Fencing Glossary
Everything you need to know about fencing terminology.
Fencing Terms
Fencing Terminology Guide
Understand common fencing terms and concepts with our comprehensive glossary of industry terminology.
A
Aluminum
A lightweight, durable metal used in fencing that resists rust and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for residential and commercial applications.
B
Baluster
A vertical bar or spindle used to fill the space between the top and bottom rails of a fence, providing both structure and decorative appeal.
Board-on-Board
A fence style where boards are installed overlapping on each side of the rails, creating a solid appearance while allowing slight gaps for expansion.
C
Cap Rail
The top rail or cap of a fence, which protects the posts and adds a finished appearance to the top of the fence.
Chain Link
A fencing material made from galvanized steel wires woven in a diamond pattern, commonly used for residential and commercial security fencing.
Composite
A fence material made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, offering the look of wood with the durability and low maintenance of plastic.
D
Dado
A horizontal groove or channel cut into fence posts or rails to accommodate fence panels or boards for a seamless fit.
Dog-Ear
A picket style where the top corners are cut at angles, creating a distinctive pointed appearance commonly found in wood privacy fences.
F
Fascia
A finishing board attached to the end of rails to provide a clean, polished appearance and to protect the ends of the fence structure.
Finial
A decorative ornament or post cap placed at the top of fence posts, adding style and elegance to a fence design.
G
Galvanized
A steel or metal that has been coated with zinc to resist corrosion and rust, extending the lifespan of fencing materials.
Gate Hardware
The mechanical components used to operate and secure gates, including hinges, latches, handles, and closer mechanisms.
Grade
The level of the ground at your property, which impacts fence installation depth, drainage, and overall structural integrity.
K
Kickboard
A protective board installed at the base of a fence to prevent damage from ground contact, landscaping equipment, and moisture.
L
Lattice
Fence panels made from crossing strips of wood or other materials in a criss-cross pattern, providing privacy while allowing air flow.
Line Post
The standard vertical posts installed between corner posts along a fence line, evenly spaced to provide structural support.
M
Mesh
The interlocking grid pattern used in chain link fencing, typically measured by diamond size to ensure proper security levels.
O
Ornamental
Decorative fencing styles featuring artistic designs, intricate patterns, and enhanced visual appeal, often made from aluminum, wrought iron, or steel.
P
Panel
A pre-assembled fence section installed between posts, consisting of rails and infill material for quick and consistent installation.
Picket
Individual vertical boards or slats attached to the rails of a fence, commonly used in traditional residential picket fences.
Post Cap
A protective or decorative covering placed on top of fence posts, preventing weather damage and adding visual finishing touches.
Privacy Fence
A solid fence design that completely obscures the view between properties, providing maximum privacy and sound reduction.
R
Rail
Horizontal support members that connect the vertical posts of a fence, providing structural integrity and attaching points for infill materials.
S
Semi-Privacy
A fence style with alternating boards or spaced pickets that provides partial privacy while allowing some visibility and air circulation.
Shadow Box
A fence design where boards alternate on each side of the rails, creating a visually appealing shadow effect while maintaining privacy.
Spear Top
A decorative picket style featuring pointed tops resembling spear heads, commonly used in ornamental and wrought iron fencing.
Stringer
The structural rails that run horizontally along the fence, connecting posts and supporting the infill material or panels.
T
Tension Band
Metal bands or straps used to secure and tighten chain link fabric to the framework of a fence.
Terminal Post
The end or corner posts of a fence line, designed with extra strength to handle the tension and stress from fence sections.
V
Vinyl
A PVC plastic material used for fencing that offers durability, low maintenance, rot resistance, and a wide variety of colors and styles.
W
Wrought Iron
A traditional ornamental fencing material made from iron that provides exceptional durability, security, and elegant aesthetic appeal.