Jake Harper
Chicken wire fences are a versatile, cost-effective and practical solution for gardens. They are easy to assemble and affordable, making them perfect for DIY projects. Chicken wire is lightweight, flexible, and simple to secure using a staple gun, poultry staples, or zip ties. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a sturdy chicken wire fence around your garden, covering everything from tools and materials to installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect your garden from animals and critters |
| Tools Required | Protective gloves, wire cutter, tape measure, spirit level, spade, string, pliers, hammer, post driver |
| Materials Required | Chicken wire (or Chicken wire PVC), staples (for wood) or cable ties (for metal), wooden or T posts, tensioning wire, radisseur, pegs (optional) |
| Fence Posts | T-Posts, U-Posts, Wooden Fence Posts |
| Fence Post Spacing | 2-2.5 meters apart; reduce spacing for better stability |
| Fence Post Depth | One-third of the post's length; at least 6-8 inches into the ground |
| Trench Depth | At least 12 inches deep |
| Chicken Wire Height | Coincide with the height of the posts being used |
| Chicken Wire Installation | Stretch taut but avoid overstretching; secure with staples or cable ties |
| Maintenance | Inspect seasonally for sagging, rust, or breaches; regular maintenance extends the life of the fence |
What You'll Learn
Planning and measuring the area
Additionally, mark the locations for the posts, spacing them approximately 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For better stability, you can reduce the spacing between the posts. If you are building a chicken wire fence to house chickens, you should also plan to extend the fence underground to prevent predators from digging underneath. To do this, plan to dig a trench about one foot deep from one post to the next for the entire length of your fence.
After planning the path of your fence, you can install your fence posts. Use a post driver or mallet to drive the end posts at least six to eight inches into the ground, ensuring they won't shift over time. For T-posts, drive them 50 cm into the ground. You can also use U-posts or wooden fence posts, which are generally shorter and longer, respectively.
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Choosing the right materials
Chicken wire is a versatile, cost-effective, and practical way to build a fence around your garden. It is also easy to assemble and affordable compared to other types of fences.
When choosing the right materials for your chicken wire fence, consider the following:
Type of Chicken Wire
You can opt for PVC-coated or galvanised chicken wire, which is lightweight yet durable and holds up well against weather and general wear. If you live in an area with predators like raccoons, consider using a higher-gauge wire to prevent tearing.
Fence Posts
Fence posts provide structure and stability to your chicken wire fence. You can choose from T-posts, U-posts, or wooden fence posts. T-posts are easier to install, while wooden posts offer greater durability. Common sizes for T-posts range from 5'6" to 7'6", while U-posts are generally shorter, ranging from 3' to 6'. Wooden fence posts are typically 7' long and are suitable for long-term and heavy-duty use.
Tools and Fasteners
To build your chicken wire fence, you will need tools such as protective gloves, wire cutters, a tape measure, a spirit level, a spade, string, pliers, a hammer or staple gun, and a post driver. For fasteners, you can use staples (for wood) or cable ties (for metal). If you are attaching the chicken wire to wooden posts, you will need poultry staples or nails.
Additional Materials
Depending on your specific needs, you may want to combine your chicken wire with other materials. For added durability, you can pair it with welded wire fence or hog wire in high-traffic areas. Additionally, consider using wire mesh or electric wire on top of the chicken wire to strengthen the fence and prevent larger animals from entering.
Gate
If you plan to include a gate in your fence, you will need additional materials such as bamboo or metal stakes to secure the gate. You can use the extra chicken wire from the roll to create a simple gate, as seen in some DIY projects.
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Installing fence posts
Before installing your fence posts, you should first measure your enclosure area to calculate the number of posts you need. Mark the locations for the posts, spacing them about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For better stability, you can reduce the spacing between the posts.
Once you've marked the locations, use a post driver or mallet to drive the posts into the ground. For T-Posts, drive them about 50 cm into the ground. For other types of fence posts, drive them at least six to eight inches into the ground to ensure they are sturdy and won't shift over time.
