Mia Patel
Chicken wire fences are a versatile and cost-effective way to protect your garden from critters. They are easy to assemble and affordable, making them a popular choice for those looking to improve their curb appeal. When building a chicken wire garden fence, it's important to consider the type of posts you want to use, the height and length of the fence, and whether you need to install a gate. Additionally, digging a trench and burying the bottom edge of the mesh can help prevent animals from digging underneath the fence. Marking the area with spray paint or string before installing the posts will ensure a straight and stable fence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep out critters and pests such as squirrels, rabbits, deer, and dogs |
| Materials | Chicken wire, staples/cable ties, wooden or metal posts, tensioning wire, pegs, spade, hammer, staple gun, post driver, wire cutter, spirit level, protective gloves |
| Installation | Dig a trench, install posts, attach chicken wire, bury the bottom edge of the wire, add a gate |
| Maintenance | Inspect for rusted staples or corroded wire, replace worn fasteners, store during winter |
| Advantages | Easy to assemble, affordable, versatile, does not obstruct the view |
| Disadvantages | May not be strong enough to keep out larger animals, galvanized and contains lead |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and marking out the area
First, decide on the path of your fence. Consider the area you want to enclose and the perimeter of your garden. Mark the length of this area using spray paint or string. This will help you visualise the fence line and make necessary adjustments before installing the posts. It is important to ensure that the marked-out area aligns with your garden's boundaries and does not encroach on any neighbouring properties.
Next, determine the locations of your fence posts. Mark the positions of the posts along the spray-painted or strung line. For stability, space the posts about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. If you are installing wooden posts, you can reduce the distance between them for increased stability. However, if you opt for T posts, follow the recommended spacing guidelines as they are easier to install and stabilise.
After marking the post positions, it's time to start digging. Dig holes for your posts, ensuring that the depth of each hole is approximately one-third of the post's length. This step is crucial for the stability of your fence. Use a spade or post hole digger to dig holes that are uniform in depth and width. Ensure the holes are straight and plumb by using a spirit level. Check that the posts are securely planted in the ground and verify that they are all the same height.
If you are building a permanent fence to protect your garden from burrowing animals, consider digging a trench. This will involve digging a continuous trench along the fence line, approximately 15 to 30 cm deep. The trench will accommodate the bottom edge of the chicken wire, preventing animals from digging their way into your garden. Backfill the trench with soil after installing the wire to ensure there are no gaps for animals to squeeze through.
By carefully following these steps, you will have successfully planned and marked out the area for your chicken wire garden fence, laying the foundation for a sturdy and effective barrier.
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Digging holes for posts
First, plan out the path of your fence and mark the locations for the posts. The posts should be spaced approximately 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For increased stability, you can reduce the distance between the posts. Mark the post positions using spray paint or string.
Next, start digging the holes for the posts. The depth of the holes should be approximately one-third of the post's length. This ensures that the posts are securely anchored in the ground. Use a spade or post hole digger to dig the holes. Make sure the holes are straight and level by using a spirit level. Check that all the holes have the same depth and that the posts will be at the same height.
If you are building a chicken wire fence to enclose a chicken pen or to keep small animals out of your garden, you may need to dig a trench along the path of the fence. This will prevent animals from digging underneath the fence. The trench should be about one foot deep, and you can place the chicken wire into the trench to extend it underground. Backfill the trench with soil after placing the wire.
When the holes and trench are ready, you can install the posts. Place the posts in the holes and use a post driver or mallet to drive them into the ground. Make sure the posts are straight and secure before attaching the chicken wire.
By following these steps for digging holes and installing posts, you will have a solid foundation for your chicken wire garden fence.
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Installing posts
After marking the locations, start digging holes for your posts. The depth of each hole should be approximately one-third of the post's length. Insert the posts into the holes and use a spirit level to ensure they are straight and at the same height. If you are using T posts, a post driver or mallet can be used to drive the end posts about 50 cm into the ground.
If you are installing a fence to house chickens, you will need to extend the fence underground to prevent animals from digging underneath. After installing the posts, dig a trench about one foot deep from one post to the next, and repeat this for the entire length of the fence. Place the wooden frame with the chicken wire mesh attached into the trench to create a continuous barrier.
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Attaching chicken wire to posts
When installing wooden posts, dig a hole for each post, ensuring the depth is approximately one-third of the post's length. Use a spirit level to ensure the posts are straight and verify that they are all the same height. If you are using T posts, use a post driver or mallet to drive the end posts 50 cm into the ground.
Once your posts are installed, you can attach the chicken wire. If you are using wooden posts, you can attach the wire with staples and a staple gun. For metal posts, use cable ties. Stretch the chicken wire around your garden and attach it to the posts. Ensure the mesh is pulled taut to avoid sagging, but avoid overstretching as this can weaken the wire and increase the risk of breaking.
To prevent animals from digging underneath the fence, you can dig a trench along the fence line and bury the bottom edge of the netting. The trench should be about 15-30 cm deep, and you can secure the netting in the trench with pegs every 60 cm. Finally, backfill the trench with soil to deter burrowing pests.
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Burying the wire's bottom edge
Burying the bottom edge of your chicken wire fence is an effective way to prevent animals from burrowing underneath and getting into your garden.
To do this, first, dig a trench along the fence line. The trench should be about 15-30 cm deep. If you are building a chicken wire fence to house chickens, the trench should be about one foot deep from one post to the next.
Next, place the bottom edge of the chicken wire netting into the trench. Secure the netting to the ground with pegs every 60 centimeters.
Finally, backfill the trench with soil. This will help to prevent animals from digging underneath your fence.
For added protection against burrowing animals, you can also dig a small trench (3-5 inches deep) along the outside of your fence line. This will deter pests like moles from digging under the fence and into your garden.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need protective gloves, a wire cutter, a tape measure, a spirit level, a spade, string, pliers, a hammer, a post driver, chicken wire, staples, wooden or T posts, tensioning wire, a radisseur, and pegs.
Mark the length of the area where you will attach the netting with spray paint or string. Mark the post positions, spacing them about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. Dig a hole for each post, ensuring the depth is approximately one-third of the post's length. Use a spirit level to ensure the posts are straight and verify that they are all the same height.
If you are using wooden posts, use a staple gun to attach the chicken wire to the posts. If you are using metal posts, use cable ties. Ensure that you pull the mesh taut but avoid overstretching, as this can weaken it and increase the risk of breaking under pressure.
Dig a trench along the fence line, about 15-30 cm deep. Place the bottom edge of the netting into the trench and secure it with pegs every 60 centimeters. Then, backfill the trench with soil to prevent animals from burrowing underneath. For added protection, you can extend the netting onto the lawn beyond the fence line, making it more difficult for animals to dig their way in.
