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Shop: Chain Link Fence
Many homeowners, architects, engineers, and contractors may be confused as to the available options when it comes to Chain Link Fencing. As you may have noticed, chain link fabric, framework, and fittings are all available in various grades, gauges, and finishes. Hopefully this will help to clarify some of the confusion.
Framework - Composed of Top Rail, Line Posts, and Terminal Posts, is the frame of the chain link fence. The thinnest grade framework we carry has a .065 inch wall thickness, also referred to as 16 ga. tubing. This should be the minimum grade that any professional fence company would offer. Of course there are cheaper options on the market, however with all the hard work and expense associated with installing a chain link fence, the cheaper, thinner pipe is hardly worth the effort.
One example of a thinner framework is a .035 inch wall thickness. Commonly found in DIY centers, this framework can be easily bent over your knee. In our professional opinion, we wouldn't want to use this to build a fence with our name on it. Stick with at least a .065 wall and you should be fine.
For Residential Chain Link Framework, we recommend the following in Galvanized (Silver), Black, Brown, or Green:
Fabric - Sometimes referred to as chain link mesh or chain link wire, this is the actual barrier that is attached to the fence framework. The lowest gauge chain link fabric we carry is an 11-1/2 gauge with a 2-1/4" mesh size. Most do-it-yourself centers offer a 12 or 12-1/2 gauge chain link fabric with a 2-1/2" mesh size. With chain link wire, the smaller the number of gauge - the thicker, stronger it is. Although a 'one to two' gauge difference does not appear to be much, experience would teach you otherwise. Not only is one stronger than the other, but the galvanized coating is much better on thicker wire. The thicker the wire, the longer it may be hot dipped in zinc without melting which creates the rust prohibiting galvanized coating. This principle also applies to the pipe framework. The cost difference between what one might find at a do-it-yourself center and what we carry isn't much and well worth the investment.
For Residential chain link fences, we recommend the following:
Framework - We recommend HF20 framework for residential customers wanting a higher quality fence which will last longer. It is also a cost efficient solution for light duty commercial use. HF20 framework is 30% stronger and 20% lighter than mill structural pipe. It also has a far superior finish than domestic or import mill pipe. However
For Heavy Residential or Light Commercial Chain Link Framework, we recommend the following in Galvanized (Silver), Black, Brown, or Green:
NOTE: You may use HF20 for heights above 6' although it would be unusual to use for heights above 8'. Both 7' and 8' high fences will often feature a 3" (2-7/8" actual) terminal post and 2-1/2" (2-3/8" actual) line posts.
Fabric - Most customers will opt for an 11 gauge or heavier option when they are already upgrading to an HF20 framework.
For Residential chain link fences, we recommend the following:
Framework - We recommend HF40 framework for all commercial and industrial chain link applications. HF40 is far superior to any and all previously mentioned framework options. We also carry import and domestic structural mill pipe (Sch40) for projects that have to meet that specification.
For Commercial and Industrial Chain Link Framework, we recommend the following in Galvanized (Silver), Black, Brown, or Green:
NOTE: You may use HF40 for all common heights of chain link fence (3', 4', 5', 6', 7', 8', 10', 12'). Terminal and line posts sizing may differ depending on the layout and what is specified in the project.
Fabric - Most customers will opt for an 9 gauge x 2" mesh option for commercial projects. Some applications may require a 6 gauge fabric, or smaller mesh sizes, which are available all the way down to a 3/8" mini-mesh for high security 'no-climb' applications.
For Commercial/Industrial chain link fences, we recommend the following:
Baseball and Softball Backstops are available in a variety of heights and configurations. We offer Panelized and Traditional back stops, with and without canopies. We also offer sideline and home run fences.
Sideline Fencing is often 6' high or taller. Dugouts and player benches are often located here. Many quality fields will have mid and bottom rails for the sideline fences for additional strength. Outfield/Homerun fences rarely have mid or bottom rails. Many are only 4' high and most have bottom tension wire.
Framework - We suggest all HF40 pipe for backstops. 'Hanging Canopies' may use a lighter gauge tubing to cut down on weight. The diameter of posts to use will depend on height of backstop and other structural details. We would quote a 20' backstop with 4" terminal posts. All horizontal rails and bracing should be 1-5/8" diameter.
Fabric - We recommend a 9 gauge minimum to withstand public and sporting abuse. It is not unusual for the bottom portion of backstops which receive the majority of abuse to utilize stronger 6 ga. mesh.
Barbed End
Knuckled End
Mesh Size
Measured Diagonally
NOTE: Knuckle x knuckle chain link fabric is the norm for public facilities. This simply means the top and bottom of the mesh is bent over "knuckled" so that sharp ends are not exposed. Knuckle x twist means the mesh will have bent over on one end and twisted to a point on the other and is typically used for security fences. The twist portion may be installed up or down.
