ABOUT RUSTIC FENCE

Rustic Fence is a proud, family-owned and operated business that has served our community for over 70 years, spanning four generations since our founding in 1953.

Our story began with Derick D. South, lovingly known as “Grandaddy,” who returned home after serving in World War II as a gunner aboard the USS Pennsylvania. A decorated veteran, Derick earned both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his bravery during major Pacific campaigns, including the Battles of Makin, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan, the Palau Islands, and the historic Battle of Leyte Gulf.

It all started with the vision of one man

Black and white photo of three soldiers next to a large artillery gun, with one soldier sitting on the artillery and the other two standing nearby, smiling and facing the camera.
A vintage black-and-white portrait of a young man with dark, wavy hair, dressed in a suit and tie, smiling softly at the camera.
Three generations of family owned business Rustic Fence, standing in front of the original Ajax Fence building.

From Ajax to Rustic Fence

In 1953, he founded Ajax Fence Company, planting the roots of what would later become Rustic Fence in 1964, a company built on integrity, hard work, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Today, we carry forward his legacy with the same values that started it all: honor, dedication, and family tradition. Whether you're looking for fencing solutions or custom fabrication we’re here to deliver products and service you can trust; just like Grandaddy would’ve wanted.

Our Legacy: Four Generations of Excellence
1953
1953

After returning from WWII, Derick D. South founded Ajax Fence Company, specializing in wood and chain link fencing.

1963
1963

Ajax Fence featured in the newspaper, more than one out of every 10 homes in Arlington now has an Ajax fence.

1964
1964

Derick sold Ajax Fence and founded Rustic Fence, continuing his commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

1980
1980

Derick’s son, Rick South, took over the business, marking the beginning of the second generation of family leadership.

1990’s
1990’s

Rustic Fence expanded its offerings to include ornamental iron fencing and began taking on commercial projects.

2000
2000

Chase and Ryan South, Rick’s sons, assumed leadership, bringing in the third generation of ownership.

2000’s
2000’s

Under Chase and Ryan's leadership, Rustic Fence further diversified, adding custom steel fabrication and expanding its commercial capabilities to even larger projects.

Today
Today

The fourth generation is now involved in leadership, with Chase and Ryan’s sons working alongside them to continue the family tradition of excellence.

our reputation is built on trust, quality, and follow-through.

We pride ourselves on delivering exactly what we promise every time. Over the years, we've become more than just a fence company. Today, Rustic Fence is your one-stop solution for commercial fencing and custom metal fabrication to suit all your needs.

Derick and Leroy South
Black and white historic photo of a large group of sailors in uniform posing on a ship deck, with an aircraft hanging overhead.
Derick D. South late 1950's
Ajax Fence
A man in a suit and tie with a hat standing outside a building with a sign that reads 'Ajax Fence.' He is holding a book and standing next to a fence made of white cedar stockade fencing.
A black and white newspaper article from May 22, 1961, in Arlington, Texas, showing a truck loaded with stacks of wooden fencing panels, with two men standing on and around the vehicle.
Bunny, Rick and Derick D. South
Derick D. South
Derick D. South
Rick South
Rustic Fence
Ryan South and Chase South.
Three generations of family owned business Rustic Fence, standing in front of the original Ajax Fence building.
Ryan and Chase South standing outside, smiling, with their arms around each other, in front of a wooden building.
Chase and Derick D. South
Chase and Derick D. South at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Three people standing together inside an aviation museum or hangar, with vintage aircraft and an American flag in the background. The group includes a boy, a woman in a uniform, and a man.
Derick D. South at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Red rectangular logo for Rustic Fence & Steel, established in 1964

Join our Team

Joining the team at Rustic Fence means becoming part of a family-oriented company that truly values its people. With a strong sense of community and teamwork, we offer more than just a job—we provide opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment. Our team members enjoy competitive compensation, room to advance, and the chance to be part of projects that make a lasting impact. If you're looking for a place where you’re respected, challenged, and appreciated, Rustic Fence is the place to build your future.

SEE OUR JOB OPENINGS