A fence is made up of several components. For those of us in the fencing biz, the names of these components are everyday jargon, but we know the lingo can get complicating for those outside our world.
To help simplify things, we’ve put together a dictionary of sorts to help customers understand the language we use. Below are the components – and definitions behind them – of every fence.
Posts
Posts are the vertical pillars that support the fence and serve as its backbone. Every other component of the fence is anchored to the post, and the long-term stability of the structure depends on the quality of the posts and the expertise with which they were set.
Posts come from 4×4 pressure-treated lumber. They are secured into the ground with concrete.
Boards
Boards are the most visually apparent part of the fence. They make up the body of the structure and come in a variety of styles. Our most popular style board at AMM Fencing is board on board style, followed by louvered, dog ear, picket, and shadow box.
Lattice
Lattice are the designer slats that rest atop the boards. Lattice allows you to inject personal style into a fence and create a decorative look to the structure.
AMM Fencing offers five lattice styles to choose from: Jumbo, Privacy, Square, Piano Key, and Arched Piano Key.
Kickboards
A kickboard is a horizontal piece of wood that runs along the base of a fence. Pressure-treated, as it comes in contact with the ground, a kickboard protects the fence from rot and decay and adds elegance to its appearance.
Retaining walls
A retaining wall, placed below a fence or as a stand-alone structure, is needed when there is uneven terrain between two pieces of land. The retaining wall keeps soil from shifting beneath the surface.
To ensure both a long-lasting structure and a beautiful accent, AMM Fencing uses pressure-treated Douglas fir for our retaining walls.
Rails
Top and bottom rails run horizontally along the fence to provide additional support. While there are typically two rails, sometimes a third rail in the middle is included as well. Most rails are two inches in diameter.
Post trim
Trim is used to hide the fasteners that hold the boards to the rails. These simple 1×1 strips of wood have a purely aesthetic purpose, completing your fence with a polished look.
Want to learn more?
And there you have it. Fencing Lingo 101.
More questions? As always, we’re happy to talk to you directly. Your dream fence is just a phone call away. Contact us to learn more.
