Sophie Bennett
Chicken wire fences are a versatile solution, perfect for enclosing a chicken coop or protecting your garden. They are easy to install, requiring only basic tools and some planning. This guide will walk you through the steps to build a sturdy and functional chicken wire fence with wooden stakes. From marking out your fence line to attaching the wire mesh, you'll be able to create a safe and secure enclosure for your chickens or pets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect your garden, keep your chickens safe, or create a simple enclosure |
| Fence posts | T-posts, U-posts, or wooden fence posts provide structure and stability |
| Wooden fence posts | Classic 7' option for long-term and heavy-duty use |
| Fence post spacing | 8 to 10 feet apart for optimal stability |
| Preventing predators | Dig a trench around the perimeter and place framing lumber in it |
| Securing the wire | Hammer poultry staples into the posts at the top, middle, and bottom |
| Tightening and stretching | Keep the wire taut to ensure the fence is strong and looks professional |
| Trimming | Use wire cutters to trim any leftover material |
| Preventing gaps | Fill weather-created gaps beneath the fence promptly to maintain security |
| Gate | Install a ready-to-hang fence gate or build one from wooden posts and leftover fence panels |
| Wire type | PVC-coated or galvanized chicken wire holds up well against weather and wear |
| Wire durability | Pair chicken wire with welded wire fence or hogwire in high-traffic areas for added durability |
| Stakes | Hammer chicken fence stakes into the ground, ensuring the rim goes completely underground |
| Stake spacing | Divide the length of the fence by five to calculate the number of stakes needed |
| Hole depth | Dig holes with a depth of at least 10 to 12 inches to ensure the stakes are firm in the ground |
| Attaching wire to wooden posts | Cut lumber to the length of the stakes and screw them to the top and bottom of each stake, then staple the wire along the post every 10 inches |
| Attaching wire to gate | Cut the wire to fit the frame and staple securely, then attach hinges and a latch to keep the gate shut |
What You'll Learn
Planning and marking out the fence area
First, decide where on your property you want to install the fence. Chicken wire is a versatile material that can be bent and shaped easily, so you can be creative with your fence design. For example, you can build a round pen or enclose an area with trees as chicken wire can be wrapped around them.
Next, mark out the outline of your desired fence area. You can use spray paint or string to measure and mark the length and perimeter of the area. If using string, you can tie it to wooden stakes placed at each corner of the fence area to help guide the setting for the chicken wire fencing stakes.
After marking the perimeter, determine the locations for your fence posts. For wooden posts, space them about 2 to 2.5 meters (or 8 to 10 feet) apart. If you desire greater stability, you can reduce the distance between the posts. Mark the locations of the posts with spray paint or by driving a small stake into the ground.
Once you have marked the locations of the posts, it is time to dig holes for them. The holes should be deep enough to provide stability for the posts, with a recommended depth of at least 10 to 12 inches, or approximately one-third of the post's length. Make sure all the holes are the same depth and use a spirit level to ensure the posts will be straight and at the same height.
Now that you have planned and marked out the fence area, you can move on to installing the wooden stakes and attaching the chicken wire.
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Installing wooden stakes
To install wooden stakes for a chicken wire fence, first, decide where you want to install the fence on your property. Mark out the outline of your fence with landscape paint. Then, dig holes for your stakes, ensuring they are deep enough—at least 10 to 12 inches—and firm in the ground. The recommended depth is approximately one-third of the post's length. The holes should be six feet apart from each other.
Next, position your wooden stakes into the holes. For added durability, you can pour concrete into the hole before placing the stake, but this is not necessary if the soil is firm. Brace the stakes with temporary stakes for 24-48 hours while the concrete cures. Once the stakes are anchored, treat the wood with a weather-resistant stain or paint.
Before attaching any wire, use a spirit level to check that the posts are straight and at the same height. You can also run a string line to represent the perimeter of the fence and check that the posts are aligned. Ensure that the posts are spaced correctly, about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For increased stability, reduce the distance between the posts.
