Fences aren’t built on wire mesh alone. Wire mesh needs to be anchored to solid ground, and the foundation of a good chainwire fence is a strong corner.
Terminal posts, such as gate posts and fence corners, are essential to the design and build of a fence. They provide structure, as well has hold the most tension.
The importance of terminal posts
Weak terminal posts result in weak fences. If the terminal posts are too thin, too short, or badly-rooted in the ground, they can give way under pressure from the weight of the mesh and horizontal posts, and from natural debris.
A strong corner will anchor the fence and ensure that it is in good condition for years to come. The best types of chainwire fencing terminal posts are those which can easily resist warping.
What are terminal posts?
Terminal posts are large stakes, made of wood or metal, which are set into the ground for support in fencing. These posts serve as scaffolding in order to outline the structure and perimeter of the fencing, and also to bear the pressure of the entire fence.
For chainwire fences, these terminal posts are often galvanised or made with steel.
Terminal posts include corner posts and gate posts. They are usually taller and larger than line posts. Line posts are the vertical support structures for the chainwire fence which are usually spaced 10 or less feet apart. Other horizontal logs could rest on these line posts.
Characteristics of terminal posts
There are many characteristics to consider when talking about terminal posts.
- Type of terminal post
Terminal posts may be corner post, terminal or end posts, and gate posts. As their name suggests, corner posts are placed at the turn of a perimeter. They should be able to hold the pressure coming from two different directions.
Terminal posts end an open fencing installation, while gate posts have additional features to accommodate the passage of people, animals, or equipment. Gate posts can be designed for automated doors, manually-operated gates, 1-meter single gates, or 6-meter double gates.
- Post length
As terminal posts need to support the whole fence, one end must be buried securely beneath the ground. The depth of the foundation depends on the characteristics of the region of installation. For example, sandy or soft soils require more depth.
- Post diameter
Terminal posts need to be thick, 5” or 6” in diameter, to provide a firm foundation for heavy-duty fencing. They need to be firm and stout enough to resist the tension of the wire being stretched over the posts.
- Additional features
Terminal posts must be pressure-treated prior to installation. Terminal posts can also have an in-line strainer to transfer tension from one part of the post to the base of the corner post near the ground, where it is most secure.
Installing high quality terminal posts with Chainwire Fencing Specialist
Installing terminal posts requires a careful plan of the whole fencing installation. To install terminal posts, you need to know the locations of the corners of the fence, the gates, and the terminal ends, if any. These also define the property lines of your installation.
After selecting the location, you need to dig a suitable hole to anchor the posts. Design and installation are best done with experts who can ensure that the terminal posts will have a good foundation.
Chainwire Fencing Specialist is the leading expert in long installations of tube and mesh fences in Newcastle and Hunter Valley. With work in industrial estates, campuses, sporting facilities, security sites, and wildlife enclosures, you can expect the full service.
For long-lasting chainwire fencing with strong and anchored terminal posts, contact our professional team today.