CHAIN LINK POSTS AND FRAMEWORK
Chain Link Posts and Framework. The Structure Behind the System.
The fabric creates the fence surface, but the posts and framework support the complete chain link system.
CerKa Fence Supply helps customers organize line posts, terminal posts, gate posts, top rail, brace rail, bottom rail and compatible framework according to the fence height, layout, fabric, gates and project requirements.
Already have a takeoff, drawing or tubing specification?
What Is Chain Link Framework?
Chain link framework is the system of posts, rails and structural components that supports the tensioned fence fabric.
A framework package may include:
- Line posts
- End posts
- Corner posts
- Gate posts
- Top rail
- Brace rail
- Bottom rail
- Rail sleeves
- Post caps
- Loop caps
- Rail ends
- Brace components
- Base plates
- Security extensions
- Gate-support components
Framework must be selected as part of the complete chain link system. The correct tubing depends on the fabric height, mesh, wire specification, post spacing, gates, privacy products, wind exposure and installation conditions.
Types of Chain Link Posts
Line Posts
Line posts support the chain link fabric along straight sections of the fence.
Top rail commonly passes through loop caps installed on the line posts. The fabric is then connected to the posts and rail using approved fence ties.
Line-post selection should consider:
- Fence height
- Fabric specification
- Post spacing
- Top-rail size
- Wind exposure
- Privacy products
- Security extensions
- Installation method
- Project specification
End Posts
End posts terminate a section of chain link fabric.
The tensioned fabric connects to the end post using a tension bar and tension bands.
End posts are part of the terminal-post category and typically require different dimensions or supporting components from line posts.
Corner Posts
Corner posts support fabric tension where the fence changes direction.
A corner post may receive tensioned fabric from more than one direction and requires the appropriate bands, tension bars and brace arrangements.
Gate Posts
Gate posts support the gate hinges, latches and forces created by gate operation.
Gate-post selection depends on:
- Gate opening
- Gate height
- Gate-leaf width
- Gate weight
- Number of leaves
- Hinge arrangement
- Manual or automated operation
- Frequency of use
- Wind exposure
- Privacy products
- Security requirements
A gate post should not automatically be specified using the same dimensions as a line post.
Pull Posts
Long fence runs or changes in elevation may require intermediate pull points according to the project design.
A pull post creates a new tensioned fabric section and may require terminal-style fittings and bracing.
Line Posts vs. Terminal Posts
Understanding this difference is essential when preparing a chain link material list.
Line Posts
- Support straight fence runs
- Commonly use loop caps
- Carry the top rail
- Receive fence ties
- Do not normally terminate fabric tension
Terminal Posts
Terminal posts include:
- End posts
- Corner posts
- Gate posts
- Pull posts
They may:
- Terminate or redirect fabric tension
- Use tension bars and tension bands
- Receive brace bands and rail ends
- Support brace assemblies
- Support gates
- Require larger or heavier tubing
The exact post dimensions must be confirmed for the project.
Understanding Post and Rail Dimensions
Chain link tubing may be described using several measurements.
Outside Diameter — OD
Outside diameter is the actual measurement across the exterior of a round post or rail.
Fittings such as caps, bands and loop caps must match the outside diameter.
Wall Thickness
Wall thickness measures the thickness of the tubing material.
Two posts with the same outside diameter can have different wall thicknesses and structural characteristics.
Weight per Unit Length
Some framework is specified by its weight per foot or metre.
This can help distinguish tubing products that share the same outside diameter.
Nominal Size
A nominal pipe description may not equal the actual outside diameter.
Do not order fittings using only a nominal name without confirming the actual OD.
Product Series or Weight Class
Manufacturers may use product-series, schedule or weight-class terminology.
These descriptions are not automatically interchangeable. Compare the documented:
- Outside diameter
- Wall thickness
- Weight per unit length
- Steel grade
- Coating
- Applicable specification
Common Industry Framework Sizes
Chain link posts and rails are manufactured in multiple outside diameters.
Common industry descriptions can include tubing around:
- 1 3/8 inches OD
- 1 5/8 inches OD
- 1 7/8 inches OD
- 2 3/8 inches OD
- 2 7/8 inches OD
- 3 1/2 inches OD
- 4 inches OD
- Larger project-specific dimensions
These examples do not represent guaranteed CerKa inventory or suitability.
The correct dimensions must be confirmed according to the fence system, gate and project specification.
Top Rail
Top rail runs horizontally along the upper portion of the chain link fence.
