Fence Design & Installation Flashcards

A common rule of thumb for wood fence post embedment depth in stable soil is:

Answer: One-third to one-half of the above-ground post height

Burying one-third to one-half of the exposed height gives adequate resistance to overturning, subject to local frost depth.

What is the typical recommended diameter for a concrete-set post hole?

Answer: About three times the width of the post

A hole roughly three times the post width provides enough concrete around the post for lateral strength.

Why do installers place several inches of gravel at the bottom of a wood post hole?

Answer: To promote drainage and reduce rot at the post end

Gravel lets water drain away from the end grain, slowing decay.

When finishing the top of a concrete post footing, the concrete should be:

Answer: Crowned or sloped away from the post to shed water

A sloped crown sheds water away from the post, preventing pooling and rot.

On a chain link fence, how is the fabric typically attached to terminal (end, corner, gate) posts?

Answer: With a tension bar held by tension bands

A tension bar woven through the fabric is clamped to terminal posts with tension bands.

What is the commonly accepted maximum line post spacing for a standard chain link fence?

Answer: 10 feet

Industry standards such as ASTM F567 limit line post spacing to 10 feet on center.

On a sloped yard, a 'stepped' fence installation means:

Answer: Each panel stays level and drops in height at each post

Stepping keeps panels horizontal, creating a stair-step look with triangular gaps underneath.