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Silt Fence Selector — Find the Right Silt Fence for Your Job Site
Answer a few plain-language questions and get matched to the exact silt fence you need — standard, wire backed, or fabric only — with live pricing and one-click add to cart.
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Silt Fence Selector
Choosing silt fence sounds simple until you are standing in front of a dozen options trying to remember the difference between 70 GSM and 100 GSM, or whether your slope calls for wire backing. The Silt Fence Selector above walks you through what kind of installation you are doing, how heavy-duty the fabric needs to be, how tall the fence should stand, and which wire mesh you need — then matches you to the exact products we stock, with live pricing and an option to add them straight to your cart. It is built for contractors who already know what they want and for first-time buyers who would rather be guided than guess.
What silt fence does and why the type matters
Silt fence is a temporary sediment barrier used for erosion and sediment control on construction sites, residential lots, and any disturbed ground where stormwater runoff could carry soil into streets, storm drains, or waterways. A woven geotextile fabric is stretched between posts so that runoff slows down, ponds briefly, and drops its sediment load before the water passes through. Done right, it keeps your site compliant with local stormwater regulations and keeps mud where it belongs.
The single biggest decision is the type of silt fence, because it determines how the barrier is supported and how much force it can withstand:
Standard wood-stake
Fabric attached to oak stakes you drive by hand. Ideal for typical job sites, residential lots, and short-term erosion control.
Wire backed
Welded-wire mesh behind the fabric for far greater strength. For long runs, steep slopes, high sediment loads, and many DOT projects.
Fabric only (for plows)
Bulk geotextile on a roll, installed mechanically with a silt fence plow. Best for large projects covering thousands of feet.
Understanding GSM (fabric weight)
GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it is the simplest way to compare how heavy-duty a silt fence fabric is. A higher GSM means a denser, stronger fabric that filters more sediment and lasts longer under sun and weather exposure.
| Fabric weight | Duty level | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 50 GSM | Light duty | Short-term jobs and lower sediment loads |
| 70 GSM | Standard duty | The all-purpose choice — strength, filtration, and cost balanced |
| 100 GSM | Heavy duty | Demanding sites, longer exposure, and DOT-grade work |
Rule of thumb: 70 GSM handles the majority of installations. Step up to 100 GSM when the fence has to stay in place for an extended period or when you expect heavy runoff.
Choosing the right height
Silt fence height is measured by the fabric, and taller fence holds back more water and sediment — at the cost of more material and deeper stakes.
- 24 inch (2 ft) — lighter coverage for low-flow areas and small lots.
- 36 inch (3 ft) — the standard height for most installations and the one most specifications call for.
- 42 inch and 48 inch (4 ft) — extra coverage for steeper grades, higher sediment loads, or areas where runoff tends to pool.
A good rule of thumb: 36 inches covers most situations, and you step up when the grade is steep or water collects.
Wire mesh spacing on wire backed fence
If you go with wire backed silt fence, you will choose between two mesh patterns. A 2 inch by 4 inch grid is tighter and gives the fabric the most support and rigidity. A 4 inch by 4 inch grid is more open, lighter, and more economical to handle. Both are reinforced and durable; the choice comes down to how much rigidity your site demands versus how easy you want the material to be to work with.
Don't forget the posts
Wire backed silt fence needs steel T-posts to support its added weight — plan on roughly 11 posts per 100-foot roll, spaced about every 8 to 10 feet. Standard wood-stake fence already includes its stakes. The selector reminds you to add T-posts when you choose a wire backed option, so you don't get to the job site short on hardware.
How much silt fence do I need?
Measure the linear footage of the perimeter (or the contour line) you need to protect, then divide by the roll length — most of our fence comes in 100-foot rolls. Add a little extra for overlap at the seams, where you splice two runs together, and for any corners or returns. For wire backed installations, calculate your T-posts at about 11 per roll. If you are estimating a large or unusually shaped site and want a second set of eyes, our team is happy to help on the phone.
Installation basics
Proper installation is what makes silt fence actually work. Trench in the bottom edge of the fabric so water can't undercut it, drive posts on the downhill side of the fabric, and keep the fence following the contour of the land rather than running straight down a slope. Overlap and wrap fabric at joints, and inspect after every significant rain, removing accumulated sediment before it reaches roughly one-third of the fence height.
Shop silt fence
Standard wood-stake silt fence
Hand-installed fence with oak stakes — the everyday choice for typical job sites and residential lots.
Shop Standard
Wire backed silt fence
Welded-wire reinforcement for long runs, steep slopes, heavy sediment, and DOT-grade work.
Shop Wire Backed
Steel T-posts
Support posts for wire backed installations — about 11 per 100-foot roll.
Shop T-PostsFrequently Asked Questions
What is silt fence used for?
Silt fence is a temporary sediment barrier used for erosion and sediment control on construction sites, residential lots, and disturbed ground where stormwater runoff could carry soil into streets, storm drains, or waterways. The fabric slows runoff so it drops its sediment before passing through, helping keep a site compliant with local stormwater regulations.
What is the difference between standard and wire backed silt fence?
Standard wood-stake silt fence is hand-installed with oak stakes and is ideal for typical job sites and short-term erosion control. Wire backed silt fence adds a welded-wire mesh behind the fabric for far greater strength, making it the choice for long runs, steep slopes, high sediment loads, and many DOT projects.
What does GSM mean on silt fence?
GSM stands for grams per square meter and measures the fabric weight. Higher GSM means a denser, stronger fabric that filters more sediment and lasts longer. 50 GSM is light duty, 70 GSM is the all-purpose standard most buyers choose, and 100 GSM is heavy duty for demanding sites and DOT-grade work.
What height of silt fence do I need?
36 inch (3 ft) silt fence is the standard height for most installations and what most specifications call for. 24 inch fence suits low-flow areas and small lots, while 42 inch and 48 inch fence provide extra coverage for steep grades, higher sediment loads, or areas where runoff pools.
How much silt fence do I need?
Measure the linear footage of the perimeter or contour line you need to protect, then divide by the roll length — most silt fence comes in 100-foot rolls. Add extra for overlap at seams and for corners. For wire backed installations, plan on roughly 11 steel T-posts per 100-foot roll.
Which wire mesh spacing should I choose?
A 2 inch by 4 inch grid is tighter and gives the fabric the most support and rigidity. A 4 inch by 4 inch grid is more open, lighter, and more economical to handle. Both are reinforced and durable; the choice comes down to how much rigidity your site demands versus how easy you want the material to handle.
Ready to choose your silt fence?
Use the Silt Fence Selector at the top of this page to get a product match, see current pricing, and add what you need to your cart. Prefer to talk it through? Our team specs orders with contractors every day.
Use the Silt Fence Selector