How to Buy a Regis Aluminum Fence | Material Estimate Guide

The steps below are a simple way to estimate the materials when buying a Regis Ornamental Aluminum Fence, but they will also work for any routed fence, including Bufftech Vinyl Fences.  If you have a non-standard layout, or if you would like a customer service representatives to look over your material list before you order, please email us

Note: Regis Aluminum Fences have a panel length of either 6’ (3000 Residential Series) or 8’ (4000 Commercial Series)

1. Draw your fence on a sheet of paper and label each run with its length.
2. For each run:
   • # of panels = [(length of run - length of gates) / panel length].  Note: if the is a remainder, add 1.
   • # of line posts = [# of panels - 1].  Also, subtract 1 for each gate "in line" (see illustration below)
   • If you plan to cut a panel into 2 or more smaller panels, add 1 line post per additional panel.
3. For all gates in your fence, add 2 gate posts.  The exception is: if the gate is the end point of your fence, add 1 gate post and 1 blank post.
4. For each corner:
   • If there is no gate, add a corner post.  If there is a gate, the gate post will serve as the corner post.
5. For each end point (where your fence stops):
   • If there is no gate, add an end post.  If there is a gate, then the blank post (from step 3) will serve as the end post.
6. For all posts, add a post cap.
7. For all gates, add 1 set of hinges and 1 latch
8. (Optional) Add any decorative elements available, such as: triad finials, scrolls, etc.

Fence Landscaping Ideas: Create Your Backyard Oasis

Without the addition of landscaping accents, some fences can look a bit one-dimensional and bland, contrasting drastically with your home and your yard. However, using just a little ingenuity and planning, there are several different ways to soften the edges up and create an outdoor space that will be not only more visually appealing, but also create a more relaxing, enjoyable setting for you and your family.

Getting good visual appeal from your fence starts with the selection of the fencing itself. It's important to choose fencing materials that match both your needs and the architectural style of nearby structures when making your decision. There are a wide variety of fence types and the one you choose will reinforce the "tone" of your yard; is it fun and casual, or is it ornate and victorian?   Using organic materials (or at least those that look organic) will create a natural, or even rustic look; whereas using synthetic monotone materials will make it look more modern. Using creative materials as posts for your fence, such as real or faux stone columns, can also alter the feel.  The possiblities are nearly limitless...and that's before you even think about the rest of the landscaping.
 

Softscapes (Plants & Flowers)

Different types of fencing may require different levels of creativity in getting them to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Don't forget to think about the level of privacy each type of fence provides as you think about what types of plants to include. Some fences, such as rail and chain link types, still allow a clear line of sight while other fences like vinyl and composite fencing obstruct views and require additional landscaping features to help appear more in tune with their surroundings. The height of a fence is also an important consideration. For example, a short white picket fence may look just fine with a small bed of shrubs and flowers planted in front of it, while a 5 foot chain link fence might need more to make it fit in. For fences such as chain link panels, you can try using them as trellises for climbing plants like morning glories, clematis or even vegetables like snap peas or scarlet runner beans. Incorporating your fence into your vegetable garden can be both practical and cosmetic, providing support for plants and helping blend the fence into the aesthetics of the yard. 

Hardscapes Incorporating a water feature, such as a pond, into your landscape near your fence presents an opportunity to create a different focal point in your yard other than the fence itself. In addition, landscaping accents, such as arbors and pergolas, can also be used to incorporate both shaded areas and vining plants into your outdoor oasis.Blending the two features together through the use of plants of varying heights, textures and depths can give the entire outdoor space a more natural feel and make the fencing seem as if it were a natural part of the landscape. Dependent upon your space limitations and climate, using tall grasses, dwarf trees and bushes in the area surrounding your fence and pond can provide depth and can be used to highlight features of your fence you enjoy, such as ornate gates, panels, or posts.

Lighting Once you've softened the lines of your fence with landscape accents such as ponds, creative fencing materials and plantings, focus on making your outdoor space useful no matter what time of day it is. Installing solar post caps on your fencing will make your outdoor space memorable and enjoyable even in the evening hours without impacting your budget. Not only will you enjoy your yard later into the evening hours, outdoor lighting can also help to highlight your beautiful yard for the rest of the neighborhood to enjoy as well.

Creatively planning how a fence fits into your landscaping can be a great opportunity to combine the customized outdoor look you've always wanted with the privacy and security you and your family need.

What is a Chain Link Butterfly Latch?

A Butterfly Latch is a spring-loaded, self-latching gate latch designed for use with for chain link swing gates.  They are easy to install and operate, which makes them popular for residential fences, particularly chain link pool fences when used in combination with spring gate closers.

How Does a Butterfly Latch Work?
When the gate makes contact with the latch, the momentum of the gate lifts the angled front end of the latch up, opening it.  The gate then hits the back of the latch, which stops its forward momentum.  With nothing to hold it open, the springs in the latch quickly close the front end so that the gate cannot swing back out.

The Long & Short of Fence Posts

If you've ever built, or planned to build, a fence, then you've probably run across the issue of how long your fence posts should be; particularly if you weren't using a pre-fabricated system.  With little to no experience, choosing the right length fence posts can be a confusing issue.  Luckily, there is an easy to remember rule of thumb that many professional fence installers use to determine the height of their posts.

How Long Should My Fence Posts Be?

In general, 1/3 - 1/2 of the above ground height of your fence should be below ground, with a minimum of 2 ft.  What this means in practice is that if you have a 4' high fence, your posts should be 6' with 2' below ground.  If your fence is 6', then you should use 8 1/2' - 9' posts with 2 1/2' - 3' below ground.

