Learn the Lingo: Fences & Gates

Wood

Natural material made from trees with a wide variety of styles and finishes.  Wood will warp, fade, and rot, unless finished with stain or paint and a protective gloss.  Specially treated wood can reduce termite pest invasion caused by water damage.  Popular woods include:

• Oak
• Pine
• Redwood
• Fir
• Cedar
• Spruce

Man-made materials

• Vinyl – artificial material can be custom designed and factory ordered to imitate wood, stone, or wrought iron.  Extremely durable material that will neither rust like metal, nor rot like wood.
• Composite – wood-look “sleeves” created with recycled materials and installed with wood posts.  “Green” sustainable composite also available.

Metal

• Wrought Iron – ornamental black iron welded into scrolls and other elegant designs
• Chain Link – common type of inexpensive metal fence that allows visibility.  Vertical slats can be installed for privacy.
• Steel – vertical metal rails add stylish design while allowing light and visibility
• Aluminum – non-rusting material as strong as steel yet affordable like a chain link fence
• Chicken wire / mesh – small octagon wire design used for small-animal pens

Natural Materials

• Bamboo – environmentally friendly material made from bamboo trees.  Imparts a vibrant multi-toned texture.
• Slate - “boards” or slabs of slate are wired together to form a low decorative fence
• Concrete – durable, low-maintenance material can be etched with acetone 
• Stones / rocks – use the natural elements found on the land and cement them together into a long-lasting wall-type fence

Safety / Protective

• Electrical – Metal wires transmit an electric shock when touched, meant to keep animals from crossing
• Barbed Wire – Steel wires with prickly metal barbs at regular intervals to discourage people or livestock from crossing
• Invisible Fence – An electrical wire that lays on (or under) the ground, forming a fence line.  The goal is to keep pets from crossing the perimeter of the property.

Arched (Concave / Convex)

• When the fence sections fan upwards (convex) or downwards (concave) per section (between posts).  Many types of fence tops / finishes can be rounded or arched.

Board on Board

• Overlapping vertical boards without spacing. Expensive to build but ensures maximum privacy.

Board to Board

• Vertical wooden boards butted together without spacing, so there is no visibility.

Capped

• Decorative tops installed in various patterns on posts or boards

Corral

• Designed for livestock, boards are installed horizontally and spaced out, meeting at posts. Boards can be logs, tree branches, or reused slats. Economical design for ranches and farms.

Dog Eared Top

• The top of each board (picket) is cut off on an angle on each side.  Very traditional style and used commonly.

Gothic Top

• The top of each rod or board culminates in a sharp, decorative point

Good Neighbor

• Sections of fence alternate front and back during the length of the fence, so that each neighbor has some front-facing and back-facing sections

Horse

• Specially designed for horses, it flexes for safety

Lattice or Lattice Top

• Wood or vinyl material in a see-through diamond pattern

Picket

• Thin wood or vinyl boards are spaced apart and the tops are pointed.  Usually a low type of fence designed for style.

Picket Top

• A decorative style of spaced boards at the top of a regular wooden fence. 

Scalloped

• Arched design that curves up or down. Opposite of a flat top.  Refer to “Arched” above.

Shadow Board or Shadowbox

• Staggered boards, alternating front and back, allow slight visibility between the boards (pickets).  Often used as a good neighbor fence because both neighbors get an equal share of front & back.

Split Rail

• Similar to a corral fence, boards are horizontal. Sometimes installed in a zig-zag pattern that allows ranchers to quickly calculate the length of the area covered.