It commonly:
- Passes through line-post loop caps
- Connects between terminal posts
- Supports the upper fabric edge
- Helps maintain alignment
- Connects using sleeves or swaged rail ends, depending on the product
A complete top-rail system may require:
- Top rail
- Rail sleeves
- Loop caps
- Rail ends
- Brace bands
- Fasteners
Top-rail outside diameter must match the loop caps, sleeves and rail ends.
Brace Rail
Brace rail connects a terminal post to an adjacent line post as part of a brace assembly.
Brace assemblies may be used at:
- Fence ends
- Corners
- Gates
- Pull posts
- Other tension points
A brace assembly may include:
- Brace rail
- Rail end
- Brace bands
- Carriage bolt and nut
- Truss rod
- Tightener
- Additional project-specific components
The required brace arrangement depends on fence height, fabric tension, terminal-post layout and project specifications.
Bottom Rail
Bottom rail can provide a defined horizontal framework component along the lower part of the fence.
It may be considered for:
- Selected commercial projects
- Industrial applications
- Recreational facilities
- Small-mesh fabric
- Increased lower-edge support
- Project-specific containment
- Security applications
Bottom rail requires compatible fittings and must be coordinated with posts, gates, terrain and ground clearance.
It should not be confused with bottom tension wire.
Bottom Tension Wire
Bottom tension wire is installed near the lower edge of the chain link fabric.
It may:
- Support the bottom fabric edge
- Help maintain alignment
- Connect to the fabric with hog rings
- Reduce movement between posts
- Support selected containment requirements
The wire diameter, finish, attachment method and tensioning components must be confirmed for the project.
Bottom tension wire is not a substitute for bottom rail when a rail is specified.
Rail Sleeves and Connections
Top-rail sections may connect using:
- Rail sleeves
- Swaged rail ends
- Manufacturer-specific connections
- Project-approved mechanical fittings
The connection must match the rail outside diameter and product type.
Do not assume that every rail sleeve fits every top rail with a similar trade name.
Connection points should be assembled according to the approved installation instructions.
Framework Finishes
Framework should be coordinated with the selected chain link fabric and project environment.
Galvanized Framework
Galvanized posts and rails use a zinc-based protective coating.
The coating type, inside and outside protection, coating weight and applicable specification should be confirmed from product documentation.
Colour-Coated Framework
Colour-coated framework may be available for projects using coated chain link fabric.
Confirm:
- Base steel
- Galvanized layer, if applicable
- Colour coating
- Inside coating or protection
- Outside diameter
- Wall thickness
- Colour
- Warranty
Matching the Complete System
The appearance of the following components should be coordinated:
- Fabric
- Posts
- Rails
- Gates
- Bands
- Caps
- Ties
- Fasteners
- Privacy products
Exact colour and finish must be confirmed in the CerKa quotation.
Embedded Chain Link Posts
Embedded posts are installed below grade using a project-approved foundation method.
Post length and foundation requirements depend on:
- Finished fence height
- Required embedment
- Post diameter
- Soil conditions
- Frost conditions
- Wind exposure
- Gate loads
- Privacy products
- Security extensions
- Project engineering
CerKa should not publish a universal hole diameter, depth or concrete quantity for every chain link project.
The installer must follow the approved project and local requirements.
Surface-Mounted Chain Link Posts
Surface-mounted posts use base plates and anchors to connect the framework to an approved concrete or structural surface.
A surface-mounted post assembly may require:
- Post
- Base plate
- Welded connection
- Anchor holes
- Mechanical or chemical anchors
- Washers and nuts
- Structural substrate
- Reinforcement
- Edge-distance review
- Engineering
A generic base plate or anchor should not be represented as suitable for every slab, curb, retaining wall or structure.
Post Spacing
Post spacing affects the support and alignment of the chain link system.
The appropriate spacing depends on:
- Fence height
- Fabric specification
- Post dimensions
- Top rail
- Wind exposure
- Terrain
- Privacy products
- Security requirements
- Gate locations
- Project specification
A commonly used industry spacing should not be treated as a universal maximum without reviewing the complete fence design.
Final spacing remains the responsibility of the project designer and installer.
Privacy Slats Change Framework Requirements
Privacy slats and screening products reduce the open area of chain link fabric and can significantly increase wind loading.
Additional forces may affect:
- Line posts
- Terminal posts
- Gate posts
- Top rail
- Brace assemblies
- Bands and fittings
- Base plates
- Anchors
- Foundations
- Gate frames and hinges
Identify privacy requirements before selecting the framework.
An existing open-mesh fence should be evaluated before privacy products are added.
Security Extensions
Chain link posts may coordinate with top-of-fence security extensions for qualifying projects.
