The best temporary fence for your project depends on the specifics of your job site. For a small residential renovation that will only last a few days, a standard panel might work just fine. For a large-scale industrial site where work will be going on for years, Heavy Duty fencing may be needed. Getting that decision wrong can mean panels blowing over, security gaps, or paying to replace gear that wasn’t built for the punishment it took.
Here’s a complete breakdown of every temporary fence panel available at FenceLine, what the specs actually mean, and when to use each one.
Key Takeaways
- The four main panel grades are Standard Duty (SD), Commercial Duty (CD), Heavy Duty (HD), and Super Heavy Duty (SHD), each built for a different level of use, exposure, and project length
- Wire diameter, tube wall thickness, mesh size, and tube profile are the four specs that most determine how a panel performs in real conditions
- Heavy Duty is the only grade available in three heights, 4′, 6′, and 8’, making it the most versatile option across the FenceLine lineup
- Standard Duty and Super Heavy Duty panels are non-stock, bulk-order items—if you need them, plan ahead and contact FenceLine before your project start date
- Commercial Duty uses a larger mesh opening (3″ × 6″) than Heavy Duty (2″ × 4″), which affects both security and wind resistance differently than most buyers expect
- All four grades are compatible with FenceLine couplers, clamps, gates, and accessories as part of a modular system
- Prices range from $68.24/panel (Standard, 100+ units) to $177.06/panel (Super Heavy Duty, 1–9 units)—volume pricing is available across all grades
Understanding Temporary Fence Panel Duty
Weight is far from the only thing that determines whether temporary fence panels are considered heavy-duty. There are a number of other important elements worth understanding before you decide which panels are right for your site.
Wire diameter refers to the thickness of the steel wire used in the fencing mesh, measured in millimetres. A higher number means thicker, stronger wire. FenceLine’s panels range from 3.0 mm on Standard and Heavy Duty panels up to 5.0 mm on Super Heavy Duty. Thicker wire is harder to cut and deform, and it holds up better against corrosion over time.
Tube wall thickness is how thick the steel tube forming the panel frame actually is. Standard and Commercial fence panels use 1.0 mm tube walls, Heavy Duty steps up to 1.5 mm, and Super Heavy Duty uses 2.0 mm. The thicker the tube wall, the stiffer and more stable the frame and the better it holds its shape under impact and repeated handling.
Mesh opening size affects both security and how panels behave in wind. A tighter opening like the 2″ × 4″ mesh on Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty panels is harder to climb and provides a more secure barrier. Commercial Duty uses a wider 3″ × 6″ mesh, and Standard uses 2.5″ × 4″. A wider mesh opening actually lets more wind pass through, which can reduce the chance of panels acting like a sail on an exposed site.
Tube profile matters for rigidity. Standard and Commercial panels use crimped horizontal tubing for basic alignment. Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty panels use straight horizontal tubing with no crimp for a stiffer, more rigid frame that better handles sustained impact and regular movement.
Panel weight and base compatibility tie all of this together. Heavier panels pair with heavier bases — SHD panels require 10 mm base plates, HD panels use 8 mm, and SD and CD panels use 6 mm. In Alberta, where wind can be a constant source of concern on exposed job sites, that matched system of panel weight and base thickness is what keeps fencing standing when conditions get tough.
Standard Duty Fencing: For Light Use
Best for: Short-term residential projects, temporary perimeter control, and light-duty applications where cost is the primary consideration.
Standard Duty is the entry-level panel in our lineup. It’s the lightest, most economical option. It’s a good choice when your goal is basic separation.
Key specs:
- Panel size: 6′ H × 9.6′ L
- Tube wall thickness: 1.0 mm
- Wire mesh: 2.5″ × 4″ welded steel
- Wire diameter: 3.0 mm
- Tube profile: Crimped horizontal tubing
- Panel weight: 41 lbs
- Standard finish: Galvanized (Silver)
- Base compatibility: 6 mm base plate
Standard panels are ideal for residential renovation projects and short-term construction sites. They’re easy to handle and set up, which is ideal for sites with small crews.
