Woven in History

Would you believe that modern-day chain link fabrication had its start in the textile industry?

The first patented chain link weaving machine was created in the 1840s, supposedly by Charles Bernard in England. The machine was based on the cloth weaving machines of the period used in textile manufacturing.

Maybe that’s why they call chain link material, chain link fabric!

The first patent for chain link in the US was in the 1890s. And it’s maintained a popularity woven throughout the years. In part, because of its economical cost compared to the production of other fence materials. And chain link’s adaptability in various security applications makes it a confident material choice.

No wonder chain link still accounts for more than 50% of market sales in the fence industry as recently as 2021.

Tahoe Fence did quite a bit of weaving on this chain link project in Minden (Douglas County.) The job was over 6,500 linear feet of chain link fencing. In addition, it required top and bottom rails, barbed wire, and several gates. The double-swing gate pictured is over 50-ft wide (the width of the road.)

Spring Sprouts

It’s official. It’s Spring. And not just because the calendar says so.

If you know the area, you know it’s Spring when tulips sprouts start showing. The season has officially changed.

Yes, we’ll probably get at least one additional snow storm that will flatten them. But until then welcome Spring!

Pictured: Dad’s Spring wine barrel tulips with Tahoe Fence scrap material sunflower. The sunflower is made from cut-offs from our gate shop with a tension rod stem, post cap flower, pinched iron picket point petals and leaves, and left over spray paint (Carson City 2025.)

Irish Green

We’re coming up on another St. Patrick’s Day this Monday.

They say everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. And green is the color of Ireland, the Emerald Isle.

Green ties into the color of the shamrock, which St. Patrick used to teach of the Holy Trinity. And during the 18th century, wearing green was meant as a symbol of rebellion for the Irish under Britain’s rule.

Legend also has it that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns. So you can avoid getting pinched by one.

Some of us at Tahoe Fence are feeling a little rebellious after this recent Winter storm.  Looking at Irish green, or our version of it, is preferable to more snow.

Tahoe’s crews built this green finished chain link with green slats prior to the snow in Tahoma (El Dorado & Placer Counties.)

Have a healthy and happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend. And may the luck of the Irish be with you!

It’s Daylight Savings Time again this weekend. And since we’re coming up on Spring, clocks are to be set forward one hour.

Although we will miss that one hour of precious sleep, there is one small consolation.

You know it’s true that no matter how many times you remind people to set their clocks ahead this weekend, at least someone will show up late on Monday!

Pictured: Tahoe Fence Yard Boss Wally thrilled about another day at the office in Mound House (Lyon County.) 2025

Couldn’t Say It Any Better

Tahoe’s crews work hard to get our customers jobs done. And Tahoe Fence likes to praise our employees for work done well.

One of our customers, whom we did the attached project for, put it very nicely.

“Your crew did a wonderful job on the fence. And then Dave did a great job on the automation.”

We couldn’t say it any better. Thanks, Bob!

And a special thank you and shout out to Awaxx Systems for providing the gate operators!

Pictured: Ornamental Steel Panels by Tahoe Fence with Automated Swing Gates in Yerington (Lyon County.) 2025

Work of Art

The Met, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, opened to the public around this week back in 1872 (over 150+ years ago.)

The Met is considered one of the World’s premiere museums. It displays some of the foremost collections and works of art.

This cable railing Tahoe Fence created is itself a work of line art.

Tahoe’s crews did a great job with the angles of the layout around the terraced yard. And all the staggered cable railing, closer at the bottom for smaller dogs with larger spaces at the top for visibility, could make you feel like a mad, creative genius with all the measuring!

Picture: Tahoe Fence Cable Rail & Gate Around an Elevated Backyard with Staggered Stainless-Steel Cable & Black Powder Coated Framing at Elks Point, Lake Tahoe (Douglas County.) 2025

Time Tested Classic

The use of beautiful ornamental iron and appealing brick columns has been demonstrated in construction throughout history.

Iron railings originated in the Middle Ages. While fired bricks were used in ancient Rome with the building of the Imperial Forum.

Then during the Victorian era, the use of stout brick columns and bases to support decorative iron craftsmanship grew in status. This wonderful combination shows why it’s a time-tested classic.

Tahoe’s crews recently completed this classic version in Carson City. An older, weathered picket fence was replaced with ornamental steel panels and brick columns.

A thank you and shout out to Hakansson Masonry. Their work is always a class act. These columns were exactly what the customer wanted, and they were even able to match the existing brick on the house.

Pictured: Before & After White Picket Fence & Tahoe’s Ornamental Iron with Brick Columns in Carson City 2025

When a Pig Whistles

This weekend it’s already the beginning of February, which means another Groundhog Day.

Supposedly, if the groundhog sees its shadow on the morning of February 2nd, there will be 6 more weeks of Winter.

But did you know groundhogs, which are related to the squirrel family, are also known as whistling pigs? They catcall at prospective mates, in order to attract their attention.

Unless snow is piling up and the roads are a mess, or when a pig whistles a weather prognostication as such, Tahoe’s crews will still be working to knock the jobs out.

Pictured: Tahoe’s Redwood Walk & Drive Gates with Metal Frames Around House Deck at the Lake in Winter 2025.

Built On Safety