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Attaching chicken wire to stakes
To attach the chicken wire to wooden stakes, you can use staples or poultry staples, spaced about 15 cm apart. Start by cutting your lumber to the length of your stakes and screwing them to the bottom and top of each stake. This provides a stable platform to nail or staple the chicken wire to, giving it firmness. Next, roll out the chicken wire and cut it to size, ensuring you wear gloves as cut chicken wire can be sharp. Pull the mesh taut to maintain stability and prevent sagging, but be careful not to overstretch, as this can weaken the wire. Staple the wire along the post, starting at the corner of your fence and working your way around the perimeter.
For metal T-posts, you can use staples, zip ties, or cable ties. Clamp or staple the mesh at the top corner, or wrap zip ties or cable ties tightly around the posts. The ribbed design of T-posts helps the mesh grip, reducing the need for fasteners.
To keep animals from going underneath, attach the wire hooks of the fencing to the fencing hooks, and close the hook around the chicken wire by placing a sledgehammer behind the stakes and beating the hook shut with a hammer.
Additionally, you can secure the bottom edge of the wire to a wooden trench frame for extra stability. Dig a trench along the fence line, about 12-30 cm deep, and bury the bottom edge of the mesh a few centimetres underground to prevent animals from digging underneath.
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Adding a gate
Next, dig holes for your gateposts, ensuring they are deep enough for sturdy posts—usually around one foot to two feet deep. Place your gateposts in the holes and use concrete to secure them in place. Add drainage stone and soil for backfill, tamping it down as you go. Check that your gateposts are level and plumb before the concrete fully sets.
Now, attach the rails to the gateposts. Hold the rails in the notches and mark where you will attach them with screws. Drill pilot holes and then secure the rails with deck screws. Repeat this process for both the top and bottom rails.
Finally, hang your gate. You can purchase a ready-to-hang gate or build one yourself using wooden posts and welded wire fence panels. Ensure the gate swings freely and does not rub the ground.
Your chicken wire fence with a gate is now complete!
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Maintaining the fence
Once your chicken wire fence is built, you'll need to maintain it to ensure it stays sturdy and secure. Here are some tips for maintaining your chicken wire fence:
- Walk the perimeter regularly: Keep an eye out for any loose mesh, gaps at corners, or sagging sections. Address any issues promptly to prevent animals from escaping or getting in.
- Add reinforcements in high-stress areas: Near feeders or roosts, tack on a length of hog wire or welded wire fence for extra durability. This will help to prevent the wire from sagging or being damaged by frequent contact.
- Inspect for rust and corrosion: Seasonally check for any rusted staples or corroded wire. Replace any worn fasteners promptly to maintain the integrity of the fence and prevent breaches.
- Tighten sagging wire: Over time, the wire may loosen. Use staples, ties, or a wrench to re-tighten it and ensure the fence remains taut and secure.
- Fill ground gaps: Weather conditions can create gaps beneath the fence, making it easier for animals to escape or enter. Fill these gaps as soon as they appear to maintain security.
- Keep the area around the fence clear: Regularly trim any vegetation or overgrowth around the fence to prevent it from becoming an eyesore or causing damage to the fence.
- Repair any damage: If the fence is damaged by animals or weather events, repair it as soon as possible. This may include replacing sections of the wire, reinforcing posts, or filling in holes.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your chicken wire fence remains functional and secure for years to come.
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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, a post driver, wooden posts, chicken wire, staples, and tensioning wire.
First, decide on the location and dimensions of your fence. Mark the area using spray paint or string. Dig holes for your posts, ensuring that the depth is approximately one-third of the post's length. Place the stakes in the holes and use a spirit level to ensure the posts are straight and the same height. Drive the posts into the ground using a sledgehammer or post driver.
Cut the chicken wire to fit the frame and secure it to the posts using staples or cable ties. Ensure the mesh is pulled taut without overstretching, as this can weaken it. Bury the bottom edge of the mesh a few centimetres underground to prevent animals from digging underneath.
