Curious to learn more about the different parts of a fence? Should you plan to build a fence on your property in the near future, understanding its components eases frustrations and ensures you get the perfect fence installed correctly the first time around. It is vital that homeowners take time to learn more about the components of a fence before investing their hard-earned money into the project. Although many styles of fences can add flair and functionality to a property, wooden and chain link fences remain the most popular choices. In this guide, we’ll learn more about the components needed to build these two fence styles.
Please visit our website for more information on this topic.
The following components come together to create a beautiful wooden fence on your property. Most homeowners build the wood fence around the backyard of the home, although some install them around the entirety of the property. In both scenarios, you’ll need the following parts.
Wooden fences have either pickets or a baluster that sometimes are spaced up against one another to create a privacy fence. Pickets come in assorted sizes, but the most common is 5/8″. Balusters usually use 2x lumber for added strength and durability.
The post holds the fence up. It is secured into the ground, most often using concrete, so that the fence holds in place and does not fall over. Most fence posts use 4×4 lumber, though its height and size affect the post material. Should a fence post fail to hold up, the fence is a goner.
The top rail secures balusters. It is attached to the fence posts. Without the top rail, you will not have a fence!
The bottom rail serves the same function as the top rail except it’s placed in a different location.
The base supports the posts of the fence into the ground. The cement base gives the fence added strength.
Hinges allow the components of the fence to hold it together. Most fences require two hinges but taller or heavier fences may require three hinges.
The latch attached to a fence allows them to swing open and shut securely. Most homeowners add a lock to the latch for added security and protection, though it isn’t necessary.
The above components are needed to build a wooden fence, whether you choose a standard fence or a privacy fence. Without these components, your fence will fail quickly after it is built.
In addition to the components listed above, there are additional optional components that can add functionality, style, and design to a wood fence. Among the components of a fence you can add on as an option:
Post toppers and caps attach to the top of the wood fence post. They’re sold at home improvement stores, online, and of course, from Denco, and give fences a simple and unique style that draws curb appeal.
Gates give fences added security and homeowners more protection. You can purchase pre-built gates or build your own from scratch. They’ll provide access to and from the front yard as well as an exit from the backyard. Getting a gate that blends perfectly with your newly built fence is fairly simple.
Trim boards create a more flattering, finished look. The board is placed around the face of the fence.
A kick board is a 2×6 or 2×8 horizontal piece of wood that runs along the fence base. The kick board serves as added protection for the pickets, protecting them against mud and rainwater. The kick board also gives the fence a more finished appeal.
A cap board is also 2×6 or 2×8 slabs of wood that runs along the top of the pickets and post. It “caps” off the top of the fence. It is not right for every fence but an option considered by many people. To install a cap board, all pickets and posts must be cut to the same height.
There are additional components of a fence we did not cover here. For a more inclusive list or to request a free estimate, give Denco a call without delay. Our Denver fence experts are ready to assist you in every way we possibly can.
Homeowners choose chain link fences when they seek an affordable, practical fencing option. Chain link fences lack aesthetic appeal but certainly work well to conceal areas and provide added security and protection. The following parts of a fence complete the chain link fence style.
Chain link serves the same purpose as balusters on a wooden fence: it creates a barrier that stops people from entering a specific area. Chain link is also called mesh. It is made from coated steel so it is strong and durable. Chain link material can also withstand severe weather.
The fence tie secures each chain link section to the posts.
A chain link fence is secured with a top rail, end rails, and bottom rails. The rails secure the wire to the post.
Wire interlocks the mesh together on the fence. Wire comes in assorted sizes to accommodate different types of chain link fences. Give us a call for more information.
Ready to build a fence at your Denver home but unsure which fence style works best for your needs? Give Denco a call for expert help and answers to all your questions. We’d love to bring your fence visions to life.
Mclassic Metal contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
What does it all mean?! I break it down so you know what part of the materials are being referred to when you shop for an iron or aluminum fence and gate.
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to purchase an item only to have a salesperson spew a bunch of ‘jargon’ you’ve never heard of before . I would love to say we never do that here, but sometimes it just creeps into our regular conversation when we talk about the materials for 40-50 hours a week!
We don’t want to leave everyone in the dark while shopping for an iron or aluminum fence. Check out the video and illustrated photos below to learn all the fence jargon and what it equates to on your fence and gates. First, here is our video on the subject:
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2ob4F4HgE
Now, let’s go through some of the more common terms in photos for the components highlighted below so you can make the connection when you hear or read these terms.
Finial Tips
Finials are those decorative tips welded on top of your fence or gate. They are the piece that gives this type of fence and gate that iconic look. Finials are not something every manufacturer offers. However, we include them on every piece STANDARD because they are what makes the fence more a piece of art rather than just plain building material.
Pickets
These are the vertical pieces that make up the center of your fence panel or gate leaf. Whether you get iron or aluminum, they are passed through a punched hole in the horizontal rail. On an iron piece they are welded to the rail. On an aluminum piece, they are screwed to the rail.
Rails
Rails are the horizontal pieces of a fence panel that the pickets pass through. Think of them as the backbone of your fence panel. The rails are where your fence panel will connect to the post and your gate internals will connect to the gate frame.
Post
Posts are the square pieces that will be buried in concrete in the ground or bolted to a surface. They are what you hang your fence panels and gates from as well as what connects the fence or gate to the earth.
Post Cap
The post cap is a decorative piece that will sit on top of the post and cover it to keep water and debris from building up in the post. The ball style cap is featured in the photo above, but there is also a less ornate ‘flat’ or ‘standard’ style post cap available as well.
Fence Brackets (Iron Only)
This is a point where iron fence differs from aluminum fence a bit.
The iron fence (pictured above) is held to the post using a bracket that slides over the rail. That bracket is set against the post and then secured with a self-tapping screw to tie everything together.
The aluminum fence does not utilize a bracket. It slides the rails into punches in the aluminum post and then a self tapping screw is driven through the post and into rail inside it to secure everything.
U-Frame/ Gate Frame
The U-Frame is the metal frame piece that goes down the side and across the bottom. It’s the backbone of your gate. It’s key to pay attention to this on a gate as there are different approaches taken by different manufacturers.
We utilize a fully welded frame that goes down the sides and across the bottom (in a “U” shape) so that the gate can NEVER sag.
Many of our competitors have an open bottom with only a frame on the sides. This is a poor design that will result in sagging and dragging over the years. Avoid any walk or driveway gate with an open bottom construction!
In Conclusion…
That should cover the main elements you will see on iron and aluminum fence and gates. If you hear or read something else that sounds unfamiliar, feel free to call us at 800-261-2729 or email us ([email protected]). We would much rather answer questions for folks than leave them guessing!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Steel Picket Fence.