Whether you're securing a busy construction site or managing crowds at a major event, choosing the right temporary fence is critical for success. But with so many options, from classic chain link to heavy-duty steel panels, so how do you make the right choice?
This guide breaks down five leading temporary fence products, providing a comprehensive comparison of their designs, pros, cons, and ideal applications to help you make a precise and informed decision.
We will explore:
A Deep Dive into 5 Key Temporary Fence Types
1. USA Style Chain Link Temporary Fence
At a Glance: The most common temporary fence in the United States, composed of a galvanized steel tube frame and woven chain-link mesh. The system works by setting individual panels into metal stands for support. Adjacent panels are then securely joined with saddle clamps to form a continuous and effective barrier.
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Highly cost-effective, strong, and durable for most general applications. It provides excellent visibility, allowing for easy monitoring of the site.
Cons: Offers zero privacy unless windscreens are added. The woven mesh design can be easier to climb than welded mesh alternatives.
Best Used For: General construction sites, long-term infrastructure projects, and securing public utility work zones where visibility is a plus.
Pro Tips: Confirm that the wire gauge and frame thickness meet your project's security requirements. If wind or privacy is a concern, ensure you budget for additional windscreens.
2. Australian Style Welded Fence
At a Glance: A robust temporary fencing system known for its strength and stability. It features a galvanized steel frame with welded wire mesh, which is stronger and harder to climb than chain-link. The defining feature is its heavy, concrete-filled plastic base, providing a solid foundation on any flat surface.
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Highly stable and wind-resistant, especially when paired with diagonal support braces. The welded mesh offers superior security and is difficult to cut or climb. Quick to install on hard, flat surfaces.
Cons: Heavy concrete bases can be difficult to move and transport manually. Not ideal for very uneven or steeply sloped terrain where the bases cannot sit flat.
Best Used For: High-traffic public events (concerts, festivals), construction sites requiring enhanced security, and any location prone to high winds.
Pro Tips: Inspect the quality of the welds to ensure they are strong and complete. For long-term projects or in windy areas, always opt for the additional diagonal support braces. Ensure the "feet" (bases) are placed on reasonably level ground to maximize stability.
3. Canadian Style Welded Fence
At a glance: A robust welded mesh fence engineered to perform in harsh climates. While the panel is similar to the Australian style, the key difference is the base: a long, flat steel "skid." This unique base acts much like a snowshoe, distributing the panel's weight over a larger area to prevent it from sinking into snow, mud, or sand.
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Superior stability on uneven or soft surfaces. The robust, hot-dipped galvanized frame offers excellent weather resistance, crucial for snowy and wet conditions.
Cons: Generally heavier and more expensive than chain link systems.
Best Used For: Urban construction projects in Canada and other cold regions, winter outdoor events, and sites with rough or unpredictable ground conditions.
Pro Tips: Always verify the quality of the anti-corrosion finish; hot-dipped galvanization is the gold standard. Also, while the skid base is excellent on soft ground, be aware it can be slippery on smooth, wet concrete.
4. Pedestrian Barrier
At a Glance: A lightweight, waist-high barrier specifically designed for crowd control and guiding foot traffic. Also known as crowd control barricades, they feature a simple interlocking hook-and-loop system to create long, continuous lines quickly and easily.
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Extremely lightweight and easy to transport, allowing for rapid deployment and flexible setups. They are the go-to solution for temporary event management.
Cons: Offers minimal security, as they are lightweight and free-standing
Best Used For: Directing crowds at concerts, marathons, and parades; creating organized queues; and marking out restricted areas like VIP zones or staff-only sections.
Pro Tips: Foot design is critical for stability and safety. Here's a quick guide:
A. Fixed Feet: Offers the fastest setup, ideal for events where speed is the main concern.
B. Bridge Feet: Provides maximum stability on uneven surfaces and the best resistance to crowd pressure.
C. Flat Feet: Minimizes tripping hazards, making it the safest option for dense crowds walking alongside the barriers.
5. Steel Hoarding Panels
At a Glance: The ultimate solution for privacy and security. These are solid, opaque steel panels mounted on a sturdy frame, creating a solid wall that completely blocks the view into a site.
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Provides 100% visual screening, offering unmatched privacy and security. It acts as a significant deterrent and can be used as a surface for branding or public information.
Cons: The heaviest and most expensive option. Its solid surface catches wind like a sail, creating a high wind load that requires a robust bracing system to ensure safety.
Best Used For: High-profile downtown construction sites, projects involving sensitive work, and any area requiring a strong visual and sound barrier.
Pro Tips: Always get a professional wind assessment and use the correct support system. It's the only way to prevent a dangerous blow-over.
4 Keys to Choosing the Right Temporary Fence
To select the best option, evaluate your project's needs against these four key criteria.
1. Define Your Primary Goal
For High-Level Security & Privacy: Steel Hoarding Panels are the only choice.
For Reliable Site Security: Australian or Canadian Welded Fences offer the best protection.
For Basic Security & Visibility: The USA Style Chain Link Fence is the standard.
For Crowd & Traffic Guidance: Pedestrian Barriers are the specific tool for the job.
2. Assess Site Conditions
Windy Areas: The Australian fence with its heavy base and available bracing is engineered for this.
Uneven or Snowy Ground: The Canadian fence's steel skid base offers a clear advantage.
Frequent Relocation: Lightweight Pedestrian Barriers provide the most flexibility.
3. Determine Project Duration
Long-Term Projects (1+ year): Investing in the durability of Australian or Canadian welded fences often provides better long-term value and safety.
Short-Term Events (days or weeks): Chain Link or Pedestrian Barriers are typically sufficient and more economical.
4. Review Compliance and Aesthetic Needs
Local Regulations: Many municipalities have aesthetic codes for urban construction. The clean look of Canadian welded mesh or the solid front of Steel Hoarding often meets these requirements.
Brand Image: Steel Hoarding provides a professional canvas to display your company's brand and project renderings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best type of temporary fencing?
There is no single "best" type. The right choice depends entirely on the job. If your top priority is site security and wind resistance, the Australian Style Welded Fence is a top contender. If you simply need to guide crowds at a festival, the Pedestrian Barrier is the correct tool.
What can I use as a temporary fence?
The five professional products covered in this guide—chain link, welded mesh (Australian/Canadian styles), pedestrian barriers, and steel hoarding—are the industry-standard options. They are specifically designed for safety and compliance, unlike makeshift DIY solutions.
How quickly can temporary fencing be set up?
Installation speed depends on the fence type, length, and site. On a clear site, an experienced team can typically install 300-500 feet (100-150 meters) of standard panels in a few hours. Heavier systems or difficult terrain will require more time.
What is an alternative to wood fencing?
For a solid privacy barrier, Steel Hoarding Panels offer a more durable and secure solution. For general perimeter control, Welded Mesh Fences are a much stronger and longer-lasting alternative to wood.
What are temporary fences called?
They go by many names, including "Construction Fencing," "Event Fencing," "Temp Panels," or are referred to by their specific style, like "Crowd Control Barricades" or "Site Hoarding."
