Attaching Chicken Wire: Quick And Easy Framing

Chicken wire can be used for a variety of DIY projects, from memo boards to farmhouse cabinets. Attaching chicken wire to a frame can be done in a few simple steps. First, cut a piece of chicken wire that is slightly larger than your frame. Next, attach the wire to the frame using staples or a staple gun. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid injury from the sharp wire. Once the wire is secure, trim any excess wire and hammer down the staples for a smooth finish. With these easy steps, you can create functional and decorative pieces for your home.

Prepare your frame

Preparing your frame for chicken wire is a straightforward process, but it does require some decision-making and careful work. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your frame for chicken wire installation:

Select and Prepare Your Frame

Choose a frame that suits your purpose. You can select a new frame or repurpose an old picture frame for this project. Consider the size and material of the frame. Wooden frames are ideal for chicken wire projects as they are easy to work with and provide a good surface for attaching the wire.

If you opt for a second-hand frame, ensure it is clean and free of any glass, cardboard, paper, or other materials. Use a utility knife and steel-nosed pliers to remove unwanted components. You can also remove any hardware you won't need, such as tabs that hold pictures in place.

Paint and Sand Your Frame (Optional)

If desired, you can paint your frame before attaching the chicken wire. This adds a personal touch and can create a rustic or "distressed" look. Hold the spray paint can about six inches away from the frame and move it in a steady, constant motion until the frame is covered. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Once dry, you can lightly sand the frame to give it an aged or distressed appearance. Sanding also helps smooth the surface, making it easier to handle during the wire attachment process.

Measure Your Frame

Use a tape measure to find the height and width of your frame. These measurements will guide you in cutting the chicken wire to the appropriate size. It is recommended to add an extra inch or two to the measurements to ensure the chicken wire covers the entire frame.

Prepare the Chicken Wire

Unroll the chicken wire and cut it to size using wire cutters, pliers, or a utility knife. Be cautious when handling the wire to avoid injuries. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, throughout the process.

Attach the Chicken Wire

Place your frame on top of the cut chicken wire. Use staples and a staple gun or hammer to attach the wire to the frame. Start by stapling the wire to one side, pulling the mesh taut as you work. Move systematically around the frame, ensuring the wire is securely fastened to all sides.

Once complete, trim any excess chicken wire with wire cutters, being mindful of sharp edges. You can use needle-nose pliers to turn these sharp edges inward to prevent injuries.

Your frame is now ready for its intended use, whether it's for decoration, organization, or any other creative purpose you have in mind!

Measure and cut chicken wire

To attach chicken wire to a frame, you first need to measure the frame to determine the size of the chicken wire mesh you'll need. Flip the frame over and use a tape measure to find the height and width.

Next, roll out the chicken wire mesh on a flat surface and cut it to the required size. You can use scissors for thin wire, but for thicker wire mesh, you'll need wire cutters or tin snips. Always wear protective gloves to prevent cuts and scrapes, and safety goggles to protect your eyes from any flying debris.

When cutting the chicken wire, it's a good idea to leave an extra inch or two around the measurements to ensure the chicken wire covers the entire frame. This excess wire can be trimmed later, and it's important to trim off any sharp edges to avoid injuries. You can use needle-nose pliers to turn the sharp wires inwards, and then cover the edges with foam or felt for further protection.

Once you've cut the chicken wire to the right size, you can staple or nail it to the frame. Start by attaching one side of the wire to the frame, pulling the mesh taut as you work. Use staples or nails at least every third hole to fix the mesh tightly to the frame, and use pliers to hold the staples in place as you hammer them in.

Staple the wire to the frame

Attaching chicken wire to a frame using staples is a straightforward process. First, cut a piece of chicken wire that is slightly larger than the frame. Place the frame on top of the wire and begin stapling from the left side, using staples at least every third hole to fix the mesh tightly to the wood. Use pliers to hold the staples in place and protect your hands. Once the left side is complete, move to the top of the frame, ensuring that all staples are firmly pushed in with a hammer. Next, attach the bottom side of the mesh to the frame, pulling the mesh taut as you work. Finally, staple the right side of the wire to the frame.

If you find hammering staples challenging, you can use a staple gun for this project. However, some people prefer to supplement this with regular fence staples, hammered into place, for added strength and security.

Once the wire is stapled to the frame, use wire cutters to trim any excess chicken wire, pushing down any sharp edges with a hammer. You can then measure the width and height of the backside of the frame and cut strips of foam or felt to cover any remaining sharp edges. Glue these strips to the backside of the frame with a hot glue gun to protect your walls when you hang the frame.

Trim excess wire

Chicken wire is a lightweight, malleable mesh that needs to be handled carefully to maintain its original shape. Its hexagonal weave pattern adds to its flexibility and strength. When attaching chicken wire to a frame, it is important to trim any excess wire for a neat finish and to ensure safety. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you trim excess chicken wire:

Prepare the Chicken Wire and Frame

Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools and are wearing protective gear. Put on safety gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses to avoid any injuries. Prepare your frame by sanding it until it is smooth. A smoother surface will make it easier to handle during the project.

Cut and Attach the Chicken Wire

Unroll the chicken wire and place the frame on top. Cut a piece of chicken wire that is slightly larger than the frame. You can use scissors for lightweight wire mesh, snapping the strands carefully and lifting the separated part to avoid injury. For stronger gauge netting, use wire cutters or tin snips.

Trim the Excess Wire

Once the chicken wire is attached to the frame, use wire cutters to trim any excess wire from the top and sides. Ensure you leave as few sharp edges as possible.

Fold or Secure Sharp Edges

Use pliers to fold any remaining sharp edges back to ensure safety and a neat appearance. Alternatively, you can secure these edges with garden ties.

Add Protective Backing (Optional)

If you plan to hang your frame against a wall, you may want to add a protective backing to prevent the sharp edges from damaging the wall. Measure the width and height of the backside of your frame and cut out strips of foam or felt to cover any remaining sharp edges. Use a hot glue gun to attach the strips to the backside of the frame.

By following these steps, you can effectively trim excess chicken wire when attaching it to a frame, ensuring a safe and tidy finish to your project.

Finish and hang the frame

Once you've attached the chicken wire to your frame, you'll need to finish off the project. Use wire cutters to trim off any excess chicken wire, and hammer down any staples and existing wire until they are flattened. Be sure to leave as few sharp edges as possible.

To protect your walls when you hang the frame, measure the width and height of the backside of your frame and cut out strips of foam or felt to cover any remaining sharp edges. Glue these strips to the back of the frame with a hot glue gun.

Now, you're ready to hang your frame. Decide if you want your frame to hang vertically or horizontally. Attach a sawtooth hanger in the centre of the back of the top edge. Hang the frame in a place where you'll see it every day. You can use it to keep track of events and share inspirational messages and photos.

If you don't want the back of the frame to scratch your wall, you can put felt or masking tape on the back of the frame, or put some large furniture coasters on all four corners to pull the frame away from the wall. Alternatively, put up a drywall anchor and screw and use one of the many hooked areas of the chicken wire to hang it.

Frequently asked questions