If your fabric is to rest on top of grade, this is the industry standard for setting chain link fence posts.
Terminal posts: 2” above the height of the fence.
Line posts: 3’ below the height of the fence.
Terminal posts with barbwire 14” above the height of the fence.
Cantilever Gate Posts 12” minimum above height of fence.
(More on this in the gate section.)
As with any standard, there are exceptions. Please find some of the most common ones below:
Terminal Posts:
- Slope. When the fence is installed on a slope, the vertical distance from the top to the bottom of fabric will grow substantially. Thus, you must adjust your post height accordingly.
- Three Way + Tie In. There may be more than one fence line tying into the posts. Thus, requiring additional post height to accommodate all the end bands.
- Step-up. If you are adjoining two fence lines and one steps-up at the terminal post, you will have to set your terminal post to the higher elevation.
- Gate Posts. Consider the swing or slid of your gate and you may have to raise your gate posts to be sure your gate will operate properly, i.e. a curb or rise/fall in grade where the gate stores.
Line Posts:
Slope. When the fence is installed on a slope, the vertical distance from the top to the bottom of fabric will grow substantially. Thus, you must adjust your line post height accordingly. A slight 20 degree angle may cause you to raise your post 4” – 5”.
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© 2024 The American Fence Company. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only. Commercial use, copying or distribution is prohibited without express written permission from The American Fence Company.