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Material Guide · 10 min read

Chain Link Fence: What You Actually Need to Order

The complete material list — no guessing, no short orders.

1

Line Posts vs. Terminal Posts

Line posts (2" OD) are intermediate posts, spaced every 10 feet along your fence run. Terminal posts (2.5" OD) are at corners, ends, and gate openings — they take the tension load from the fabric. Simple rule: anywhere the fence changes direction, starts, ends, or frames a gate opening equals a terminal post. Line posts fill in the space between terminal posts.

Tips
  • Never substitute a line post for a terminal post — they're not rated for tension loads
  • Gate posts are always terminal posts, and typically use heavier-gauge pipe
  • Count each end of a run as a terminal post, even if it meets a structure
2

How to Count Fabric Rolls

Chain link fabric comes in 50-foot rolls (standard residential). To calculate the rolls you need: take your total linear footage, subtract all gate openings, divide by 50, and round UP to the next whole number. You never want to short yourself on a roll — cuts at joins are visible and weak.

Tips
  • Example: 200 ft with a 10-ft gate = 190 ft ÷ 50 = 3.8 → order 4 rolls
  • 11.5-gauge is standard residential; 9-gauge is commercial/heavy duty (lower number = heavier wire)
  • Fabric height must equal your fence height — 4 ft, 5 ft, 6 ft are the common options
  • Galvanized fabric is standard; vinyl-coated (black, green) costs more but lasts longer

Full Hardware Checklist

Every component you need for a complete chain link installation. Work through this list before you submit your order.

Tension Bars
One per terminal post attachment — threads through the selvage (knotted) edge of the fabric and bolts to the post via tension bands.
Tension Bands
3 per tension bar (one near top, one near bottom, one at mid-point). They bolt the tension bar to the terminal post.
Brace Bands
Hold the top rail to terminal posts — one per top rail end at each terminal post.
Rail Ends (Cups)
Cap the top rail at each terminal post. Typically one cup per terminal post end of top rail.
Top Rail
21-foot sections. Measure your linear footage, divide by 21, and round up. Rail runs along the entire fence length.
Loop Caps
One per line post — holds the top rail up through the post loop. Don't confuse these with terminal post caps.
Post Caps
Cover the top of each terminal post (dome or flat). One per terminal post. Keeps water out.
Fence Ties / Hog Rings
Secure fabric to top rail and posts. Roughly 2 ties per line post for top rail, plus 1 every 18 inches down each post. One bag of 100 ties covers approximately 50 feet of fence.
Tension Wire
Runs along the bottom of the fabric on hook stakes to hold the bottom edge. One roll per run. Skip this and your bottom edge will bow out.
Gate Hardware
2–3 hinges per gate plus one latch per gate. Self-closing hinges required for pool enclosures — ask specifically.
Concrete
1–2 bags per standard line post, 2 bags minimum for terminal and gate posts. Sandy Florida soil: lean toward 2 bags for all posts.

Common Ordering Mistakes

Using Line Posts at Corners

Terminal posts only at corners — period. Line posts don't handle tension loads and the fence will lean or fail at that point.

Forgetting Gate Posts in Your Count

Every gate has two gate posts. They're terminal posts and they're not the same as the adjacent line posts in your count. Forgetting them means you're short on the most critical hardware.

Ordering Fabric in the Wrong Gauge

11.5 gauge is residential. 9 gauge is commercial. Ordering 11.5 ga for a high-security or commercial project creates a weak installation. Lower number = heavier and stronger.

Ignoring Tension Wire at the Bottom

Without tension wire, the bottom edge of the fabric bows out and pets or kids can push under it. It's cheap insurance.

Not Buying Enough Ties

Ties seem like a minor detail until you're 80% done and run out. Buy extra — they're inexpensive and the waste is minimal.

Gate Hardware Note

Pool Code Gates Are Different

Standard chain link gate hardware is not pool code. If this fence encloses a pool, you need self-closing hinges and a self-latching latch that releases from the pool side only (or is 54” or higher on the outside). Ask us specifically for pool barrier gate hardware — we stock it separately.

Calculate Your Full Material List

Plug in your fence dimensions and our calculator will count posts, fabric rolls, hardware quantities, and concrete — then show you everything in one list.

Open Material Calculator

Ready to Order?

Give us your measurements and fence layout and we'll build a complete material list with contractor pricing. Same-day pickup in Leesburg, FL or job-site delivery on our flatbed.

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