Glossary of Fence Terms:

Your Complete Guide to Understanding Fence Installation

Fence: A structure installed around a property to provide security, privacy, or boundary demarcation.
Post: Vertical support structures that are embedded into the ground or attached to a foundation, used to secure the fence.
Rail: Horizontal components that connect the posts and provide structural support for the fence.
Picket: A vertical fence component, usually with a pointed or decorative top, that is attached to the rails.
Panel: A pre-assembled section of fence that consists of multiple pickets and rails.
Gate: A hinged or sliding barrier within a fence, allowing access for people, vehicles, or animals.
Fence line: The designated path or perimeter where the fence will be installed.
Boundary fence: A fence that marks the boundaries of a property.
Privacy fence: A solid or closely spaced fence designed to obstruct the view from outside and provide privacy.
Security fence: A sturdy fence designed to deter intruders and provide enhanced security.
Chain-link fence: A woven wire fence made of galvanized or vinyl-coated steel wire, often used for security or enclosing large areas.
Wood fence: A fence made primarily of wooden materials, offering a natural and traditional appearance.
Vinyl fence: A fence made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material, known for its durability, low maintenance, and various styles.
Aluminum fence: A lightweight fence made of aluminum, offering a decorative appearance with low maintenance.
Wrought iron fence: A decorative fence made of iron that is handcrafted and known for its strength and elegance.
Electric fence: A fence that delivers an electric shock to deter animals or trespassers from crossing the boundary.
Dog-eared picket: A style of picket fence where the top corners are cut diagonally, creating a pointed appearance.
Shadowbox fence: A fence design where pickets are alternately attached to each side of the rails, providing partial privacy while allowing airflow.
Post cap: A decorative or protective element placed on top of a fence post.
Post anchor: A device used to secure and stabilize fence posts in the ground, often made of metal or concrete.
Post hole digger: A tool designed to dig holes in the ground for fence post installation.
Grade: The slope or level of the ground where the fence will be installed.
Setback: The distance between the fence line and property boundaries or easements, regulated by local zoning or building codes.
Easement: A legal right of way granted to a person or entity over someone else's property, affecting the fence installation.
Backfill: The process of refilling soil or concrete around the base of a fence post after installation.
Fence stretcher: A tool used to apply tension to wire fences or chain-link fences during installation.
Fence fabric: The material used to construct a chain-link fence, typically made of woven steel wire.
Galvanized: A process of coating metal, such as steel, with a layer of zinc to protect against rust and corrosion.
Barbed wire: Twisted wire with sharp, barbed points used as a deterrent on top of fences to prevent climbing or intrusion.
Permit: A document issued by local authorities granting permission to install a fence, usually required for certain types of fences or specific locations.
Hourglass shaped post hole: A post hole that is wider at the top and bottom, resembling an hourglass shape. This type of hole is often used for fence posts to provide greater stability and prevent post movement.
Pounded posts: Fence posts that are driven or pounded into the ground using specialized equipment or tools, such as a post pounder or a hydraulic driver.
Dry pack concrete: A mixture of dry cement, sand, and gravel that is poured into a post hole and compacted without the addition of water. Once the dry pack concrete is in place, water is gradually added to activate the cement, resulting in a solid foundation for the fence post.
Dry set concrete: A type of concrete mix that is pre-mixed with water before being poured into a post hole. It sets and hardens over time, providing a stable base for the fence post.
Wet set concrete: A method of installing fence posts by pouring wet concrete mix directly into the post hole. The wet concrete gradually hardens and sets, securing the fence post in place.
Toro Dingo: A compact utility loader or mini skid steer commonly used in fence installation to transport materials, dig post holes, and perform other tasks with various attachments.
Auger: A drilling tool or attachment used with machinery, such as a power drill or an auger machine, to bore holes in the ground for fence post installation.
New England Cap: A decorative post cap often used in New England-style fencing. It features a pyramid-shaped design with a pointed top and adds an aesthetic finishing touch to fence posts.
Galvanized: A process in which steel or iron is coated with a layer of zinc to protect against corrosion and rust. Galvanized materials are commonly used in fences for enhanced durability and longevity.
Aluminized: A process in which steel or iron is coated with a layer of aluminum to protect against corrosion and rust. Aluminized materials are commonly used in fences for their resistance to harsh environments.
Plat: A legal document that illustrates the dimensions, boundaries, and features of a specific property, including where the fence may be installed.
Survey: The process of measuring and mapping a property's boundaries, often conducted by a professional surveyor to determine accurate fence placement.
Diggers Hotline: A service that provides information about underground utility lines and helps prevent accidental damage during fence installation by marking their locations.
Underground Obstacles: Any objects or structures below the ground's surface that may interfere with fence installation, such as tree roots, rocks, or buried pipes.
Convex Cut: A type of cut made on a fence component, such as a picket, where the top portion is curved outward, creating a convex shape.
Concave Cut: A type of cut made on a fence component, such as a picket, where the top portion is curved inward, creating a concave shape.
Flat Top: A fence design where the tops of the pickets are cut straight across, creating a flat horizontal line.
Staining: The process of applying a colored stain to the surface of a fence, enhancing its appearance while providing protection against weathering and UV damage.
Sealing: The application of a protective coating, such as a clear varnish or sealant, to a fence to enhance its durability and weather resistance.