Limitations to know before you rent or buy:
- More vulnerable to blow-over in high wind conditions than heavier grades
- 3.0 mm wire diameter is easier to cut than heavier alternatives – not suitable for sites with real security requirements
- Repeated setup and removal will cause wear faster than heavier grades
- Non-stock, bulk-order item – not available for small, same-day orders. Contact FenceLine in advance to confirm availability.
Pricing (per panel, panels only):
| Quantity | Price per panel |
| 1–9 | $85.85 |
| 10–49 | $73.92 |
| 50–99 | $71.93 |
| 100+ | $68.24 |
| Sea Container | $66.91 |
Note: New panels are subject to an import tariff of $10.65/panel.
Commercial Duty Fencing: For Professional Appearance
Best for: Public-facing events, commercial and retail sites, pedestrian control, and short- to mid-term installations where visual presentation matters.
Commercial fencing is a great choice when the fence will be seen in public and needs to look clean and controlled.
Key specs:
- Panel size: 6′ H × 9.6′ L
- Tube wall thickness: 1.0 mm
- Wire mesh: 3″ × 6″ welded steel
- Wire diameter: 4.0 mm
- Tube profile: Crimped horizontal tubing
- Panel weight: 56 lbs
- Standard finish: Galvanized (Silver); powder coat available
- Base compatibility: 6 mm base plate
One spec worth understanding: Commercial Duty panels have larger mesh openings than Standard Duty but a thicker wire diameter. This means Commercial panels are actually stronger than Standard, but the more open mesh makes them less suitable as a security barrier and allows more wind to pass through.
Ideal applications:
- Public events and festivals
- Commercial properties and retail sites
- Pedestrian control and site delineation
- Short-term construction sites in residential or public-facing areas
Not recommended for: High-security requirements, long-term industrial sites, or environments with heavy wind exposure where panels might blow over.
Pricing (per panel):
| Quantity | Powder Coat | Galvanized |
| 1–9 | $99.86 | $94.25 |
| 10–49 | $98.27 | $92.76 |
| 50–99 | $96.74 | $91.31 |
| 100+ | $93.81 | $88.54 |
| Sea Container | $80.12 | $77.92 |
Note: New panels are subject to an import tariff of $12.38/panel (PC) or $11.69/panel (Galv.).
Heavy Duty Fencing: For Versatility
Best for: Commercial and residential construction sites, mid- to long-term projects, active job sites with regular access and material movement, and rental fleets.
Heavy Duty is FenceLine’s most versatile panel. With rental-grade construction, it’s designed for repeated setup, teardown, and reuse without sacrificing strength or stability. It’s the right choice for the widest range of job sites and the only grade in our lineup available in three heights.
Available heights:
- 4′ HD: for pedestrian control, crowd management, interior site separation, and construction zones where lower-height barriers matter.
- 6′ HD: the standard choice for most construction and commercial sites.
- 8′ HD: for sites that require increased perimeter security and restricted access control.
Key specs – 6′ Heavy Duty:
- Panel size: 6′ H × 9.6′ L
- Tube wall thickness: 1.5 mm
- Wire mesh: 2″ × 4″ construction-grade welded steel
- Wire diameter: 3.0 mm
- Tube profile: Straight horizontal tubing (no crimp)
- Panel weight: 62 lbs
- Standard finish: Galvanized (Silver)
- Base compatibility: 8 mm base plate
The step up from Commercial fencing to Heavy Duty isn’t just about weight. The tube wall goes from 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, the mesh tightens from 3″ × 6″ to 2″ × 4″, and the tube profile changes from crimped to straight — all of which contribute to a stiffer, more secure, more durable panel that holds up better under sustained impact and handling.
Choose Heavy Duty over Commercial Grade when your site has:
- Higher security requirements
- Exposure to heavy wind, ice, or snow
- Longer project timelines (3 months to a year or more)
- Regular movement and impact on panels
- Proximity to roads and vehicle traffic
Pricing: 6′ Heavy Duty (per panel):
| Quantity | New | Used |
| 1–9 | $107.56 | $96.80 |
| 10–49 | $101.58 | $96.80 |
| 50–99 | $98.84 | $84.01 |
| 100+ | $96.24 | $84.01 |
| Sea Container | $84.69 | N/A |
Pricing: 4′ Heavy Duty (per panel):
| Quantity | New |
| 1–9 | $83.47 |
| 10–49 | $81.08 |
| 50–99 | $76.70 |
| 100+ | $74.68 |
Pricing: 8′ Heavy Duty (per panel):
| Quantity | New |
| 1–9 | $136.33 |
| 10–49 | $131.93 |
| 50–99 | $129.84 |
| 100+ | $125.84 |
Note: New 6′ HD panels are subject to an import tariff of $14.63/panel. 4′ HD: $11.35/panel. 8′ HD: $16.36/panel.
