8 Ft Chain Link Fence is available in a variety of heights and gauges. This allows you to choose a fence style that meets both your aesthetic and security needs while staying within budget.
Posts for chain link fencing are typically made of metal, though wood and concrete posts can also be used. These posts should be set at least 2 feet below the ground and ideally in concrete for stability.
Posts
When building an 8 ft chain link fence, there are many posts that need to be installed. Some of the most important are line posts and terminal or end posts (also called bottom posts). Each type of post supports the mesh that makes up the chain link fence.
To install the line posts, start by digging holes that are the right depth for your fence. You should set the post a minimum of 2 ft deep to protect it from frost, and for higher fences, you should set them at least 3 ft deep. Ace sells a wide variety of line posts in a range of heights.
You should also check your local building codes and practices before starting this project. If you need a building permit, you should get it from the city or township office and have it stamped before you begin work.
Once your line posts are drilled, you can fasten the looped line post caps to them. This will make your fence look more finished and professional.
Next, fasten the top rails to the line posts and brace bands. This will help the rails stay in place as the fence is built.
After your top rails are in place, attach tension bars to the bottom links of the mesh on each end and corner post. This will give the fence a firm foundation, but it’s still flexible enough to allow movement.
To secure the bottom of the mesh, tie it to the top rail and line posts using aluminum tie wire. This will keep it from slipping or coming apart as it’s being moved around.
You can also install privacy slats in the future to provide more privacy. These come in a wide range of designs and colors to match the aesthetic of your home and yard.
You can also use u-posts or T-posts in your fence construction. These types of posts are easier to drive into the ground and stay sturdy under pressure. They also offer greater strength for heavier loads. You can find u-posts in a range of heights at Ace, along with T-posts that are perfect for temporary fencing or fences that don’t require a high level of security.
Rails
A top rail (also known as a mid-brace rail) is used on each section between terminal posts and line posts in chain link fences. It helps keep the tension of the stretched wire fabric strong and prevents the fence from sagging.
These tubular steel pipe rails are available in a wide variety of diameters and wall thicknesses, and they can be purchased with or without sleeves that allow for splicing into one continuous top rail. They run horizontally and attach to terminal posts, line posts, and loop caps on line posts.
Most permanent chain link fences require a top rail, which supports the weight of the chain link fabric and keeps it from sagging over time. Top rails are typically sold in 21′ sections, and they are either swedged* end or sold with sleeves that allow you to splice two sections together to make one continuous top rail.
MG Building Materials offers a full line of top rails for your fencing project in both residential and commercial sizes. They come in galvanized and aluminized finishes, and you can choose from various heights, gauges, and colors.
When purchasing your top rails, be sure to measure the length between each line post and terminal post; this will help you select the right size for the job. Additionally, be aware of the wind load of your fence, as slats, privacy screening, and other products can add additional surface area that will increase the load.
Another thing to consider is the amount of maintenance you’ll need to put into your fence. You’ll need to clean it with a wire brush and apply a rust-resistant coating at least once a year to get the most out of your fencing investment.
If you’re looking for a sturdier, more durable fence, you may want to consider installing aluminum fencing instead of chain link. Aluminum fences offer a wide variety of design options, including decorative crossbars, ornamental tops, varying post lengths, and more.
While chain link fences have been around for decades, they aren’t a good option for every property. Some homeowners are opting for more modern, high-end vinyl or aluminum fences to boost their home’s curb appeal and to minimize their need for maintenance.
Mesh
Chain link fences are a popular choice for residential and commercial fencing applications. They are durable, low-maintenance and come in a variety of styles and heights. They are usually made from galvanized or LLDPE-coated steel wire. They can withstand the harshest of weather conditions and are ideal for areas that may experience heavy rain or snow.
The mesh used in 8 ft chain link fences is available in several gauges and sizes, depending on the type of use. A standard diamond size of 2 inches (5.1 cm) is often used in pool fencing and tennis courts, while high-security prisons, highways, power plants, and other places where maximum security is required typically use a mini-mesh style of chain link fence.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a fence fabric that features a vinyl coating or a high-grade powder coat that protects the chain link from rust and corrosion. The gauge and color of the wire also matter when selecting chain link fence fabric.
When you are ready to install the 8 Ft Chain Link Fence, begin by setting posts in the ground near each end and corner of the property. These posts are called terminal or end posts and must be set in concrete footings to prevent them from bending over under the tension of the fence fabric. Posts set between the end and corner posts are called line posts.
Once the posts are in place, attach the chain link fence to them with fittings. The fittings connect the posts to each other at a 90-degree angle, and they are designed to hold the chain link fence firmly in place.
Next, insert the mesh into the posts and secure it with tension bars. If necessary, reshape the mesh by hand after stretching it to ensure it is taut and doesn’t sag.
After the fence is securely installed, you can begin adding decorative details and installing slats for privacy. These slats can be made from plastic, wood, or metal and come in a variety of colors to match the look of your property.
Chain link fences are a popular choice because they are affordable and easy to install. They also don’t require too much maintenance and don’t block out natural light, which makes them a good choice for many residential and commercial applications.
Hardware
Chain link fences use a variety of hardware and parts. This includes line posts, top rail, mesh and fittings to complete the fence. The cost of these accessories and parts varies from project to project, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
Adding a chain link fence to your property can add an average of $1,241 to $5,194 to your overall yard project costs. The total can also vary widely from region to region, so be sure to check prices in your area.
Posts for a chain link fence may be driven into the ground or set in concrete. They can also be welded or bolted together to form a frame. The fence is then attached to these posts with chain link straps that are tied to the end, corner or gate posts. The ends of the chain link straps are pulled taught to stretch the fence fabric. This process can be accomplished by using a come-along cable puller winch and stretcher bar.
Start by setting the line posts in the ground and spacing them evenly apart. Leave at least an extra 3-3/4-inches between each post for the hinges and latches to fit. You can use a measuring tape or spray paint to mark the locations of these posts.
Next, lay out the perimeter of the fence with batter boards and mason’s line. The fence should run parallel to the house and cross each mason’s line at the corners. If you’re using a gate, you will need to install it at each of the corner intersections and at each gate opening.
Once the perimeter is complete, fill the holes for the corner, gate and end posts with concrete. Use a helper to hold the posts plumb or brace them with stakes. Let the concrete dry for at least two to three days.
Chain link fencing is an attractive and affordable way to protect your home or business from intruders and other threats. The high-quality materials used in the chain link fence parts and accessories help ensure that your fence will last for years to come.
