A complete chain link fence order requires more than fabric and posts. Top rail, tension hardware, fittings, ties, wire, and gate components must match the measured layout.

Start with a fence plan, then calculate materials by fence run, terminal point, and gate opening.

Start With a Material Takeoff

Before ordering, record:

  • Length and height of each fence run
  • End and corner locations
  • Gate locations and clear opening widths
  • Single, double, or sliding gate configuration
  • Grade changes
  • Connections to existing fencing or structures

Separate line posts from terminal posts. Terminal posts include end, corner, pull, and gate posts and carry loads from fabric tension, bracing, or gate operation.

CLFMI commercial/industrial guidance specifies line-post spacing not exceeding 10 feet (3.05 m) on centre.

Example: 80-Foot Straight Run

An 80-foot run divided into eight 10-foot spaces requires post positions at:

0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 feet

Material count:

  • 2 terminal posts
  • 7 line posts
  • 8 fence bays

Calculate from the actual layout rather than estimating posts from total footage.

Specify the Chain Link Fabric

Each fabric order should identify:

Specification Confirm
Height Finished fence height
Length Required footage by run
Wire gauge Appropriate wire thickness
Mesh size Required diamond opening
Finish Galvanized or coated
Selvage Required edge treatment

With chain link wire, a lower gauge number indicates thicker wire. Gauge and mesh size should match the property's use, security requirements, and project specification rather than fence height alone.

Order the Complete Framework

A typical framework takeoff can include:

  • Line posts
  • End posts
  • Corner posts
  • Pull posts where required
  • Gate posts
  • Top rail
  • Loop caps
  • Terminal-post caps
  • Rail ends
  • Rail sleeves
  • Brace bands and bolts

Gate posts should be sized for the gate opening, gate construction, and expected load rather than treated as ordinary line posts.

CLFMI's commercial specification describes 21-foot top-rail sections and splice sleeves at least 6 inches long, unless an approved swedged-rail connection is used.

Corners and gates interrupt continuous rail runs, so rail-end and connection quantities must be calculated by section.

Calculate Tension and Attachment Hardware

Chain link fabric is tensioned at terminal posts and attached to the framework between them.

At a typical terminal connection, materials may include:

  • Tension bar
  • Tension bands
  • 5/16-inch carriage bolts and nuts
  • Brace band
  • Rail end
  • Post cap

CLFMI commercial/industrial specifications call for tension-band spacing no greater than 12 inches on centre.

Fabric attachment spacing includes:

Attachment Maximum Spacing
Fabric ties at line posts 12 in. O.C.
Fabric ties along rails 18 in. O.C.
Hog rings at tension wire 18 in. O.C.

Use the fence height, rail footage, and number of posts to calculate fastener quantities rather than relying on an arbitrary package count.

Include Bottom Tension Wire Where Specified

Where bottom tension wire is part of the system, CLFMI guidance places it approximately 4 inches above the bottom of the fabric.

The takeoff may include:

  • Tension wire
  • Terminal connection hardware
  • Tie wire at line posts
  • Hog rings

Project specifications may also call for top tension wire where top rail is not used.

Calculate Gate Components Separately

Do not include gates as an approximate opening in the fence footage. Confirm the finished clear opening and prepare a separate gate takeoff.

Record:

  • Gate type and height
  • Clear opening width
  • Gate-post requirements
  • Hinges or sliding hardware
  • Latch/locking system
  • Cane/drop hardware where required
  • Additional fittings

SafeFence offers single swing, double swing, and cantilever sliding commercial gates. Depending on the configuration, SafeFence gate systems can include post collars, frame collars, 6-inch bolts, latch locking systems, cane hardware, and rollers for sliding gates.

Double gates require centre closure and cane/drop hardware planning. Cantilever gates also require sufficient runback space beside the opening.

Final Chain Link Material Checklist

Before releasing the order, confirm:

Fabric

  • Height and total footage
  • Gauge and mesh size
  • Finish and selvage

Framework

  • Line and terminal posts
  • Gate posts
  • Top rail
  • Caps, sleeves, and rail ends
  • Brace components

Fabric Connections

  • Tension bars and bands
  • Carriage bolts
  • Fabric ties
  • Tension wire
  • Hog rings

Gates

  • Correct clear opening
  • Gate frame and posts
  • Hinges or sliding hardware
  • Latch/locking hardware
  • Cane/drop hardware or rollers where applicable

Site Requirements

  • Footing requirements confirmed
  • Finished grade checked
  • Gate clearance confirmed
  • Underground utilities located

Order the Fence as a Complete System

A reliable material takeoff starts with the fence layout. Calculate posts by location, rails by individual run, fittings by connection, attachment hardware by spacing, and gates separately.

SafeFence can help determine the chain link materials and gate components required for residential and commercial projects. You can also review SafeFence's commercial fencing projects.

For fence supply, custom gates, or complete installation, contact SafeFence for a quote or consultation, or email info@safefence.ca with your measurements.