Super Heavy Duty Fencing: For Maximum Strength
Best for: Major construction and infrastructure projects, long-term or multi-phase sites, high-traffic and high-abuse environments, rental fleets requiring maximum durability and lifespan.
Super Heavy Duty is the top tier of our lineup. It’s engineered to withstand the most demanding conditions without loss of alignment, and specified for sites where replacement, repair, or failure simply isn’t acceptable.
Key specs:
- Panel size: 6′ H × 9.6′ L
- Tube wall thickness: 2.0 mm
- Wire mesh: 2″ × 4″ construction-grade welded steel
- Wire diameter: 5.0 mm
- Tube profile: Straight horizontal tubing (no crimp)
- Panel weight: 100 lbs
- Standard finish: Galvanized + hot dipped
- Base compatibility: 10 mm base plate
The jump from Heavy Duty to Super Heavy Duty is significant. The wire diameter goes from 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm. Tube wall thickness increases from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm. And the finish upgrades provide substantially better corrosion resistance.
Industries and sites that rely on SHD:
- Major construction and infrastructure projects
- Long-term or multi-phase industrial sites
- High-traffic, high-abuse environments
- Rental companies that need the best standard of durability and lifespan
Important: Super Heavy Duty panels are a non-stock, bulk-order item. Contact a FenceLine sales representative to confirm availability and lead time.
Pricing (per panel):
| Quantity | Price per panel |
| 1–9 | $177.06 |
| 10–49 | $167.22 |
| 50–99 | $160.53 |
| 100+ | $154.36 |
Note: New SHD panels are subject to an import tariff of $24.08/panel.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Which Grade Is Right for Your Project?
| Standard (SD) | Commercial (CD) | Heavy Duty (HD) | Super Heavy Duty (SHD) | |
| Available heights | 6′ | 6′ | 4′, 6′, 8′ | 6′ |
| Tube wall thickness | 1.0 mm | 1.0 mm | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
| Wire diameter | 3.0 mm | 4.0 mm | 3.0 mm | 5.0 mm |
| Wire mesh | 2.5″ × 4″ | 3″ × 6″ | 2″ × 4″ | 2″ × 4″ |
| Tube profile | Crimped | Crimped | Straight | Straight |
| Panel weight (6′) | 41 lbs | 56 lbs | 62 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Base plate | 6 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Standard finish | Galvanized | Galvanized | Galvanized | Galvanized + hot dipped |
| Starting price (1–9 panels) | $85.85 | $94.25 | $107.56 | $177.06 |
| Typical duration | Days to weeks | 2 weeks to 6 months | 3 months to 1+ year | 6 months or more |
| Stock status | Bulk order/ non-stock | In stock | In stock | Bulk order/ non-stock |
How to Choose Based on Project Length, Location, and Risk
Several factors will determine which temporary fence panel is right for your site.
- Project length is usually the starting point. Longer projects justify heavier panels not just for durability, but because the cost of a panel failure or replacement mid-project on a long job exceeds the difference in upfront cost.
- Location and exposure matter especially in Alberta. Exposed sites with heavy wind should lean toward Heavy Duty or SHD, regardless of project length. Sites in areas with security concerns should also prioritize heavier panels.
- Risk is equally important. Think about what happens if a fence fails on your site. On a large-scale industrial site, if your fence falls over, it can mean safety incidents, regulatory consequences, and liability.
**All FenceLine panels are compatible with the full range of FenceLine gates and accessories as part of a modular fencing system.
Get the Right Panel for Your Site
Whether you need a few standard panels for a weekend project or a full fleet of super heavy-duty panels for a multi-year infrastructure site, FenceLine has the inventory, the accessories, and the expertise to help you spec it right.