How Far Apart Temporary Fence Posts Should Be

Whether you’re trying to secure a job site or prepare for a bustling event, your fencing is not something you can take lightly. While our advice is always to leave it to the professionals rather than learn how to install temporary fencing yourself, maybe you’re committed to handling this yourself.

If so, one of the most important considerations is how far apart temporary fence posts should be. This influences the structural integrity and safety of your fencing, but there are also cost implications to consider.

When installing a fence permanently in the ground, you can space posts further away without sacrificing stability. But with temporary fencing, you need to keep your posts closer together to prevent sagging or weakness. We suggest 8’-12’ apart.

Learn more about temporary fence post spacing below along with other aspects of setting up the best temporary fence for your unique needs, from materials to security features. Or, better yet, get in touch with the trusted choice in Texas for all your temporary fencing needs since 1972 – Viking Rental. You can enjoy peace of mind letting us handle installation on your behalf.

Why Temporary Fence Post Spacing Matters

Regardless of what a temporary fence is used for, its purpose remains the same – to control access into a site and protect assets within that site. So how does spacing fit into the equation?

Correctly spaced posts help distribute the weight and tension of the fence material evenly. This prevents the fence from sagging or collapsing under pressure.

The fence can become unstable if the posts are too far apart, leading to potential breaches or complete failure, especially under windy conditions or when force is applied.

This isn’t just a matter of protecting and securing your site effectively, there are safety concerns at play. A stable fence minimizes accidents, injuries, and liabilities. Well-spaced posts can also support the attachment of safety features like warning signs and reflectors, enhancing safety further.

There’s also a balancing act from a cost perspective. Yes, fewer posts means you can save money on your installation. However, you now know that inadequate spacing can compromise the stability and durability of your fence, causing expensive repairs or frequent maintenance that drives costs up itself. There’s a fine line here that you need to strike.

And just like you may need a permit for a temporary fence, there could be compliance issues with improper spacing of your temporary fence posts. Many local jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding the installation of temporary fencing, including post spacing. Adhering to these regulations is essential to avoid fines and legal issues.

How Far Apart Temporary Fence Posts Should Be

It’s clear that temporary fence post spacing shouldn’t be taken lightly – so let’s talk about how far apart temporary fence posts should be.

Factors Influencing Spacing

There are many different factors influencing optimal spacing of your temporary fence posts, from the specific style of fencing itself to height, environmental conditions, intended use, and more.

For example, chain links fences are heavy which necessitates stronger support systems. In contrast, lighter materials like plastic or mesh can have wider post spacing because they exert less force on the posts.

Meanwhile, taller fences need more support to prevent bending and swaying, which means posts should be spaced closer together. Shorter fences can have wider spacing without sacrificing stability.

Windy locations will demand tighter spacing to provide extra stability and prevent the fence from being blown over. The same is true of locations with uneven terrain. On slopes or uneven ground, posts should be spaced closer together to ensure the fence maintains contact with the ground and does not have gaps

Think about what you’re using the fence for in the first place, too. Temporary fences at construction sites often need closer post spacing to withstand the rigors of daily use and potential impacts.

On the other hand, the spacing can be adjusted based on the expected pressure and movement of people for crowd control at events.

Recommendations for Specific Fence Styles

While there is a lot of nuance associated with temporary fence post spacing, we do have some recommendations for specific styles. We’ll break down the typical guidelines for various temporary fence options below:

Chain Link Fences: Spaced about 10 feet apart for most applications. In high-wind areas, consider reducing the spacing to 8 feet.
Plastic and Mesh Fences: Spaced wider at 12 to 15 feet apart given the lighter material. However, reducing the spacing to 10 feet can help keep the fence stable and prevent it from flapping excessively in windy environments.
Metal and Wooden Fences: Spacing of 8 to 10 feet is generally recommended. Wind won’t play a factor here, but uneven ground might. In such scenarios we suggest spacing be reduced to 6 to 8 feet.
Barricades: Spacing of 12 to 15 feet is typically just fine for crowd control purposes, as these are designed to be sturdy and interlocking.

