Fences Glossary

Barbed Wire: Wire fencing that is constructed with barbs or points. Most often used in fencing for agricultural purposes.
Chain Link: A fence made from steel posts and chain link fencing.
Corner Post: The post that sits at the corner where two lines of fencing meet.
Cross fencing: Fence lines that divide pastures within a piece of property.
Double Swing Gate: A hinged gate with two leaves, most often used to gate driveways or other areas that demand a wide gate.
End Post: A fence post that is only punched on one side and marks the end of a line of fencing. End posts are used as the terminal post or as gate posts.
Electric Fence: Any fence through which an electric current is run, usually to keep livestock or animals inside a perimeter.
Eye Top: In chain link fencing the eye top is a cap for a line post that has a loop through which to pass the top rail.
Fence Line: The actual position of the fence.
Fence Laying: Delivering materials to the fence line and laying them out before the job starts.
Fencing Pliers: Pliers made specifically for fencing projects. Especially helpful when installing wire fencing.
Fence Tie: Ties that are used in chain link fencing to attach the fence to the line posts.
Gate: structure that allows access through the fence.
Lattice Fencing: Wood fencing, usually cedar, constructed of prefabricated lattice panels.
Line Post: A post between terminal posts that provides support for the fence.
Ornamental Fencing: Any fence that is made of, or imitates, a cast iron fence. Provides for traditional fencing needs with added aesthetic appeal.
Perimeter Fence: Fence line around the outer boundary of a piece of property.
Picket Fence: Any fence in which the fencing is comprised of evenly spaced, vertical slats.
Post Cap: A cap that covers the end of a fence post. Post caps are most often used in vinyl and chain link fencing.
Post Driver: A tool used for driving fence posts into the ground.
Post and Rail: Any fence made from horizontal rails fastened to vertical posts.
Privacy Fence: A fence with close fitting vertical pickets that block views into a yard or area.
Rail End: The post at each end or corner of a run of fencing.
Rail Spacing: The distance between the rails on a fence. In general, the more rails there are, the closer the spacing.
Raking: The installation of fence sections that allow the fence to follow the grade.
Section: The run of fence between two posts.
Single Swing Gate: Any hinged gate that is built with only one leaf.
Split Rail: A popular post and rail fence made from rough hewn wood, usually consisting of two horizontal rails that fit into notched posts.
Stair Stepping: The process of installing fence in "stair-steps" in order to meet the requirements of a steep grade. Each section is uniform, but the sections are at different levels, creating a "stair-step" look.
Terminal Post: The post that goes at the end of a fence or at entryways and gates. The terminal post provides the main support for the entire fence. Includes corner posts, end posts, stair-step posts and gate posts.
Top Rail: On a rail fence the top rail is the bar that runs the entire length of the fence on the top to provide support for the fence.
Tension Band: In chain link fencing the tension bands are the steel bands that attach the tension bar to the terminal post.
Tension Bar: A bar that is intertwined in the end of chain link fencing that allows the fence to be attached to the terminal post.
Underground or Hidden Fencing: Used for pet control, underground or hidden fencing comprises of an underground wire that sends a radio signal to a collar that provides a pet with a small electric shock when the fence line is crossed. Useful for pet owners who want an open yard or for yards in subdivisions where regular fences are prohibited.
Vinyl Fencing: A prefabricated fence made of PVC plastic. Vinyl fencing can imitate a variety of fence designs, including board, rail, picket, lattice, and ornamental metal. It is virtually indestructible and usually comes with a guarantee.
Wire Fencing: Fencing constructed of lines of wire pulled tight between fence posts. Most often used for agricultural fencing needs.
Wood Fencing: Any fence made from wood fencing materials. Requires a higher level of maintenance in the form of painting or staining than other fencing to combat weathering.
Wrought Iron: Fencing made of hardened, welded steel. More expensive than other fencing, but wrought iron fencing is incredibly strong, long lasting and comes with the added options of ornamental design.