Are you starting a fencing company or do you currently run one and want to learn more? If so, you should know that there is a fencing company learning curve. This article is the best place to start to learn about it! Since we have been up and running for over 45 years, we have learned a few things and have got our fencing knowledge down to a science. Whether you are just starting out or are looking for a refresher, this is a great resource to have! Let’s start with the different fencing grades and their differences.
Rustic Grade
This grade of fencing is typically considered one of the lower grades and is perfect for anyone looking to install a fence on a budget. You normally see this grade of fencing used in a farm or ranch setting because it is cheap to buy in bulk. Because this grade is a rustic grade, there will be some imperfections in the material but that is what gives it character. If you are a homeowner that is just looking to get a fence up, this is the grade to go with.
Standard Grade
Standard grade is the most common type of fencing bought because this is what your box stores will have. This grade will work for just about any project, is easy to work with and looks great with little to no imperfections. The only thing to consider with this grade is that you may have some waste between cutting and measuring errors.
Premium Grade
Premium grade is the highest grade of fencing that you can buy and usually only found at certain suppliers. This grade might be more expensive, but the quality is much better and is perfect for anyone looking for a low maintenance and long lasting product.
Now once you know your different fencing grades, you must learn the different style options out there. This is pretty straight forward and normally only pertains to privacy fencing. Have you ever noticed that the top of the picket on a privacy fence is cut a certain way? Well that’s the fence’s style and there are a few different options.
- Dog Ear: Dog ear fencing is when the top is flat and the corners are cut to be flat as well creating a V pattern almost.
- French Gothic: French Gothic is when the pickets are skinny, aren’t flush with each other and come to a point with a circular cut out on the side.
- French Gothic Blunt: This style is the same as the one above the only difference is that the point is blunt.
- Square Top: This style each picket is completely symmetrical to each other and looks very clean.
- Stockade: Stockade is where the pickets are almost rounded out to a point on the top.
The next thing to learn are the different sizes and lengths. Now, this depends on the supplier you work with and the difference between them. At RMFP, our sizing for fencing goes as follows.
We have 1×4, 1×6, 1×8, and 1×12. We carry these sizes in El Dorado, Placer, and Rustic grades and they come in different lengths which are 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 feet.
For cedar rails, we carry them in 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 4×4, and 6×6 in a #2 grade and Lassen. Our lengths for these rails are simple at 8 and 10 ft with the occasional 6 ft.
Our last type of fencing, which is Whitewood we carry in 1×4, 1×8, 16, 2×4 and 4×4 in all Sierra Supreme. The lengths for these ones are similar to the traditional fencing with 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 ft.
Now once you know that basics of the different grades and the different sizing you are pretty much ready to start learning the ropes of your specific lumberyard. Like we said, every place is different so there may be different grades, sizing, or types of fencing that we sell that other places don’t. Ask for a run down on all our fencing so you are familiar and educated with them and the different kinds we stock. That way you will know the product and can give your clients the right information. If you ever have general questions, give us a call and we are happy to help!