Dip Stain or Pre-Stain: A type of stain that is applied to wood prior to fence installation, often done by dipping the lumber in the stain or using a brush, ensuring all sides and edges are coated for uniform coverage.
Brace Band: A metal band or strap that holds the tension bar in place on a chain-link fence corner, end, or gate post, providing stability and support.
Tension Band: A metal band or strap that wraps around the terminal post of a chain-link fence and holds the tension bar in place, helping to keep the fence fabric taut.
Tension Bar: A metal bar that is inserted through the end of a chain-link fence fabric and held in place by tension bands. It helps maintain the fabric's tension and stability.
Rail End: A fitting used to terminate the ends of fence rails, providing a finished appearance and often serving as a connection point for other fence components.
Top Rail: The horizontal rail at the top of a fence, providing structural support and often serving as a connection point for other fence components.
Line Post: Vertical posts that are set at regular intervals along the fence line, providing support and stability for the fence.
Gate Post: A specially reinforced post designed to support the weight of a gate and provide stability for gate operation.
End Post: A post located at the end of a fence line or the termination point of a fence, providing support and stability.
Corner Post: A post located at the corner of a fence line, providing support and stability for changes in direction.
Truss Brace: A diagonal brace used to reinforce and stabilize a gate or corner post, preventing it from sagging or leaning over time.
Cantilever Gate: A type of sliding gate that is supported by a horizontal beam or track, allowing it to slide open and closed without the need for a traditional swinging motion.
Sliding Gate: A gate that operates by sliding horizontally along a track or rail system, providing an opening and closing mechanism for fence access.
Rolling Gate: A gate that operates by rolling on wheels or casters along a track or rail system, allowing for easy opening and closing of the gate.
Walk Gate: A pedestrian-sized gate within a larger fence system, designed for easy access by individuals on foot.
Double Swing Gate: A gate consisting of two panels that swing open from the center, allowing for a wider opening to accommodate vehicles or equipment.
Core Drilling: A method of creating holes in hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, using a core drill. It is commonly used for fence post installation in challenging or solid surfaces.
Post-on-Plate: A method of attaching fence posts to a metal plate, which is then anchored to the ground or a concrete surface. This provides stability and support for the fence.
SS20: Refers to Schedule 20, which is a standard pipe size specification for the thickness and strength of galvanized steel pipes commonly used in fence construction.
SS40: Refers to Schedule 40, which is a standard pipe size specification for the thickness and strength of galvanized steel pipes commonly used in fence construction.
Metal Gauge: A measurement representing the thickness or gauge of metal components used in fencing, such as posts or wire. A higher gauge number indicates a thinner metal.
Powder Coat: A durable and decorative coating applied to metal surfaces through a dry powder application process. Powder coating provides resistance to corrosion, chipping, and fading.
Anodized: A process of enhancing the natural oxide layer on metal surfaces, typically aluminum, to improve corrosion resistance and provide an attractive finish.
Gate Hinges: The hardware components used to attach a gate to a fence or post, allowing the gate to swing open and closed.
Gate Latches: The mechanism used to secure a gate in a closed position. It typically includes a latch or lock that engages with a strike plate on the gate post.
Top Pull Latch / Pool Latch: A type of gate latch that is designed to be easily operated from the top of the gate, often used for pool gates or gates requiring child safety measures.
HOA Regulations: The rules and guidelines set by a homeowners association (HOA) that regulate the installation and appearance of fences within a particular neighborhood or community.
City Inspector: A representative from the city or local municipality who inspects fence installations to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards.
Lineal Foot: A unit of measurement representing the length of a fence or its components in feet.
Fence Height: The vertical measurement from the ground to the top of a fence, determining the overall height of the fence structure.
Fence Length: The horizontal measurement of a fence from one end to the other, determining the overall length of the fence structure.
4x4: Refers to a lumber size of 4 inches by 4 inches, commonly used for fence posts.
2x4: Refers to a lumber size of 2 inches by 4 inches, commonly used for fence rails or framing.
Barbed Wire: A type of fencing material that consists of twisted wire with sharp barbs evenly spaced along its length, used for security purposes or to keep livestock confined.
Razor Wire: A type of fencing material that consists of sharp-edged metal blades or wires arranged in a spiral pattern, used for high-security applications.
KK (Knuckle-Knuckle): A type of chain-link fence fabric where the top and bottom ends of the wire are bent in a knuckle or loop shape, providing a safe and smooth edge.
KT (Knuckle-Twist): A type of chain-link fence fabric where the top end of the wire is bent in a knuckle or loop shape, while the bottom end is twisted, providing added security.
TT (Twist-Twist): A type of chain-link fence fabric where both the top and bottom ends of the wire are twisted, providing enhanced security.
Stretching Fabric: The process of tensioning and pulling chain-link fence fabric tightly across the fence framework to ensure a smooth and secure installation.
Dig and Set: A method of fence post installation that involves digging individual post holes and setting the posts directly into the ground or a concrete footing.
Frame: The structure that supports and surrounds a fence, typically made of rails, posts, and other components.
Stainless Steel Nails: Nails made from stainless steel, which are highly resistant to corrosion and often used for securing fence boards or pickets.
WRC (Western Red Cedar): A species of wood commonly used in fencing due to its natural durability, insect resistance, and attractive appearance.
Treated Pine: Pine lumber that has been treated with preservatives to enhance its resistance to decay, rot, and insect damage, often used in outdoor applications, including fences.
Redwood: A durable and naturally decay-resistant wood species commonly used in fencing for its attractive appearance and longevity.

