Temporary Fence Types and Options

Temporary fence is fence that is not intended to remain intact or in the same location permanently. The length of time it remains up does not matter.

Construction sites may use a temporary fence for years. However, one used to direct traffic for a special event may only require a day or two of service.

Most types are easy to install. Some come in pre-assemble panels or sections. Having self supporting bases or stanchions. However, other types come in rolls of fabric that require posts for support.

The length of time the fence is require and its purpose will help determine if renting or purchasing makes the most sense.

Most large projects requiring several hundred or thousands of feet of fence will rent it from a fence company. Companies that offer fence rental usually have a fee for the initial setup and takedown, along with a monthly fee.

The duration of the rental will determine the monthly charge. The longer duration, the lower the monthly fee.

However, for events requiring temporary fence on a yearly basis, purchasing one makes the most sense. For example, fencing in a garden during the summer months, or for snow fence to prevent drifting.

Types of Temporary Fence

There are many types of temporary fence. Some are very specific for specialized uses. Others types will cover a wide variety of applications.

Some are for large commercial constructions sites. While others are better for residential settings. There are types for keeping things outside of the fence. And there are types for keeping things inside of the fence.

Whatever their intended use is, setup and takedown is usually easy and quick. Furthermore, because they are temporary, most types are affordable.

Temporary Dog Fencing

There are many reasons pet owners want a temporary fence for dogs. It could be to contain a litter of puppies or maybe just a new puppy learning to potty train.

It could be to prevent them from having access to a particular part of the yard. Keeping unwanted dog mess from a particular area. Sometimes, dog owners who rent homes don’t want to invest in a fence that is permanent.

Furthermore, sometimes land lords won’t allow them to. Whatever the reason, there are two main types of temporary fence for dogs available.

The first is a portable dog kennel. The second is a welded wire fence. Usually attached to metal T-posts posts or star pickets, driven into the ground.

Dog Kennels

dog kennel panels
Chain Link Dog Kennel Fence Panels

Dog kennels are a type of temporary fence, constructed from panels. Most have four sides, with one side including a gate for access.

People use dog kennels to contain dogs in both indoor and outdoor settings. However, kennels used outdoors is definitely more popular.

Dog kennels create a safe and secure place for dogs. When located outdoors, they disassemble easily. Allowing for switching their location periodically. As a result, letting grass in worn areas the chance to grow back. They also allow for easy clean up.

Garages and basements are common areas to find dog kennels indoors. For large dogs, or when there are multiple dogs, they provide more room than crates.

When using kennels indoors, the bottom of the panels will need secured. Large dogs jumping on the kennel panels cause them to slide across smooth concrete floors.

Welded Wire Fence

Welded wire fence is another type of temporary fence that dog owners use to contain their pets. The wire mesh attaches to metal T-posts or star pickets driven into the ground.

The rolls of wire mesh and posts are inexpensive. Furthermore, they are easy to install. Welded wire fence is a good solution for containing dogs in larger areas. Providing more space than a dog kennel.

However, it is better for smaller dogs and puppies because of the thin strands of wire used to construct it are not that strong. As a result, larger or aggressive dogs may damage it by biting or pulling at it.

Temporary Construction Fence

screening of chain link
Wind Screening as Billboard Advertisement

Take a drive around any construction site and you’re sure to see a temporary fence of some sort. Sometimes an entire property will have fence panels securing its perimeter.

Sometimes, it’s only single hole. Having orange construction fence surrounding it, acting as both a visual and physical deterrent.

In many locations, a fence is mandatory for construction sites. Keeping unwanted pedestrian traffic safe and away from machinery and equipment.

Many times perimeter fence will have privacy screening attached to the fence, blocking the view during construction. Furthermore, advertisements printed on the screening promote the future project. Acting as giant billboards.

There are three main types of temporary fence for construction sites. Fence panels are the most popular.

Chain link fence attached to driven posts instead of concreted posts is next. And finally plastic orange construction fence.

The purpose of the fence determines which type is best for the project.

Temporary Fence Panels

panels of chain link
Chain Link Construction Panels

Chain link fence panels and welded wire fence panels are the most common types of fence for construction sites. Most panels are 6′ tall and 12′ wide.

A special bracket clamps each of the panels together. Weighted bases support each panel vertically. Preventing them from falling over. There are two common styles of bases.

The first style uses a metal base constructed from pipe and a sand bag to support the panels. The second type uses a synthetic polymer weighted base. Both styles are adequate in performance.

Fence panels are easy to move and setup. Perfect for construction sites where the fenced location may change overtime.

Furthmore, in areas such as sidewalks, streets and driveways, weighted bases are better than driving posts through concrete and asphalt. Resulting in damage or replacement.

However, temporary fence panels for construction sites are not without flaws. Just as easy as they are to assemble, they are also easily unassembled. As a result, allowing for easy break-ins to secure areas.

Adding privacy screening to fence panels is another downfall. When doing so, the panels become a giant sail. The potential for the fence to blow over is high in areas with high winds. Even with weighted bases.

chain link construction fence
Temporary Chain Link Construction Fence

Chain link fence with posts driven into the ground is another popular style of temporary fence for construction sites. Most times without the use of a top rail in order to reduce costs.

