Fence Terminology Glossary
Your comprehensive guide to fencing terms, materials, and installation techniques. Whether you're a homeowner planning a project or a contractor expanding your knowledge, this glossary has you covered.
A
Aluminum Fence
A lightweight, durable metal fence made from powder-coated aluminum. Resembles wrought iron but is rust-resistant and requires less maintenance. Popular for pool enclosures and decorative boundaries.
Auger
A drilling tool used to create holes in the ground for fence posts. Can be manual or powered (gas or electric).
B
Board-on-Board
A type of fence construction where vertical boards overlap each other, providing complete privacy while allowing air circulation. Common in wood privacy fences.
Bottom Rail
The horizontal structural member at the bottom of a fence panel, connecting the posts and supporting the vertical pickets or boards.
C
Cap Rail
The top horizontal piece of a fence that covers the tops of pickets or panels, providing a finished appearance and protecting the fence from weather.
Cedar
A popular wood choice for fencing due to its natural resistance to rot, insects, and weather. Has a distinctive reddish color and pleasant aroma.
Chain-Link Fence
A woven wire mesh fence made from galvanized or vinyl-coated steel wire. Economical option commonly used for security, pet containment, and commercial properties.
Composite Fencing
Fence material made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic. Eco-friendly option that mimics wood appearance without requiring painting or staining.
Concrete Footing
A concrete base poured around fence posts for stability. Standard depth is typically 24-36 inches depending on soil and frost line.
D
Double Gate
A gate system consisting of two gate panels that swing open from the center, allowing wider access for vehicles or equipment.
Dry Set
A method of setting fence posts using gravel or dirt instead of concrete. Less permanent but allows easier removal.
F
Fasteners
Hardware used to secure fence components together, including screws, nails, bolts, and brackets. Stainless steel or galvanized fasteners prevent rust.
Frost Line
The maximum depth to which ground freezes in winter. Fence posts should be set below this line to prevent heaving. Varies by region but typically 24-48 inches in northern climates.
G
Galvanized
Metal coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. Common for chain-link fencing and metal fasteners.
Gate Hardware
Components needed for gate operation including hinges, latches, handles, and locks. Must be heavy-duty to support gate weight.
Grade
The slope or level of the ground. Fences can be installed to follow the grade (racked) or stepped in sections.
H
Height Restriction
Local regulations limiting fence height. Commonly 6 feet for backyards and 4 feet for front yards, but varies by municipality.
Horizontal Fence
Modern fence style where boards run horizontally rather than vertically. Popular contemporary design.
L
Lattice
Decorative fence panel with crisscrossed strips forming diamond or square patterns. Often used as topper or stand-alone screening.
Linear Foot
Standard measurement for fencing. Refers to the running length of fence, not including gates. Most fence costs are quoted per linear foot.
P
Picket Fence
Classic fence style with evenly-spaced vertical boards (pickets) with gaps between them. Traditional American design, typically 3-4 feet tall.
Post Cap
Decorative or protective cover placed on top of fence posts. Prevents water damage and adds visual appeal.
Post Hole Digger
Manual or powered tool for excavating holes for fence posts. Manual version uses two handles with clamping blades.
Powder Coating
Durable finish applied to metal fencing that is baked on for superior weather and scratch resistance. Common on aluminum fencing.
Pressure-Treated
Wood that has been chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. Common choice for fence posts and ground-contact lumber.
Privacy Fence
Solid fence with no gaps between boards, typically 6-8 feet tall, designed to block views and provide complete privacy.
R
Racking
Installing a fence to follow the slope of the ground in a continuous angle, rather than stepping down in sections.
Rail
Horizontal structural members that connect fence posts and provide support for pickets or panels.
Redwood
Premium wood choice for fencing, naturally resistant to rot and insects. Rich red color that weathers to silver-gray.
S
Shadowbox
Fence style where boards are alternately placed on each side of the rails, creating a semi-private fence that looks good from both sides.
Split Rail
Rustic fence style with horizontal rails inserted into posts. Traditional farm fence, typically 2-4 rails high.
Staining
Applying colored or clear protective finish to wood fencing to enhance appearance and protect from weather.
String Line
Taut string stretched between posts to maintain straight fence line and consistent height during installation.
T
Tension Wire
Wire running along the bottom of chain-link fence to prevent sagging and animals crawling under.
Top Rail
Horizontal structural member at the top of fence panels, connecting posts and capping vertical boards.
V
Vinyl Fence
Low-maintenance fencing made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Mimics wood appearance without painting or staining requirements.
W
Wrought Iron
Traditional decorative metal fencing. Strong and elegant but requires maintenance to prevent rust. Modern alternatives use powder-coated steel.