunk of the material has already been spoken for and will be shipped out the door as fast as it was shipped in.
People tell us that this is a good problem, and sure, we’d rather be dealing with these headaches than lack of sales. Still, it’s a tough spot for us to be in.
We’re working through this, and we just ask our customers to be patient with us. We still want to provide you with a WamBam Fence, and hope you can bear with us while we navigate these growing pains. We will have product by the third week of June if everything goes perfectly. However, things don’t usually go perfectly, so we’re saying July 15 to be on the safe side. If you still want a back-ordered item, email us or call us and we’ll put you on the waiting list. We’re working on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Things at WamBam Fence are happening fast and furious!
We’re excited to partner with Sam’s Wholesale Club who is offering some of our products on their website.
We’re thrilled to be partnering with www.homedepot.com! After about 7 months of hard work on behalf of both companies, they now offer our entire line on their website.
We’re very excited to have such a powerful brand carry our products!
We love it when our customers show the WamBam spirit, and Kevin from Hawaii took it over the top! He installed his WamBam Fence and told his 4 year old daughter that Jurassic Park lay beyond. To drive the point home, he got creative in Photoshop.
- Kevin from Hawaii decides to have a little fun with his WamBam Fence and Photoshop
Who would have thought that Jurassic Park would have chosen a WamBam vinyl fence to contain the dinosaurs?*
Originally when Kevin called about wanting a WamBam Fence, I pretty much tried to dissuade him. Shipping to Hawaii is not cheap. Kevin wanted a WamBam Fence, though, and was willing to pay extra to get it there. We arranged for his fence to be shipped to the West coast, where it was then loaded into a container and sailed across the Pacific. It was then trucked to his house. Everything went smoothly, much to our relief– and Kevin’s.
Kevin was a great customer all around, giving us lots of feedback and pictures. However, he also enjoyed tantalizing us with tropical weather reports (in December) and pictures of his surroundings. After seeing these images, I wanted to personally deliver the fence, but it just wasn’t going to fit in my 40 gallon backpack.
You'd pay extra for shipping your fence, too, with this practically being your backyard. Thanks for tantalizing, us, Kevin!
The real shot. I think I need to do some boots-on-the-ground fence inspection...
We hope your daughter doesn’t get nightmares, Kevin! Thanks for giving us the laugh of the week- and maybe even the month.
*Please note that WamBam Fence cannot guarantee their fence for the use of dinosaur containment, particularly Tyrannosaurus Rexes, and will accept no responsibility for injuries as a result of wayward dinosaurs. 
This is the subject of an email that recently came through from a customer. The email gave us a little chuckle, and the pictures really took it home!
A 75 year old grandfather installs his fence single-handedly
“I found that if you read the instructions including Murphy’s Fence Laws, which are very clear, before beginning your fence it becomes a very easy installation.
I read the instructions regarding how to figure what you need to order and started out with a portion that I felt comfortable with, about a 1/4 of the total order. I wanted to be sure that it was as easy as they said. When it arrived on a Wednesday late in the day, I unpacked the boxes to check the order.
Day 1
You must understand that I am a 75+ year old man who had a heart attack just 7 years ago and I was in the real estate business all of my adult life running a large firm.
On Thursday, I started installing the vinyl fence and much to my surprise I was able to install all 6 sections in 1 day.
Day 2
I then ordered the rest of my fence and when it came, I was able to finish it in 2 1/2 more days. I must admit that my daughters were concerned about me doing this by myself, so on the last day and a half, they sent one of my grandson’s to help.
Day 3
Not only was it easy, but it replaces a chain link fence that was rusting and falling apart here at the beach. The hardest thing I had to do was remove the old fence and posts buried in concrete.
Now I am just sitting back having a little wine and cheese and watching Duke beat Michigan in the NCAA tourney with my grandson Ben.”
Congrats to Mr. Allen, WamBam's oldest known customer!
Here’s a big pat on the back to Mr. Allen of Salter Path, NC, for single-handedly putting up a WamBam Fence at the age of 75! You really do deserve that glass of wine.
…and as fellow state residents, we’re cheering for Duke with you.
One of our recent customers gave us a glowing review that can be found here. He put together a neat picture collage that was too good not to post.
Not only is he great at installing a fence, but he knows how to put together a cool picture collage!
(May we boldly suggest that his neighbor with the white picket fence to the left should have also chosen a WamBam Fence?)
Thanks Ryan, for choosing WamBam Fence. We’re grateful for customers such as you!
We’re going to launch our ornamental aluminum line next month, and we’re excited to offer these products to our do-it-yourself customers. Our ornamental aluminum is maintenance-free and easy to install because it’s digless and the panels are screwless. For now, here’s a sneak peak showing how it works:
Know of anyone who loves sales and people and has an entrepreneurial spirit?
We’re excited for what WamBam Fence has cooking for 2011. To help facilitate this, we need to hire an inside sales person to help grow our company. To see the job description, click here.
Candidates should email denise@wambamfence.com with a resume and answers to the following questions:
• The best personal growth book he or she has ever read, and why.
• An example of when he or she came up with a creative solution to a problem.
• The worst experience with a customer he or she ever had, and how it was handled.
• Why this person is interested in working at WamBam Fence.
Candidates are encouraged to spend some time on our website and learn all about our digless, easy to install vinyl fence.
