Before shopping, you'll want to decide on the height of fence that you need ahead of time as there are a variety of sizes to consider. Chain link fences are generally anywhere from 36 to 72 inches, and some areas restrict the height of residential fences, so if in doubt, it's best to check with your neighborhood's local zoning laws.
The posts, top rails, and of course the wire ?fabric? of chain link fences can be found in varying thicknesses. The thickness of the fabric of a high quality chain link fence is generally around 11.5 or 11 gauge with the most common gauges between 13 and 6. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel that is used and the sturdier the fence will be.
Chain link fences can now be coated with vinyl and may come in colors such as black, brown, and deep green, which is useful for blending with the landscaping. Vinyl coatings are not only useful for increasing the life of the fence but for covering sharp edges along the bottom keeping kids and pets safe from injury.
There are also privacy slats that come in a number of colors, and as their name implies, they add privacy by blocking visibility and can be inserted into the fence mesh either vertically or diagonally.
Installation Tools
Some of the tools and supplies you'll need to install a chain link fence include:
- Pliers
- Pipe cutter
- Level
- Tape measure
- Mallet
- String
- Shovel
- Concrete
- Hole digger or auger
- Wooden stakes and blocks
- Fence mesh and hardware
Installation Tips
- Before installing your chain link fence, be sure to know exactly where your property line is and allow room for the fence poles when digging. You'll also want to be certain you aren't digging into any type of utility or sewage lines.
- The majority of residential chain link fences will require holes for the posts that are about 6 to 8 inches in diameter and about two feet deep. Posts are usually placed anywhere from 7 to 10 feet apart.
- Concrete should be used to set the poles, and when dry, should be slightly rounded with the highest point near the pole, so that water flows off of the concrete and doesn't gather around the pole.
- Terminal posts are important to use when installing a chain link fence, especially if the ground is uneven or sloped.
Note that having a friend help with installation is particularly useful when it comes time to stretching the fence to fit onto the poles and fittings.
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