Are all chain-link fences the same?
Chain-link has four elements: fabric, framework, fittings and gates. How you combine them makes all the difference. Each of these components are available in a range of weights (gauges) and types of protective coatings. Providers can mix and match components in an effort to shave costs or differentiate their product. Our minimum recommendations will typically follow the minimum practices defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The most common coating is zinc (galvanized), but you'll also find chain-link components with vinyl or polyester color coatings in addition to zinc. These color treatments enhance landscaping and blend naturally with trees, shrubs and bushes. They'll also give you even more protection against corrosion or rust.
What do I look for in residential chain link fabric?
Select your chain-link fence fabric based on these three criteria: gauge of wire, size of mesh and type of protective coating.
Gauge (ga.) or diameter of wire is one of the most important factors- it helps tell you how much steel is actually in the fabric. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel, the higher the quality and the stronger the wire. We recommend using nothing less than 11 ½ gauge wire.
Mesh size tells you how far apart the parallel wires are in the mesh. And that's another indication of how much steel is in the product. The smaller the diamond, the more steel is in the fabric. We recommend nothing less than 2 ¼” mesh for best results.
Coating should be galvanized. We recommend only using “hot-dipped galvanizing after weaving” for a coating you can count on for years-to-come. There are other galvanized coating available that are inferior such as “galvanizing before weaving” and “electro-galvanizing.” Once a galvanized coating has been applied, you might want to consider a vinyl coating over the wire for adding color to enhance your yard.
How do I select my residential fence framework?
Start with the gauge and the outside diameter. Below is a helpful table that you may use in selecting your fence framework. “Terminal Posts” is a generic term for end, corner and gate posts. Gate posts will vary based on the size of the gate.
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| Application |
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Light Duty |
Medium Duty |
Heavy Duty |
| 3’-4’ high |
Toprail |
1-3/8” 17 ga. |
1-3/8” 16 ga. |
1-3/8” 15 ga. |
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Line Posts |
1-5/8” 17 ga. |
1-5/8” 16 ga. |
1-5/8” 15 ga. |
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Terminal Posts |
1-7/8” 17 ga. |
1-7/8” 16 ga. |
1-7/8” 15 ga. |
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| 5’-6’ high |
Toprail |
1-3/8” 17 ga. |
1-3/8” 16 ga. |
1-5/8” 15 ga. |
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Line Posts |
1-7/8” 17 ga. |
1-7/8” 16 ga. |
1-7/8” 15 ga. |
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Terminal Posts |
2-3/8” 17 ga. |
2-3/8” 16 ga. |
2-3/8” 15 ga. |
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