After 25+ years of specialized fence building experience Fence and Deck Supply realizes that we have a tendency to speak almost a foreign language to customer exploring various fence styles and products.  So in an effort to improve communication with our customers please allow us to clarify each individual piece and part of a typical fence as we reference them.

Post: This is the vertical piece of lumber that is cemented in the ground

Box Post: a hollow wood post constructed out of 2x material typically used to sleeve over chain link posts.  (These posts have seams running the length of the posts )

Post Top: the upper end of a post often cut for decorative purposes (depending on the style)

Post Cap: a separate decorative piece that slips over the upper end of the post

Rail: a horizontal structural member typically a 2x material (1.5” thick).  Rails are connected to the posts and slats are nailed to the rails.

Mid-Rail:  also called center rail is placed as suggested by the name  horizontally in the center, middle or any location between the top and bottom rail.  These horizontal rails are typically the same thickness and use the same connection method as other rails.

Fascia:  a piece of 1x material typically applied to match the aesthetics of the opposite side of the fence for certain neighbor friendly styles.  While Fascia pieces are not as thick as rails, they are typically the same width as a 2x rail on the opposite side of the fence.   Use of Fascia pieces allows for fencing that looks the same on both sides but is more cost effective.

Top Cap: This is a piece of lumber that sits flat on top of the fence, typically a piece of 2x material.

Slats/Pickets: this is a piece of lumber attached to the rails typically running vertical.  While ¾” and 7/8” thick material is available, most slats are 5/8” thick, are 6’ long, and 3 ½” wide or 5 ½” wide

Butted Slats:  a method of installing slats edge to edge (as the lumber dries space between slats naturally appears)

Overlapped Slats: a method of installing slats in a double layer where the edge of one slat overlaps the edge of another slat, some refer to this as a board on board style.

Section: this is the portion of fence between posts, also called a Fence Panel

Fence Line: this is a run of fence between two points

Lattice Top: a fence style with a window at the top portion of the fence section that contains thinner material that over laps in a square or diamond pattern

Spindle Top: a fence style with a window at the top portion of the fence section that contains only vertical pieces.

Footing: concrete encapsulating a post extending into the ground (below grade)

Fence Bracket: (Not typically used by Fence and Deck Supply, unless requested prior to installation) usually a Simpson brand FB24.  This is a bracket made of sheet metal bent to receive 2x rails and attach to a post.