ASTM F537-01(2019)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Fences Constructed of Wood and Related Materials
Standard Specification for Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Fences Constructed of Wood and Related Materials
ABSTRACT
This specification covers the design, fabrication, and installation practices for wood fences, including fences combined with wood and other materials, that are based on fundamental construction principles combined with long-standing traditional fence building skills. This specification also provides a systematic method of purchase, inspection with basis for rejection, and certification of manufactured wood fences by the fence industry. The generic classifications for wood fencing covered here are the rail fences (Type I), board fences (Type II), picket fences (Type III), and solid panel fences (Type IV).
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers all wood fences, including fences combined with wood and other materials.
1.2 This specification covers three classifications of wood fences. This specification is based on fundamental construction principles combined with long-standing traditional fence building skills, and covers the design, fabrication, and installation practices of wood fences.
1.3 This specification also provides a systematic method of purchase, inspection with basis for rejection, and certification of manufactured wood fences by the fence industry.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. Acceptable industry-wide SI equivalents are being developed.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F537 −01 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Fences Constructed
of Wood and Related Materials
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF537;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope for Preparing Pentachlorophenol Solutions (Withdrawn
1992)
1.1 This specification covers all wood fences, including
D3225Specification for Low-Boiling Hydrocarbon Solvent
fences combined with wood and other materials.
for Oil-Borne Preservatives (Withdrawn 2006)
1.2 This specification covers three classifications of wood
D3506Specification for Inhibited Grade Methylene Chlo-
fences.Thisspecificationisbasedonfundamentalconstruction
ride for Preparing Pentachlorophenol Solutions (With-
principlescombinedwithlong-standingtraditionalfencebuild- 3
drawn 1992)
ing skills, and covers the design, fabrication, and installation
F1043Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on
practices of wood fences.
Steel Industrial Fence Framework
F1667SpecificationforDrivenFasteners:Nails,Spikes,and
1.3 This specification also provides a systematic method of
purchase, inspection with basis for rejection, and certification Staples
2.2 Federal Standards:
of manufactured wood fences by the fence industry.
TT-W-572B Fungicide: Pentachlorophenol
1.4 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
2.3 Canadian Standards Association Document:
as the standard. Acceptable industry-wide SI equivalents are
B111-74Specification for Wire Nails, Spikes, and Staples
being developed.
2.4 National Forest Products Association Standard:
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
National Design Specification for Stress Grade Lumber and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Its Fastenings
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 7
2.5 Voluntary Product Standards:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
PS20-70Softwood Lumber
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
PS1-74 Softwood Plywood
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 8
2.6 American Plywood Association Standard:
Specification for Plywood Design
2. Referenced Documents
2.7 American Wood Preservers Association Standards:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1AllTimberProducts,PreservativeTreatmentbyPressure
A641/A641MSpecification for Zinc–Coated (Galvanized)
Process
Carbon Steel Wire
C2Lumber, Timbers, Bridge Ties, Mine Ties, Preservative
A809 Specification for Aluminum-Coated (Aluminized)
Treatment by Pressure Process
Carbon Steel Wire
C5Fence Post, Preservative Treatment by Pressure Process
B221Specification forAluminum andAluminum-Alloy Ex-
truded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
D2605Specification for Volatile Petroleum Solvent (LPG)
www.astm.org.
AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
1 5
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF14onFences Available from Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd., Rexdale,
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.10 on Specific Applications Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3.
and Other Fence Systems and Components. AvailablefromNationalForestProductsAssociation,1619MassachusettsAve.,
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally N.W., Washington, DC 20036.
approvedin1978.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2014asF537–01(2014).DOI: Available from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,
10.1520/F0537-01R19. Washington, DC 20234.
2 8
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American Plywood Association, 1119 A St., Tacoma, WA
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 98401.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Wood Preservers Association, P.O. Box 849,
the ASTM website. Stevensville, MD 21666.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F537−01 (2019)
C9Plywood, Preservative Treatment by Pressure Process 3.2.7 pencilpoint—apicketorboardthatisconicalinshape,
C16Wood Used on Farms, Preservative Treatment by Pres- and common to round and half-round pickets.
sure Process
3.2.8 standard clipped corners (or dog-eared corners)—
C23RoundPolesandPostsUsedForBuildingConstruction,
corners which are clipped diagonally (approximately 45°).
Preservative Treatment by Pressure Process
3.2.9 standard point—a picket or fence board cut to a point
M4 Care of Pressure Treated Wood Products
at approximately 45° angles.
3.2.10 posts—fence posts are specified by the desired shape
3. Terminology
or manufacture of their above ground tops as described in
3.1 Definitions:
3.2.11 through 3.2.15.
