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Sediment Fence: What It Is vs a Silt Fence
Sediment Fence: What It Is and How It Differs From Silt Fence
What a sediment fence is, why it has so many names, and how to choose one
In This Guide
A sediment fence is the same product as a silt fence: a temporary barrier of woven geotextile fabric staked into the ground to trap soil carried by stormwater runoff. The terms sediment fence, silt fence, and sediment control fence are used interchangeably across specifications and job sites. Whatever the name, the job is identical — keep disturbed soil on site and out of waterways.
Quick answer: A sediment fence (also called a silt fence) is a temporary woven-fabric barrier that traps sediment from runoff while letting filtered water pass.
A sediment fence installed around a disturbed site perimeter.
What is a sediment fence?
A sediment fence is a perimeter sediment control made from woven polypropylene geotextile supported by stakes or posts. As runoff reaches the fabric it slows, sediment settles out on the uphill side, and filtered water passes through. It is one of the most widely used best management practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control on construction and landscaping sites.
Sediment fence vs silt fence: the terminology
If you have seen the product called several different things, you are not alone. Contractors, inspectors, and specs use a mix of names for what is essentially one barrier:
- Silt fence and sediment fence are the most common names, used interchangeably.
- Sediment control fence emphasizes the regulatory or BMP role.
- Sediment fencing is simply the plural or general form.
None of these names changes the product. They all describe a permeable fabric barrier that filters runoff.
How a sediment fence controls runoff
The fence works on sheet flow — the shallow water that moves broadly across exposed soil after grading. By slowing that flow, the fence drops its sediment load before the water leaves the site. For concentrated flow in ditches or channels, a sediment fence is not the right tool, and a check dam, wattle, or sediment basin should be used instead.
Choosing a sediment fence
The main decisions are fabric weight (GSM), height, and whether you need wire backing for tougher runs. Most jobs are well served by 36 inch, 70 GSM standard fence, while steep slopes and DOT work often call for heavier or wire backed fence. Compare options on the silt fence collection or let the Silt Fence Selector match you to a product.
Not sure which product fits your site? Use the Silt Fence Selector, our free interactive tool under the Resources menu, to answer a few plain-language questions and get matched to the right silt fence, height, and fabric weight for your job.
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Standard and wire backed sediment fence, all with free shipping.
Shop Silt Fence Use the Silt Fence SelectorFrequently Asked Questions
What is a sediment fence?
A sediment fence is a temporary barrier of woven geotextile fabric staked into the ground to trap soil carried by stormwater runoff. It is the same product as a silt fence and is used for erosion and sediment control on disturbed sites.
Is a sediment fence the same as a silt fence?
Yes. Sediment fence and silt fence are interchangeable names for the same product — a permeable woven-fabric barrier that traps sediment while letting filtered water pass through.
What is sediment fencing used for?
Sediment fencing is used to capture sediment from sheet flow on construction and landscaping sites before runoff can carry soil into storm drains and waterways, helping a site stay compliant with stormwater regulations.
How does a sediment control fence work?
A sediment control fence slows shallow sheet flow so suspended soil settles out on the uphill side of the fabric, while filtered water seeps through. It is designed for sheet flow rather than concentrated channel flow.
What sediment fence should I use?
Most jobs are well served by 36 inch, 70 GSM standard fence. Steep slopes, long runs, and DOT projects often call for heavier 100 GSM or wire backed fence for added strength.