Options may include:
- Straight extensions
- Angled extensions
- Single-arm extensions
- Double-arm extensions
- Barbed-wire arms
- Project-specific security supports
Before ordering, confirm:
- Post outside diameter
- Extension connection
- Extension angle
- Direction
- Number of security-wire runs
- Corner conditions
- Gate conditions
- Added loads
- Legal and safety requirements
Security extensions should not create an unsafe or prohibited condition.
Framework for Gates
Gate framework must be planned separately from standard fence-line framework.
Consider:
- Clear opening
- Gate height
- Single- or double-leaf design
- Swinging or sliding operation
- Gate-frame dimensions
- Gate-post dimensions
- Hinge type
- Latch
- Automation
- Wind exposure
- Privacy products
- Frequency of use
Gate posts and foundations may require a different specification from nearby terminal posts.
Framework for Sloped Ground
Changing grades can affect:
- Post lengths
- Fabric height
- Ground clearance
- Top-rail alignment
- Bottom-wire alignment
- Gate operation
- Terminal points
- Material quantities
Provide a site drawing or photographs when the fence line crosses significant slopes, steps or retaining walls.
Identifying Existing Chain Link Framework
If you are replacing or extending an existing fence, provide:
- Post outside diameter
- Rail outside diameter
- Wall thickness, if known
- Post length
- Finish
- Colour
- Fence height
- Fabric specification
- Close-up photographs
- Overall photographs
- Fitting dimensions
Use a tape measure across the widest outside point of round tubing to identify the approximate OD.
Do not rely only on circumference or a generic trade name.
Planning Framework Quantities
A complete framework takeoff should consider:
- Total fence length
- Fence height
- Line-post spacing
- End posts
- Corner posts
- Gate posts
- Pull posts
- Top-rail lengths
- Rail sleeves
- Brace rails
- Bottom rail or tension wire
- Gates
- Grade changes
- Security extensions
- Privacy requirements
- Waste and spare material
Linear footage alone is not enough to determine the post and framework package.
What to Include in a Framework Quote
Provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Fence height
- Total linear footage
- Fabric mesh and wire specification
- Line-post outside diameter
- Terminal-post outside diameter
- Gate-post requirements
- Wall thickness or weight class
- Post lengths
- Top-rail outside diameter
- Brace-rail requirements
- Bottom rail or tension wire
- Number of corners
- Number of ends
- Number and size of gates
- Embedded or surface-mounted installation
- Privacy requirements
- Security extensions
- Galvanized or colour-coated finish
- Project location
- Required material date
- Drawings or material lists
If the technical framework specification is unknown, submit the project details and available drawings for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Line Post and Terminal Post?
Line posts support straight fence runs. Terminal posts include end, corner, gate and pull posts that anchor or redirect fabric tension.
Are Terminal Posts Larger Than Line Posts?
They often use a different specification, but the exact dimensions must be confirmed according to the project.
What Is Outside Diameter?
Outside diameter is the actual measurement across the exterior of a round post or rail.
Is Nominal Pipe Size the Same as Outside Diameter?
Not always. Confirm the actual outside diameter before selecting fittings.
Can Two Posts with the Same OD Have Different Strength?
Yes. They may have different wall thicknesses, weight per unit length, steel properties or coatings.
What Does Top Rail Do?
Top rail supports the upper fence line and connects the framework between terminal posts.
What Is the Difference Between Bottom Rail and Tension Wire?
Bottom rail is a rigid tubing component. Bottom tension wire is a wire installed along the lower fabric edge.
Can Line Posts Be Used as Gate Posts?
Do not assume so. Gate posts must support gate weight, movement and operating forces.
Can Privacy Slats Be Added Later?
Possibly, but the existing framework should be evaluated for the added wind loading.
Does CerKa Install Chain Link Posts?
CerKa Fence Supply is a material distributor. Installation is not represented as part of the material supply unless specifically stated and contracted separately.
Are All Tubing Sizes Available?
Availability, lengths, wall thicknesses, weight classes, finishes and lead times must be confirmed before ordering.
Important Framework Information
Framework products must be selected according to actual dimensions and approved product documentation.
Website images may represent a general framework category and may not show the exact diameter, wall thickness, length, finish or product included in a quotation.
Final specifications, quantities, finishes, compatibility and availability must be confirmed in the CerKa Fence Supply quotation.
The purchaser, designer and installer remain responsible for confirming:
- Field measurements
- Material quantities
- Post spacing
- Post lengths
- Foundations
- Base plates and anchors
- Gate-post requirements
- Wind loading
- Privacy effects
- Security extensions
- Applicable codes and regulations
Ready to Build the Chain Link Framework?
Tell us the fence height, approximate length, fabric specification, gate requirements, finish and installation method.
CerKa Fence Supply will help organize the requested posts, rails and framework components into a material quotation.