3.1.1 back rails—rails on which cover material is directly
3.2.11 chamfered posts—in round or square posts, the shal-
attached.
low diagonal cut or easing of the otherwise square-cut end.
3.1.2 boards—lumberthatisupto1in.innominalthickness
3 1
Usually measures from ⁄4to 1 ⁄2 in. along the chamfer.
and 2 in. or wider in nominal width.
3.2.12 diamond-point posts—the pyramid-shaped ends of
3.1.3 cover material—the face or fill material attached to a
post which are formed by angle cuts of approximately 45°.
fence structural frame.
3.2.13 domed posts—roundedendsofeitherroundorsquare
3.1.4 custom fence design—any fence design that is signifi-
posts.
cantly different from those described in this specification.
3.2.14 flattop fence posts—the square cut ends of post.
Custom fence designs are also required to meet all require-
ments regarding materials, fabrication, installation,
3.2.15 pencil-pointposts—conicallyshapedroundposttops.
workmanship, and structural equivalency as set forth within
this specification.
4. Classification of Standard Fence Types
3.1.5 panel products—all modular products available in
4.1 The generic classifications of wood fencing in 4.2
standardized rectangular panels, many of which are suited to
through 4.5 have gained common recognition throughout the
exterior applications such as privacy fencing. Examples are
fence industry and are adapted to this specification as a means
plywood, fiberglass, and corrugated metals.
of identifying a basic fence type. These classifications may be
used in all cases as part of the purchase agreement between
3.1.6 pickets—narrow wood members that are sawn, split,
buyers and sellers of wood fencing; except a detailed
sliced, milled, natural round or half-round, and are approxi-
description, drawing, or rendering of a custom fence design
mately 2 to 4 in. in face or coverage width.
may be substituted where necessary.
3.1.7 posts—the vertical structural support members of the
4.2 Type I—Rail Fences:
fence frame.
4.2.1 Split Rail—The common country fence of alternating
3.1.8 rails—the horizontal structural support members of
layers of handsplit rails laid up in zigzag tiers.
the fence frame.
4.2.2 SplitorSawnPostandRail,orBoth—Therusticfence
3.1.9 slats or weave boards—the horizontal or vertical
made up of split or sawn rails (two to four rails) installed into
3 3
membersusedinbasketweavetypefencesnormally ⁄8to ⁄4in.
slotted split or sawn posts.
thick and 3 in. or wider in nominal width.
4.2.3 Round Post and Rail—A fence similar to that de-
3.1.10 standard fence design—anyfencestructuralframeor
scribed in 4.2.2, except posts and rails are round or natural
fence-type classification covered within this specification. shaped; normally produced in two, three, and four rail fences.
The rails are machined at ends to form a paddle-shaped scarf
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
jointtobeinstalledintopostslotsorformedintodoweledends
3.2.1 boards or pickets—fence boards or pickets are speci-
for installing into posts with round connections.
fied by the desired shape or manufacture of the upright end
4.2.3.1 Herringbone Pattern Round Post and Rail—Afence
when installed vertically as described in 3.2.2 through 3.2.9.
as described in 4.2.3, except it is normally a three-rail fence
3.2.2 California clipped corners—corners similar to 3.2.8,
with small round wood inserts (doweled) which are installed
except the clip angle is steeper at approximately 65°.
between the upper two rails to form the familiar herringbone
pattern.
3.2.3 diamond point—a board or picket similar to the
standard point (3.2.9), except it consists of additional angular 4.2.3.2 English Hurdle Fence—A standard post and rail
cuts, front and back, so that the top appears as a triangle from fence as described in 4.2.2 and 4.2.3, except that two smaller
four angles of view, or pyramid shaped. rails are installed diagonally from the fence posts (usually
below the bottom rail connection) extending upwards to just
3.2.4 flattop—a simple flat or 90° square cut end.
above the fence top rail where they intersect and join a third
3.2.5 gothic—apicketorboardinwhichtheshapeisformed
decorative rail of the same approximate size, which extends
by two arc-shaped cuts that meet at center to form a graceful
downward to just below the bottom rail at a perpendicular
point at the top.
angle.
3.2.6 handsplit—pickets, posts, and rails which are split by 4.2.4 Post and Board—The fence often referred to as corral
machine or by hand using an axe or froe, etc. fenceisnormallyconstructedusingsawnwoodposts,although
F537−01 (2019)
round wood posts are sometimes used, with boards serving as The pickets may be installed solid or by specified spacing
rails. They are commonly constructed in two, three, or four where desired for light and ventilation.
board configurations.