When in doubt, consult a professional in your area for specific advice on your unique needs. Remember, the stakes are high and this is not something you can take lightly – the security and safety of your site depends on it!

Other Considerations in Putting Up Temporary Fencing

We know you came here specififaclly to learn about how far apart temporary fence posts need to be, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few other things to consider as well.

Type of Fence Material

We talked about the role of spacing for different fencing styles, but it’s essential that you choose the right material for your site’s specific needs and purpose:

Chain Link: Durable and secure, ideal for construction sites and high-security areas. You can get modest temporary chain link fence rental prices.
Plastic and Mesh: Lightweight and easy to install, perfect for crowd control at events and festivals. These tend to be the most affordable, but they also lack security.
Metal and Wood: Sturdy and visually appealing, suitable for long-term projects or areas needing aesthetic consideration. These will definitely be the most expensive.

For more insights on what to use as a temporary fence, read our detailed guide.

Special Features: Barbed Wire, Gates, and More

Adding special features can enhance the functionality and security of your temporary fencing.

For example, barbed wire provides an extra layer of security, deterring unauthorized access. It is often used for job sites where valuable equipment and tools are stored overnight and on the weekends.

Chances are you’ll also need gates to allow controlled access. Ensure they are lockable and positioned for convenient use.

While you’re at it, consider whether it makes sense to attach screens or fabric to provide privacy and reduce visual distractions. These are useful for events and construction sites near public areas.

Installation Techniques

When it comes time to actually install your fence make sure you do your due diligence into best practices. Here are a few quick tips:

Post Anchoring: Use appropriate anchoring methods based on ground conditions. For soft ground, consider using concrete footings or ground stakes.
Tensioning: Ensure the fencing material is taut to prevent sagging. This can be achieved by tightening the mesh or chain link between posts.
Height Adjustment: Adapt the fence height based on specific needs, such as higher fences for security or shorter ones for crowd control.

But the truth is, installing temporary fencing yourself is rarely a good use of time and resources. It can also be downright dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Why take on extra stress if you don’t have to? It’s time you got in touch with Viking Rental.

Leave it to the Professionals at Viking Rental for Peace of Mind!

As we said from the start, we don’t recomment you get any crazy DIY temporary fence ideas unless you have experience installing these structures.

Safety and stability issues aside, your time and resources are better spent elsewhere – whether it’s getting your project underway at the job site or managing other areas of your event.

Instead, leave it to the experts at Viking Rental in Texas, the trusted choice for temporary fencing for more than 50 years. We serve the entire Lone Star State with a commitment to excellent and are passionate about the work we do.

You can choose from a wide variety of rental solutions based on your specific needs – something we can help you navigate, weighing the temporary fence rental cost with what will offer the optimal security and safety for your situation.

From in-ground chain link fences to temporary fence panels, we’ve got it all. And, we handle everything from installation, maintenance, teardown, and more. Find the ideal solution based on your specific needs and location below:

Not seeing exactly what you’re looking for? That doesn’t mean we can’t handle it. It all starts with a conversation, so get in touch today and put the stress of temporary fence post spacing in the past!

Closing Thoughts on How Far Apart Temporary Fence Posts Should Be

There you have it, everytihng you need to know about how far apart temporary fence posts should be. We hope this guide has left you feeling clear on your next steps and the best practices for installing temporary fencing.

The type of fence material, environmental conditions, and intended use influence the optimal spacing of temporary fence posts. You also need to take into account special features and be sure to employ correct installation techniques to enhance fence effectiveness and durability.

That being said, there’s no need to handle any of this yourself when you could be focusing on more important, relevant matters to your business. Trust Viking Rental for world-class service and reliable fencing solutions in the state of Texas!