Parts of a Fence (Diagrams For Wood and Chain Link Fence)

It is indeed essential to love your neighbor as yourself, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t build a fence. It is better to have your neighbor smile at you over the wall while having a conversation rather than have someone intrude on your privacy. While it might not be entirely necessary to have a fence around your house, it is undoubtedly better too. And even if you don’t have it on all sides of your property, it is advisable to have a fence erected around one or two sides of your property.

However, having a fence around your home isn’t for privacy alone. There are many other reasons to have a fence around your home. A fence around your home offers you better protection from intruders and criminals. With a tall fence, your home has extra security, and there are fewer chances of your valuables been stolen and your family being hurt. For a house with high proximity to forests and wild animals, it is important to have a fence to keep them out.

For families with children and pets, having a fence is vital to keep them safe and contained. A fence around the house will prevent them from running into the street and ensure that they are not involved in a car accident. With the help of a fence, you can mark a perimeter that your children and pets can use as a playground.

Also, having a fence on your property increases the value of the property. A fence on your property is a significant investment that will help you get a better price for your property if you decide to sell it. Because it means that you are selling a house with extra security for plant lovers and garden owners, you can erect a fence around your garden to protect your plants from damage and also keep animals from littering them with their feces.

Fences are very versatile; while helping you set up boundaries, they can also be used for decorative purposes. They come in all types of colors and are adorned with various materials. Some fences can also be painted with a work of art. Ensure the fence you choose complements your home and reflects your style.

There are various types of fences, and they are all suitable for specific needs and purposes. Some fence types are Wood, Chain-link, Steel, Aluminum, Vinyl, Wrought Iron, Brick Wall, etc. However, before selecting the material to use for your fence, it is essential to know the parts of a fence. Understanding the parts of a fence will not only help you select the right fence for your home but also give you knowledge that would come in handy when installing your fence. Nowadays, the most popular types of fences in residential areas are the wood and chain link, and in this article, we will reveal to you their various parts.

Parts of a Wood Fence

Parts of a Wood Fence Diagram
Parts of a Wood Fence Diagram

1) Posts

The post is the most vital part of a wood fence. It is the foundation of the fence and the glue that holds the other parts of a fence together. To install your post, you must drill holes into the ground, add concrete and then put your post into the concrete. Ensure the spot that the hole is dug is deep enough and that the concrete holds the post firmly. This is to ensure that the post can withstand wind. Also, make sure you use redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated wood for your post. These types of woods are resistant to decay and will make your post last longer.

2) Rails

Just like a post, rails are another essential part of your wooden fence. The rails function as the element that connects the panels of your wood fence. Contrary to the post, the rails run horizontally across your fence. Some fences have two rails, and they are fixed at the top and bottom of your fence, while other fences have three with one rail fixed in the middle. A sturdy rail ensures that the panels of your fence are firm, and as a result, your fence will last longer.

3) Boards

The board of a fence is the part that gives you complete privacy. It is the most visible part of the fence and functions as the screen that shields your yard from strangers and burglars. The board is also the part of the fence that provides esthetics. Fence boards come in all colors and sizes, thereby giving you the freedom to choose the one that compliments your home. The fence boards are solid, vertical boards, horizontal boards, boards on boards, etc. However, not all fences have boards. A post or rail wood fence does not have fence boards. Instead, the post and rails are attached to make a fence. However, this type of fence doesn’t give you complete privacy.

Parts of a Chain Link Fence

Parts of a Chain Link Fence Diagram
Parts of a Chain Link Fence Diagram

Chain link fences are trendy because they are easy to maintain, cost-effective, challenging to breach, sturdy, and last longer than most other types of fences. Here are the parts of a chain link fence:

1) Fence Mesh

This is the primary part of the chain link fence. The fence mesh is made from coated steel and is the barrier of the chain link fence. The mesh is like an interwoven fabric that serves as the body of the chain link fence. It is flexible and also very durable. Also known as chain mesh, it secures and contains your pets and kids. The fence mesh serves the same purpose as the fence board part of the wood fence.

2) Line Posts

This is the foundation of your chain link fence. Similar to the post of the wood fence, the line post is what holds the fence together. Line posts are vertical strong steel tubes that serve as the frame onto which the fence mesh is hung. Ensure that your line posts are installed firmly into the ground. Otherwise, if your line post falls, the fence will collapse.

3) Tie Wires

This is the part of the chain link fence that connects the line post and fence mesh. The tie wire is vital to the chain link fence because it keeps the mesh from pulling away from the line post. Another name for tie wire is fence wire.

Conclusion

Now that you know the various parts of fences and their functions make sure you select a fence that suits your family and the area you reside in. Because not all types of fences are accepted in every location, and if you live in a place where animals roam freely or your home is close to a forest, a tall chain link fence is the best option for you.