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Silt Fence
Woven geotextile sediment barriers — wood stake, T-post, and wire-backed systems in 100-ft rolls. Free shipping.
A silt fence is a temporary sediment barrier for construction and land-disturbance sites. Woven geotextile fabric on stakes, T-posts, or wire backing filters stormwater runoff — letting water through while trapping soil on-site to keep the job stormwater-compliant.
How a silt fence works
Filters, doesn't dam
Runoff slows as it hits the fabric. Water seeps through the weave; heavier sediment drops out and settles behind the fence rather than washing downstream.
Trenched at the base
The bottom edge is buried in a 6-inch trench so runoff can't undercut the fence. Proper embedment is what separates a fence that holds from one that blows out.
Follows the contour
Installed along the downhill perimeter on the level, it ponds water briefly so sediment settles — protecting inlets, waterways, and adjacent lots.
Choosing the right silt fence
The right fence depends on soil, slope, flow, and whether the job is spec-driven. Here's how the grades we stock compare.
| Type | Best for | Support | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard wood-stake | General site perimeters, residential & light commercial grading | 36" or 48" wood stakes | Woven geotextile |
| DOT-grade | Roadway & public projects that must meet state DOT specs | 48" wood stakes | Spec-compliant woven |
| Wire-backed | Higher flow, longer runs, and steeper slopes needing extra support | 2"×4" or 4"×4" welded wire mesh | 70 or 100 GSM woven |
| Fabric-only roll | Crews running a silt fence plow / static slicer | Installed with machine | Woven geotextile |
Not sure which type your job calls for? The Silt Fence Selector walks you through installation type, fabric weight, and height to the right in-stock product in a few clicks.
Stakes, posts & accessories
Fence is only as good as what holds it up. We stock the support hardware alongside the fabric so you can spec a complete run from one order:
- Steel T-posts — the go-to for wire-backed runs and reusable installs; drive fast and hold in firm soil.
- Wood stakes — pre-attached on standard and DOT fence at 36" and 48" heights.
- Silt fence fabric only — bulk woven rolls for crews installing with a plow.
Silt fence FAQ
What is a silt fence used for?
A silt fence controls sediment in stormwater runoff on construction and land-disturbance sites. It filters the water and traps eroded soil on-site, keeping it out of storm drains, streams, and neighboring property so the job stays compliant with local and EPA/NPDES stormwater rules.
Does a silt fence let water through?
Yes. The woven geotextile is permeable — water passes slowly through the weave while suspended sediment is held back and settles behind the fence. A silt fence filters runoff; it isn't meant to fully dam or divert it.
How deep does a silt fence need to be?
The bottom edge should be buried in a trench about 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide, with the fabric laid into the trench and backfilled. Burying the base is what stops runoff from undercutting and blowing out the fence — most spec failures come from skipping the trench.
What's the difference between standard and wire-backed silt fence?
Standard silt fence relies on wood stakes to hold the fabric upright and suits general perimeters. Wire-backed silt fence adds a welded 2"×4" or 4"×4" wire mesh behind the fabric for extra support — the better choice for higher flow, longer runs, and steeper slopes where a standard fence would sag or fail.
What is DOT-grade silt fence?
DOT-grade silt fence uses a woven fabric and stake spacing that meet state Department of Transportation specifications for public and roadway projects. If your job is spec-driven, use the DOT-grade product so the material passes inspection.
When is a silt fence required?
Most jurisdictions require sediment control any time a site is graded or soil is disturbed above a set threshold — commonly one acre, though many local codes set it lower. Check your permit and stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP); a silt fence is the most commonly specified perimeter control.
Not Sure Which Silt Fence to Order?
The Silt Fence Selector walks you through installation type, fabric weight, height, and wire mesh — then matches you to the exact products we stock, with live pricing.