Building A Wooden Fence: Chicken Wire Installation Guide

Building a fence with wood and chicken wire is a cost-effective and practical way to protect your property. It is a straightforward DIY project that can be completed in a weekend, with only basic tools and planning required. Chicken wire is flexible and easy to cut and secure with staples or zip ties, and it can be attached to wooden posts for a sturdy and durable fence. This guide will walk you through the steps to build a functional and aesthetically pleasing chicken wire fence.

Planning and marking the area for your fence

First, decide on the type of fence posts you will use. You can choose from T-posts, U-posts, or wooden fence posts. Each type has its advantages and specific installation requirements. For example, T-posts are easier to install, while wooden posts offer greater durability and are suitable for long-term and heavy-duty use.

Next, mark out the area where you will attach the chicken wire. Use spray paint or string to measure and mark the length of the area. This will give you a clear indication of the perimeter of your fence. Make sure to also mark the positions for your fence posts. A good rule of thumb is to space the posts about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. However, if you want increased stability for your fence, you can reduce the distance between the posts.

When marking the positions of your fence posts, consider the depth of the holes. For T-posts, drive them into the ground so that only 4-6 inches remain above the surface. For wooden posts, use a post driver or mallet to drive them about 50 cm into the ground. The holes should be deep enough to ensure stability, with a general guideline of one-third of the post's length.

After marking and digging the holes, place your fence posts in the designated spots. Use a spirit level to ensure that all the posts are straight, aligned, and at the same height. This step is crucial for the overall stability and appearance of your fence.

Once you are satisfied with the positioning and alignment of the posts, it is time to secure them in place. For wooden posts, you can use concrete to add longevity. Pour concrete into the holes and brace the posts with temporary stakes for 24-48 hours while it cures. Alternatively, if the soil is firm, concrete may not be necessary, but make sure to test the stability of each post.

By carefully planning and marking out the area for your fence, you can ensure a solid foundation for your chicken wire fence. Following these steps will help you create a functional and durable enclosure.

Installing fence posts

Once you've chosen your posts, mark the locations for the posts with spray paint or string, spacing them about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For increased stability, you can reduce the distance between the posts. Dig holes for your posts, ensuring the depth is approximately one-third of the post's length, or at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Use a spirit level to ensure the posts are straight and at the same height.

For wooden posts, you can pour concrete into the hole and brace with temporary stakes for 24-48 hours while it cures. Concrete adds longevity but is not necessary if the soil is firm. Before attaching any wire, treat wooden posts with a weather-resistant stain or paint.

For T-posts, drive them into the ground until only 4-6 inches remain above the ground. The ribbed design helps the mesh grip, reducing the need for fasteners.

After installing each post, wiggle it lightly to confirm it is firmly in place. You can also test the stability of the entire fence by walking the perimeter and checking for loose mesh, gaps, and sagging sections after the fence is complete.

Attaching chicken wire to the posts

First, unroll the mesh and lay out your wire along the fence line. Starting at one end post, you can use a staple gun with poultry staples to attach the mesh to the post. Staples should be spaced 15 cm apart, and you should ensure the mesh is pulled taut without overstretching, as this can weaken it and increase the risk of breaking under pressure.

If you are using wooden posts, you can also use a hammer to secure the wire. Hammer poultry staples into the posts, fastening the wire at the top, middle, and bottom. For extra stability, you can also secure the bottom edge of the wire to a wooden trench frame.

If you are using T-posts, you can use a staple gun or wrap zip ties tightly around the posts.

Finally, once the wire is secured around the entire perimeter, use wire cutters to trim any excess wire.

Adding a gate

One option is to purchase a ready-to-hang fence gate from a home improvement store like Home Depot. This option is straightforward and does not require any additional construction. Simply install the gate according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring that it swings freely without rubbing the ground. You may need to make adjustments to the hinge spacing or trim the bottom edge of the gate to achieve the correct clearance.

Alternatively, you can build your own gate using wooden posts and leftover materials such as chain link fence panels or welded wire fence panels. This option allows you more customisation over the size and appearance of the gate. Again, ensure that the gate swings freely and make any necessary adjustments to the hinges or the gate itself.

If you opt for a wooden gate, you will need to position the posts and pour concrete to secure them, similar to the process of installing wooden fence posts. Treat the wood with a weather-resistant stain or paint before attaching the gate. Use hinge pins or other suitable hardware to attach the gate to the posts.

For a chain link or welded wire gate, you can use T-posts driven deep into the ground to hang the gate. Place one T-post on the hinge side and another on the latch side to provide a secure and stable attachment for your gate. Ensure that the posts are firmly secured in the ground to withstand the weight and movement of the gate.

When adding a gate, consider the overall design of your fence and the purpose of the gated area. The gate should complement the fence aesthetically and functionally, providing easy access while maintaining the security and stability of the enclosure.

Checking for stability

Begin by testing the stability of each fence post. You can do this by lightly wiggling each post to confirm it is firmly in place and won't shift over time. Ensure that your posts are driven at least six to eight inches into the ground using a sledgehammer or post driver. For optimal stability, space your posts eight to ten feet apart.

To enhance stability, you can reduce the distance between your fence posts. For wooden posts, the standard spacing is approximately seven feet, while T-posts are typically spaced at around two to two-and-a-half meters apart. By reducing the spacing between your posts, you increase the overall stability of the fence.

When attaching the chicken wire to the posts, it is crucial to maintain stability by keeping the mesh taut. Pull the mesh tight without overstretching it, as overstretching can weaken the wire and increase the risk of breakage. Use staples to secure the wire to the posts, spacing the staples about 15 cm apart.

Additionally, consider digging a trench along the fence line and securing the bottom edge of the wire to the trench. Burying the wire a few centimeters underground will prevent animals from digging underneath and enhance the overall stability of your fence.

Finally, walk the perimeter of your fence to identify any areas that may require reinforcement. Look for loose mesh, gaps at corners, and sagging sections. In high-stress areas, add extra support by tacking on a length of hog wire or welded wire fence to increase durability and stability.

Frequently asked questions