What parts make up a chain link fence?
Understanding the parts helps you compare quotes properly.
- Posts. Terminal posts at the ends, corners and gates carry most of the load. Line posts sit between them.
- Top rail. This runs along the top and keeps the fence straight and stiff.
- Mesh. The woven wire, sold in different gauges. A lower gauge number means heavier wire.
- Tension wire or bar. It keeps the bottom edge tight and stops the mesh from lifting.
- Finish. Galvanized is plain zinc-coated steel. Vinyl-coated mesh is colored and lasts well against the elements.
Heavier mesh and thicker posts cost more but last longer, especially on commercial sites with traffic and hard use.

