Question:
Can I install a wood fence using the posts from an existing chain link fence? I have
a 4 foot high chain link fence that I would like to convert to a 6 foot high cedar wood
stockade fence. Is it possible to use the existing posts or are they too short? If
they are too short, are there extensions for the posts (couplings)?
Applicable Products:
Wood Fence.
Reply:
Thank you for your interest in our site and products. We have been asked this question
frequently. It is difficult and sometimes impossible to reuse existing chain link posts
for a wood fence. Here are a few of the reasons:
*Most chain link fences have posts spaced a maximum of ten feet apart; most wood fences have 8' maximum posts spacing. Spacing posts for wood fence more than ten eight feet apart can be problematic and cause strength problems in the future. *Many chain link fences, especially residential jobs are installed with a 16 gauge or less framework. This framework is light duty and definitely not strong enough to support the weight and wind load of a solid wood fence. One should use a minimum of an SS20 framework, or preferably an SS40 framework for posts. Fence post footers for chain link jobs are typically smaller in diameter and depth than wood fences. The extra weight and wind load of a wood fence must be accounted for. *If needed, extending the height of existing posts can be difficult. It is preferred to have any necessary extensions welded in place. There is another inferior method found in our chain link frequently asked questions section found here: http://www.hooverfence.com/howto/faqindex.htm .
Related Products:
Steel post to wood rail adapters:
http://www.hooverfence.com/woodfence/awaclamp.htm
Post and top rail sleeves: http://www.hooverfence.com/catalog/cpage61.htm
Privacy slats for chain link fences:
http://www.hooverfence.com/slats/slatindx.htm
Updated 06/01/06