However, the site must have grass or dirt surrounding it in order to drive the posts. This style of construction fence is more common on projects of longer durations. It is harder to install when compared to fence panels.

However, driven posts offer a stronger foundation. A better solution for windy areas. Furthermore it is better for temporary fence taller than 6′ tall in height.

Temporary Orange Construction Fence

orange construction fence
Plastic Orange Construction Fence

Plastic orange construction fence is for smaller construction sites and sites that are less secure. Orange construction fence is a type of temporary fence that comes in rolls.

It attaches to T-posts or star pickets driven into the ground using zip ties. At 4′ tall, it is much lower than most other types of construction fences.

As a result, it is not good for security or perimeter fence. It is common for small excavation sites and foundations. Or preventing foot traffic from entering areas of freshly poured concrete.

The high visibly of orange warns people of potential danger. The lower height of the fence is enough to deter most from entering the fenced area.

It is lightweight in design and stores easily. It is very inexpensive. Therefore, most construction companies with purchase their own as opposed to renting it.

Temporary Pool Fencing

During the construction of an in the ground swimming pool, most pool companies use a temporary fence to secure the site. Furthermore, if a permanent pool fence is not up when the pool is complete, for liability reasons, a temporary fence is a must.

Many cities will not allow the pool to have water without one. Sometimes, the company contracted to build your pool will provide you with one.

Other times, the fence company contracted for the permanent fence will provide one. And sometimes, you’ll have to provide temporary pool fencing for yourself.

The good news is that they are easy to install and are fairly inexpensive. Better yet, the temporary fence is only has to encompass the perimeter of the pool. You do not have to fence the entire yard.

As a result, reducing the total footage required. The hardest part for homeowners to swallow is the looks. They’re ugly. They will turn a beautifully landscaped yard with a gorgeous new swimming pool into what looks like a construction site.

However, only until the permeant fence is in.

Plastic Temporary Fence

temporary pool fence
Orange Plastic Temporary Pool Fence

Plastic temporary fence looks like orange construction fence. However, it also comes in green and black. This helps it blend better in residential settings while at the same time helping to curb the construction site look.

Just like the construction fence, it uses metal T-posts driven into the ground to support it. A few zip ties at the posts attaches the mesh. It is easy to install and cheap. Often disposed of after a permeant pool fence is up.

But for those of you who just can’t get over the visual aspect of plastic fence, there is another solution. Vinyl coated chain link fence.

When the look of plastic mesh fence just won’t work, or a fence with a little more strength is desires, vinyl coated chain link mesh is used.

Vinyl coated chain link mesh comes in green, black and brown as standard colors. It is much stronger than plastic fence too. The same T-posts are used to support it.

However, it looks better than the plastic mesh fence. Not to mention, most fence installation companies already have it in stock. It also last longer.

As a result, companies that make use of temporary fence around swimming pools will get much more life from the same rolls of fence as compared to the plastic types.

Temporary Garden Fence

welded wire garden fence
Temporary Garden Fence Using Welded Wire Mesh

People who garden put a lot of time and effort into their gardens. Therefore, they want to keep anything that could damage their garden out. As a result, a fence is needed.

Many gardens have permanent fences around them. However, sometimes they get in the way. Trying to bring equipment in to turn the soil over or to add soil is usually limited to one access point.

This is why many gardeners use a temporary fence for gardens.

A temporary garden fence allows access to all sides when needed. Usually constructed from welded wire mesh with tight spacing to prevent small animals.

Unless deer are a problem, lower heights of 24″ and 36″ are tall enough. Metal T-posts or star pickets driven into the ground is all it takes to support the welded wire mesh.

And because of the lower height in fence, a gate is not required. One can simply step over the fence. When access is needed to rototill the garden in the spring or to add soil, the fence pulls out of the ground easily.

Snow Fence

Snow fences are used to prevent the drifting of snow caused by wind blowing it across open areas. They are often found along roadways where there are open fields, sidewalks and parking lots.

Most times installed at the beginning of winter and taken down at he beginning of spring. Therefore, classifying them as a temporary fence.

Wood Snow Fence

wood snow fence
Wooden Slat Snow Fence

Wood snow fence has been around for years. Small wooden slats are aligned in rows with small gaps between them. An upper and lower strand of wire holds the slats in place.

The gaps in the fence allow the wind to pass through while the wooden slat traps the snow. Metal posts are used to support the fence upright.

Wood snow fence is much stronger than plastic snow fence. As a result, making it a better choice for cities and townships where snow fence is installed every year.

Plastic Snow Fence

green snow fence
Green Plastic Snow Fence

Plastic snow fence resembles the orange construction fence. However, the holes in the fence are usually smaller. Therefore, giving them the ability to trap snow.

It is available in multiple color choices. In locations of sustained high winds, it is not as strong as wood snow fence. Therefore, leading to potential ripping or tearing of the fence.

It is better suited for the homeowner preventing snow drifts across driveways. Plastic snow fence is also installed on metal T-posts.

View other popular posts

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Get my Free 7 Step Guide Today!

Don't start the fence buying process before reading my free 7 step guide. Click the link below for more information about the guide!!!

fence resource free guide
>