Anatomy of a Fence
Ready to speak fluent fence? Learn the lingo to make smarter choices for your yard. Let’s break down the anatomy, styles and terms you’ll need to know when exploring your options and discussing them with your contractor.
Types of Fences
From traditional to modern, each fencing type offers unique benefits. Here’s a quick overview of the main fence styles available.
Picket
Picket
The classic all-American fence, traditional picket styles offer a timeless charm that enhances curb appeal while providing a clear boundary. They’re perfect for front yards and decorative garden enclosures, allowing visibility while keeping small pets contained. While traditionally made of wood, Catalyst picket fences offer durable, low-maintenance alternatives. Resilient vinyl matches the warm aesthetics of wood, while aluminum and steel picket designs provide a sleek alternative.
Privacy
Privacy
Designed to block views and reduce noise, privacy fences feature solid panels or closely spaced boards that extend from ground level up. They’re perfect for backyard retreats, yards with pools or anywhere you desire a more secluded outdoor living space. While providing maximum screening, they can also serve as windbreaks and enhance security. Catalyst privacy fences come in vinyl, metal and mixed materials, with options for decorative top sections that add visual interest.
Semi-privacy
Semi-Privacy
Semi-private fences incorporate partial visibility features like spaced pickets or decorative cutouts—allowing for some light and air flow. These fences are versatile, suiting various architectural styles and neighborhoods, providing a balance between openness and seclusion.
Ranch Rail
Ranch Rail
Also known as post-and-rail fences, this simple and rustic style defines property lines without blocking views. Originally used to contain livestock on farms and ranches, they’re popular for rural settings or to create a country aesthetic in suburban areas. Ranch rail fences come in various heights and usually have two to four rails, offering an open feel. Catalyst offers ranch rail fences in both vinyl and aluminum, which outperform traditional wood options in quality, longevity and low maintenance.
Molded Panel
Molded Panel
Catalyst’s innovative molded panel fences offer the aesthetics of traditional materials like stone or wood, but with enhanced durability and low maintenance requirements. Featuring proprietary SimTek® technology, these commercial-grade panels offer excellent sound reduction and impact resistance. A premium choice when seeking a balance between privacy, strength, convenience and visual appeal.
Fencing Glossary
Cap (or Post Cap)
The decorative top piece that covers the upper end of a fence post. Post caps add a finished look to your fence and are available in numerous styles to complement different fence designs.
Corner Post
Located at the corners of a fence, corner posts are routed for rails on two sides to provide stability at turns.
Fasteners
Hardware used to assemble the fence, including nails, screws, brackets and hinges. Depending on the fence material and construction, fasteners may be visible or hidden.
Fence Line
The designated path where a fence is installed. The fence line often acts as the visual boundary of a property but is not always the same as the legal boundary. Be sure to understand local laws and codes.
Finial
A decorative embellishment that sits on top of a fence picket, typically found on metal fences such as aluminum, steel or wrought iron. Spear-shaped finials may also act as a visual deterrent to climbing.
Kickboard
A horizontal board installed at the bottom of a fence panel, typically made of a durable material like vinyl or composite. Kickboards protect the lower portion of the fence and can also help prevent small pets from digging under the fence.
Lattice
An open framework of crisscrossed strips or slats, often used as a decorative element at the top of privacy or semi-privacy fences. Lattice adds visual interest while allowing for increased airflow and filtered light. It can also serve as a support for climbing plants.
Picket
Vertical pieces that form the main visible part of a picket fence. Pickets (also known as infill boards) are typically spaced evenly along horizontal rails, creating a classic, open design. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different architectural styles.
Post
Vertical support structures that anchor the fence to the ground and provide stability. Posts are typically set in concrete and spaced at regular intervals. They bear the weight of the fence panels and ensure the fence remains upright and secure.
Racking/Rackable
Fences that can pivot to adapt to sloped terrain, allowing the fence to follow the natural contours of the ground. This allows for a continuous fence line without uneven gaps at the bottom.
Rail
Rails provide structural integrity to your fence, running horizontally to connect fence posts and support pickets or panels. In ranch rail fences, the rails themselves are the primary visual element.
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