Attaching Chicken Wire To Your House's Side: A Step-By-Step Guide

Chicken wire is a versatile and inexpensive fencing option that can be used for a variety of purposes, from protecting your garden from pests to creating a safe outdoor space for your cats. Attaching chicken wire to the side of your house can be a straightforward task, even for beginners. In this guide, we will cover the tools and steps needed to securely attach chicken wire to your home's exterior. Whether you're looking to enclose a chicken coop or simply add a unique design element to your house, chicken wire can be an excellent choice.

Use staples for wooden posts

Chicken wire can be attached to wooden posts using staples. This is the easiest method when attaching chicken wire to wood.

First, cut the chicken wire to size, leaving a little extra on each side for adjustments and overlaps. The wire should be cut to be slightly bigger than the wooden frame, with an extra inch or two all around to ensure the chicken wire covers the entire frame.

Next, attach the wire to the left side first, using staples at least at every third hole to fix the mesh tightly to the wood. Hold the staples with pliers to shield your hands. If using a staple gun, ensure you are wearing protective gloves and eyewear. Once the left side is stapled, attach the top, then the bottom, pulling the mesh taut as you move along. The last side to staple is the right side.

Finally, hammer the staples to ensure they are pushed in firmly and flatten any that are not. Trim off any excess wire and fold or cut any sharp edges.

Use cable ties for metal posts

Chicken wire is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of DIY projects, including building enclosures for chickens or other animals, and creating garden fences or landscaping borders. It is flexible, easy to cut, and simple to secure to various structures, including wooden posts, metal posts, and chain-link fences.

When attaching chicken wire to metal posts, one effective method is to use cable ties, also known as zip ties. Cable ties are made of durable plastic and are designed to securely fasten items together. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use cable ties to attach chicken wire to metal posts:

• Prepare the Metal Posts: Drive the metal posts firmly into the ground, leaving only 4-6 inches of the top post above the ground. The ribbed design of the metal posts will help the mesh grip better, reducing the number of fasteners required.
• Unroll and Position the Chicken Wire Mesh: Lay out the wire mesh or PVC-coated chicken wire along the fence line. Ensure it is taut and straight, creating an overlap where necessary.
• Secure the Chicken Wire to the Metal Posts: Use cable ties to attach the chicken wire mesh to the metal posts. Place the cable ties at intervals of approximately 15 cm (6 inches) to ensure a strong and stable connection. Do not overtighten the cable ties, as this may cause the mesh to become distorted or damaged.
• Cut Excess Plastic: After securing the cable ties, use a pair of scissors or wire cutters to carefully cut off any excess plastic protruding from the ties. This will create a neat and even finish.
• Secure the Bottom of the Chicken Wire: To prevent animals from burrowing underneath, it is important to secure the bottom of the chicken wire. Dig a trench along the fence line, approximately 15-30 cm deep. Place the bottom edge of the chicken wire into the trench and backfill it with soil, packing it down tightly. Alternatively, you can create an L-shape barrier by bending the lower 6-8 inches of the wire outward at a right angle, forming a barrier that discourages burrowing.

By following these steps, you can effectively attach chicken wire to metal posts using cable ties, creating a sturdy and secure enclosure or fence. Cable ties are a convenient and quick method of installation, but it is important to ensure that they are properly secured and not overtightened to maintain the integrity of the chicken wire mesh.

Prepare the wire and surface

If you are attaching the chicken wire to a brick wall, you can use U-shaped staples or masonry nails. Starting from one corner, hammer the staples or nails into the mortar joints at regular intervals, ensuring the wire is pulled taut as you go. For added stability, you can attach horizontal wooden battens to the wall and then attach the chicken wire to these battens.

If you are attaching the chicken wire to a wooden surface, you can use staples or a staple gun. Position the wooden posts, and pour concrete into the base of the holes if desired, bracing with temporary stakes for 24-48 hours while it cures. Once the posts are anchored, treat the wood with a weather-resistant stain or spray paint before attaching the wire.

If you are attaching the chicken wire to a metal surface, you can use cable ties or tie wire. Drive metal T-posts into the ground, leaving 4-6 inches of the top post above the ground. The ribbed design will help the mesh grip and reduce the need for fasteners. Clamp or staple the mesh at the top corner using a staple gun or wrap zip ties tightly around the posts.

Always wear protective clothing, such as leather gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when working with chicken wire.

Secure the wire

Chicken wire is a versatile and inexpensive material that can be used for a variety of projects, from fencing to memo boards. It is easy to work with and can be attached to various surfaces, including wood, metal, and brick walls. Here is a comprehensive guide on securing chicken wire to the side of your house:

When attaching chicken wire to a wooden surface, such as a fence post or a frame, staples are the easiest and most common method. Use a staple gun for a quicker and easier process, or a hammer to firmly drive the staples into the wood. Space the staples about 15 cm apart, and at least every third hole, making sure to pull the mesh taut before stapling. If you are attaching chicken wire to a metal surface, cable ties or tie wire are recommended. Use cable ties at 15 cm intervals, and cut off any excess plastic for a neat finish.

For attaching chicken wire to a brick wall, U-shaped staples are ideal. Hammer these staples into the mortar joints between bricks at regular intervals, ensuring the wire is pulled taut. If you are looking for a less permanent option that causes minimal damage to the wall, you can build a rectangular frame and attach the chicken wire to it. This way, you can simply staple the wire to the frame without drilling into the wall.

Once the chicken wire is attached, use wire cutters to trim any excess wire from the sides or top. Be sure to fold back any sharp edges or protruding wires with pliers to ensure safety and a neat finish.

For added stability, especially if you plan to place items against the chicken wire, consider installing horizontal wooden battens to the wall and attaching the wire to these battens. If attaching the chicken wire to a hedge, push garden stakes or poles into the ground at regular intervals, and secure the wire to the first stake using garden ties, cable ties, or twine.

Maintenance

To maintain your chicken wire fence, regular cleaning, rust prevention, and repairs may be necessary for optimal performance. You should also be aware of any local regulations regarding fencing materials.

When attaching chicken wire to a wooden fence, it is important to use galvanized chicken wire, which will ensure strength and durability. The galvanized construction will also provide rust protection.

If you are attaching chicken wire to a wooden fence, you should use staples, nails, screws, or zip ties to affix the wire to the wood. For metal posts, you can use tie wire or cable ties.

When securing the chicken wire, place the fasteners approximately every 6-8 inches (15 cm) along the edges and in the center to ensure a secure attachment. Make sure to pull the wire tightly as you go to prevent sagging or gaps, but do not overstretch the wire as this can distort the holes and ruin the netting.

If you are installing a chicken wire fence to house chickens, it is important to extend the fence underground to prevent animals from digging underneath. To do this, dig a trench about one foot deep from one post to the next and insert the wooden frame with the chicken wire mesh attached into the trench. Alternatively, you can bend the lower 6-8 inches of wire outward at a right angle to form an "L" shape that discourages burrowing.

Frequently asked questions