After installing the posts, use a spirit level to check if they are straight, oriented in the same direction, and at the same height. You can then wrap a tensioning line around the first post and secure it with pliers. Thread the line through the middle posts and fasten it at the last post.
If you are building a chicken wire fence to house chickens, you will need to extend the fence underground to prevent predators from digging underneath. To do this, dig a trench about one foot deep from one post to the next for the entire length of your fence. Place the wooden frame that will hold the chicken wire mesh into the trench, and secure the mesh to the posts with staples or cable ties.
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Securing the chicken wire
If you are building a fence to house chickens, it is important to extend the fence underground to prevent predators from digging underneath. To do this, dig a trench around the perimeter of your fence, at least 12 inches deep. Place framing lumber in the trench, cutting wood sections to fit your perimeter as needed. Reinforce the trench with framing nails to create a predator-proof base.
Next, roll out the chicken wire along the perimeter, aligning the bottom edge to fit snugly in the trench. Secure the wire to the posts using poultry staples, staples, zip ties, or cable ties, fastening the wire at the top, middle, and bottom.
For added durability, you can pair chicken wire with welded wire fence or hog wire in high-traffic areas. Ensure that the wire is pulled taut to create a strong and professional-looking fence, but avoid overstretching as this can weaken the wire and increase the risk of breaking under pressure.
If you are not setting a trench for your fence, you can simply secure the chicken wire directly to the posts. However, this leaves your enclosure more vulnerable to predators.
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Maintaining the fence
Maintaining your chicken wire fence is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness in protecting your garden. Here are some detailed instructions for maintaining your fence:
Inspect for Damage
Regularly inspect your fence for any signs of damage, including sagging, rust, or breaches along the bottom edge. Pay close attention to areas where animals may try to dig underneath, as this is a common issue with chicken wire fences. If you notice any damage, take immediate action to repair or replace the affected sections.
Seasonal Maintenance
At the change of seasons, thoroughly examine the fence for any wear and tear that may have occurred during the previous season. This is especially important if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy snowfall, which can put strain on the fence. Tighten any loose sections and reinforce weak spots to prepare for the upcoming season.
Keep Vegetation in Check
Vegetation can grow around and onto your chicken wire fence over time, which may affect its stability and appearance. Trim any overgrown plants or vines that are encroaching on the fence, being careful not to damage the wire. Ensure that any plants near the fence are well-maintained and do not obstruct the view or stability of the fence.
Reinforce with Additional Materials
If you notice that your chicken wire fence is struggling to keep out larger animals or withstand external forces, consider reinforcing it with additional materials. For example, you can pair the chicken wire with welded wire fence or hog wire in high-traffic areas to increase its durability. Alternatively, you can add a layer of wire mesh on top of the chicken wire to create a stronger barrier, as suggested by a user who had success keeping deer out of their garden.
Replace as Needed
While chicken wire fences are generally durable, they may need to be replaced after several years of use. If you notice extensive rusting or if the fence posts become unstable, it may be time to replace the fence or individual components. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help extend the lifespan of your fence, so be sure to stay on top of any necessary upkeep.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need protective gloves, wire cutters, a tape measure, a spirit level, a spade, string, pliers, a hammer (if using staples), a post driver (if using T posts), chicken wire or chicken wire PVC, staples (for wood) or cable ties (for metal), wooden or T posts, tensioning wire, radisseur, and pegs (optional).
First, measure and mark the area for your fence using spray paint or string. Mark the locations for the posts, spacing them about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. Dig holes for your posts, ensuring that the depth is approximately one-third of the post's length. Use a spirit level to ensure the posts are straight and at the same height.
Start at one post and unroll the chicken wire along the perimeter, ensuring that the bottom edge fits snugly in the trench. Use a staple gun, poultry staples, or zip ties to fasten the wire to the posts at the top, middle, and bottom.