Residential and Commercial Fence Gallery

Chris Giblin

2023-07-20

These guys are the real experts and have exceeded my expectations. Glad I went with them!

Heatherlee Muehlius

2023-07-10

Deb, Karen, Chad, Oscar and the installation team built a beautiful cedar fence for me. It was exactly what I wanted. I would recommend them to anyone!

Peter Ossmann

2023-07-07

I had a small job - to fix a chain link fence gate - and they treated me like I had an acre of fencing that needed to be put in. These people CARE about customer satisfaction and they do quality work - above what I was hoping for and below what I was paying for. I can't thank or recommend them enough for the quality work and personable service they provided - Highly recommend!

Youn Chang

2023-07-05

Milwaukee Fence Finders did an excellent job installing vinyl fence on my property. They were professional from the beginning to the end of the project. Arrived on time and completed the job on time. They also followed up after the project to ensure we were happy with the result.

Maxx Valenti

2023-07-03

Easy. Simple process. Really fast team. We had one small miscommunication where they zig'd instead of zag'd and put a post in the wrong spot. When I told them, they quickly fixed it and didn't ask any questions. Great experience.

Carrie Vande Zande

2023-06-28

We had a wonderful experience with Milwaukee Fence Finders. They were very quick to respond to any question or concerns. The installers called me during the install to clarify items and keep me posted on the progress and timeline. Our fence is beautiful and functions just as we hoped to keep our dogs from wandering and offering us privacy and a beautiful backdrop as well. I would definitely return to Milwaukee Fence with any needs in the future.

Larry Petty

2023-06-20

Fence looks great

Roxy Mama

2023-06-12

Even though the schedulers were a little less communicative then we would have liked, the three gentleman that installed our fence were amazing! They worked hard with clay ground and rocks that were hidden, to put up an absolutely beautiful fence! They worked hard and were pleasant to talk to! Any questions we had they had the answers! We are so grateful for our beautiful fence!

Dean Z

2023-06-07

Did a repair job of a chain link fence for me. Company was very responsive, price was competitive and they did a good job. There was one minor mistake they made, which when I brought it to their attention they were apologetic and promptly took care of it. Thank you for the good service.

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Glossary of Fence Terms:

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