4.4.2 Grape Stake Picket—A fence that is sometimes re-
4.2.4.1 Crossbuck Post and Board—Afence as described in
ferred to by the picket type, either handsplit or machine sliced.
4.2.4, except that two boards diagonally cross each other
This is a popular fence in the durable species and is usually
between two standard top and bottom board rails.
constructed with handsplit or machined back rails and posts. It
4.2.4.2 Crossbuck Post and Rail—A fence as in 4.2.4.1,
is most often installed with solid picket cover, but can be
except rails are 2-in. or thicker nominal lumber.
utilized as a spaced picket fence.
4.2.4.3 Hurdle Post and Board—A fence having the same
4.4.3 Stockade Picket—A fence that is similar to other
geometric arrangement as the English hurdle fence in 4.2.3.2,
picket fences, except the pickets are natural, machine milled,
except all rails are sawn boards.
round, or sliced to half-round; and are available with bark
4.2.4.4 Hurdle Post and Rail—A fence as described in
removed, or with bark on for an added rustic effect.This fence
4.2.4.3,excepttopandbottomrailsare2in.orthickernominal
is popular in common wood species, and may be installed to
lumber.
round wood posts and round or half-round back rails, sawn
4.3 Type II—Board Fences: Every design within this type
posts, and back rails; or back rails attached to metal posts.
may be supported by sawn wood posts, round wood posts, or
4.4.4 Wire-Bound Picket—This fencing is wire-bound,
metal posts.
wooden picket fencing, in roll form. It is used for applications
4.3.1 Solid Board Fence—A fence that is constructed of
such as but not limited to, snow, shade, safety, sand, and
ordinary wood fence boards which are usually installed
screening. The fence is fabricated with a 2- or 4-in. maximum
vertically, but occasionally horizontally or diagonally, over a
rather conventional fence frame of from two to four rails spacing between pickets as specified by the purchaser. Each
between posts. picket is held firmly by five pairs of zinc-coated wires. Each
4.3.2 Spaced Board Fence—A fence as described in 4.3.1,
pair of wires is tightly twisted by rotating a twister head a
except that open space is provided between the boards either
minimum of 2½ complete revolutions (900° of rotation) for
for eye appeal or for ventilation.
2-in.spacingand5completerevolutions(1800°ofrotation)for
4.3.3 Shadow Box—A fence that is constructed like a solid
the 4-in. spacing.
board fence (see 4.3.1), except that fence boards are installed
4.4.4.1 The twist rotation shall be in opposite directions
alternately from one side of the fence rails to the other,
between each succeeding picket. The wire shall have a mini-
providing interesting shadow lines as well as excellent venti-
mum coated diameter of 0.099 in. (12 ⁄2 gage) and a minimum
lation. This fence is commonly offered in either vertical or
zinc coating of 0.30 oz/ft (Specification A641/A641M, Class
horizontal panels.
1) or a minimum aluminum coating of 0.32 oz/ft (Specifica-
4.3.4 Louver—A fence which is similar to common board
tion A809) as selected by the purchaser. It shall have a
fences (4.3.1) in frame configuration, except that fence boards
minimum tensile strength of 70 000 psi in accordance with
areinstalledangularlybetweenthefencerailswiththeeffectof
Specification A641/A641M or Specification A809, Medium
directingsunlightandairinadesirableway.Thesefencesmay
Temper. The wire spacing of top and bottom pairs of wires
be constructed with the board louvers installed vertically or
shallbenotlessthan3in.andnotmorethan6in.fromtheends
horizontally.
of the pickets, with the remaining pairs of wires spaced
4.3.5 Weave—A fence similar to the shadow box (4.3.3),
equidistant between the top and bottom wires.
except each individual fence board, normally 1 in. nominal in
4.4.4.2 The length of roll of fabricated fence shall be 50 ft
thickness, is alternately attached to one side of the top rail and
the opposite side of the bottom rail. It may be constructed 6 6 in. The pickets shall be made of spruce, hemlock, cedar,
vertically as described, or horizontally (minus rails) by alter- redwood, fir, or pine, air-dried and rough sawn. The pickets
nating installation of the boards directly to the fence posts.
may be stained, painted with a red oxide coating, or pressure-
4.3.6 Basket Weave—A fence similar to the weave (4.3.5),
treated in accordance with 9.4 as specified. Picket dimension
3 3
3 1 1
except basket boards (commonly ⁄8to ⁄4in. in thickness) are
shallbe:length,either48or72 6 ⁄16in.;width,1 ⁄2 6 ⁄16in.;
3 1
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