If you follow the guideline above - for most standard fence systems - your posts should be deep enough to provide strength and stability for your fence. However, if you live in an area of high wind or extreme cold, you may want to opt for a longer post, because it will make your fence less vulnerable to the elements.  On the other hand, if you are installing an light ornamental system in a low wind area, then you may be able to get away with shorter posts; although longer posts won't hurt.

Product Note:

If you plan to use a drivable post anchor like Oz-Posts to install your fence, then the Oz-Post is the underground extension of your fence post, so a 6' tall fence should have a 3' Oz-Post and 6' wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel post.

What is a...Routed Fence System?

A routed fence system is one that uses pre-cut holes in the posts to hold the panels in place, instead of brackets and screws.  The holes, which are precisely machine cut into the posts to match each specific fence model, are depedent on the post's function; which means that there are different posts for lines, corners, ends, and gates.  The panels usually either snap into place, or are secured using lock rings, depending on the type of fence.  Contrast this with a bracketed system, where all of the posts are blank and brackets are screwed into the posts to hold the fence panel in place.

Illustration 1: A series of routed line posts for a 3 rail fence system.  

 

Illustration 2: Routed fence posts with panels inserted.

 

Why should I choose a routed fence? 

Of course, the fence you choose will depend on your specific needs, but in general routed systems offer several benefits that bracketed systems can't, including: no visible screws or brackets, typically a lower cost per foot due to reduced hardware requirements, and ease of assembly.

Buy a Routed Fence System Online

Bufftech Vinyl Fences
Regis Ornamental Aluminum Fences

Oz-Post Brackets - IS-FBL & IS-FBS Back In Stock

Note 8.2.2019 - Oz-Brackets have been replaced by the models below by OZCO Building Products. They are no longer available. If you are looking for a wood to steel post bracket, check out our brackets and post adapters at https://www.signetfence.com/fences/fence-brackets-post-adapters/ 

What are Oz-Brackets?

According to Oz-Post:

There is a growing trend in fence construction with the use of steel posts for wood fencing. This new trend is in response to the problem of sub-terrain rot and insect damage on traditional wooden posts. Many people enjoy the warm natural look of a wooden fence but would like it to last longer then 5-10 years. Above ground level many wood species will last a very long time with no significant maintenance. The problem with wood fence posts is at ground level excess moisture and insects thrive and the post weakens and the fence becomes unstable.

The easiest and most effective way to solve this problem is to use galvanized steel posts instead of wood posts for your wood fence. The IS-FBS is an easy to use bracket that provides an excellent steel to wood connection. This bracket is designed for use with standard 2 ⅜" OD steel tubing and includes all necessary hardware to attach it to the steel post and to the wood rail. One of the advantages of the Oz-Post bracket is that you can clip them on in the general location where you want them and then fine tune the location by sliding them up and down the post before you attach them with the self drilling screw. The IS-FBS uses a secure connection and does not rely on compression attachment like other inferior options.

What's The Difference Between Large and Small Fence Brackets
The IS-FBL, large fence bracket has large steel tabs that provide an easy way to create a wood facade around the steel post, creating the look of using 6x6 posts.



The IS-FBS, small fence bracket provides a standard steel post look.

FenceScape Composite Fencing - The Freedom and Beauty of Wood Without All of The Work

Note: FenceScape Composite Fencing was discontinued by TimberTech. If you are looking for realistic wood grain fencing, check out our Bufftech Vinyl Fences with CertaGrain & Select Cedar Textures. They are low maintenance and come with a lifetime limited warranty.

The latest addition to our DIY Fence Supply Store, FenceScape Composite Fencing has the natural beauty and character of wood without all the maintenance. It is a great fence alternative for busy homeowners who like the look and feel of a red cedar fence, but want the performance benefits of a synthetic material like vinyl.

FenceScape Composite Materials and Panel Kits
FenceScape Composite Fencing is a component system manufactured from post-industrial recycled wood scraps and plastic.  Just like wood fences, composite fences are built with boards, rails, posts, and attachments, giving you the freedom to create whatever kind of fence suits your tastes and application.  The most common styles are privacy fence and board-on-board (aka. good neighbor) fences.  In addition to loose components, we sale kits that contain all of the FenceScape materials required to create an 8' panel in one of those styles.

Why choose FenceScape Fencing over natural wood or other composite fence brands?
- FenceScape's rail contains a honeycomb of galvanized steel that provides strength to help prevent the potential creep experienced with temperature changes or long-term load
- A FenceScape fence board is about 30-40% lighter than a traditional solid composite board.  FenceScape uses state-of-the-art technology to reduce weight while maintaining durability.
- UV Inhibiting Pigments slow fading and maintain color consistency.  Any material, including FenceScape Composites, will fade over time.
- 25 year warranty protects against: termites, decay, checking, rotting, splitting, and splintering

Sustainable Fencing Solution
FenceScape is made from post industrial recycled wood.  Annually, the FenceScape manufacturing process saves over 100 million pounds of wood dust from the landfill.  In addition, because FenceScape will not splinter, warp or fade the way wood does, it dramatically reduces the wasteful cycle of repair and replacement, and eliminates the frequent application of environmentally harmful paint, sealers and stains.

Cheaper doesn't always mean Better Value
If you compare a FenceScape Composite Fence Board to a similarly sized Western Red Cedar Fence Board, you will find that the FenceScape costs between 2.5 to 3 times more, which is a significant price difference, particularly if you're fencing a large area.  However, if you consider the lifetime maintenance costs (both in dollars and your time if you do it yourself) + the cost of replacing your wood fence at the end of its lifespan (10 to 20 years depending on weather conditions and other factors), the value gap narrows considerably.  For most homeowners, a FenceScape fence is a one time purchase with a 25 year warranty that requires very little maintenance.