Building A Sturdy Garden Gate With Chicken Wire

Chicken wire is a versatile, inexpensive, and easily cut material that can be used for a variety of projects, including building a garden gate. To build a garden gate with chicken wire, you will need to start by measuring the gate area and cutting lumber pieces to the desired length and width. You will need four pieces to form the frame of the gate, and a fifth piece to act as a diagonal crossbeam for support. Once your frame is built, you can cover it with chicken wire by stapling it to the corners and along the top and sides, ensuring that the wire is taut and properly aligned. Finally, you can attach hinges to hang the gate, and your project is complete!

Measure the gate area and cut wood to size

Before you start building your garden gate with chicken wire, you must first measure the gate area. This is an important step as incorrect measurements will cause the gate not to fit. Measure the width of your doorway, as this will determine the amount of chicken wire you will need and the length of your boards.

After taking your measurements, mark four 1x1-inch boards according to the measurements of your gate area. You will need to cut your wood to size to fit the exact measurements of the opening, with a little space to spare. Cut the wood to the desired length, and then angle-cut the ends so they fit together like a picture frame.

Once you have your wood cut to size, you can start to assemble your gate. Clamp your long lumber piece onto your desk or, if you don't have one, place it on the ground. Cut the piece with a lumber cutter according to the desired measurements for the gate. For a smooth finish, cut the edges diagonally on both sides.

Now you can start to fasten your pieces together. Screw the wood frame together with small, fine screws to ensure that the screws do not split the wood. You can also use fencing nails to add stability to the project.

Cut and staple chicken wire to size

Chicken wire is usually sold in rolls that are 3 to 6 feet long and can be easily cut to size. To begin, measure the gate area—the doorway width will determine the amount of chicken wire you will need. Next, roll out the chicken wire sheet over the ground or a work desk, or simply roll it over the grass in your garden and place a couple of stones on the net to hold it down.

Using a fence wire cutter, neatly cut the required pieces of chicken wire according to the measurements of your gate area. Be sure to double-check your measurements, as the gate will not fit if they are incorrect. Once you have the supporting lumber posts ready and fixed, cut the lumber pieces for your gate. You will need four pieces of lumber to form a square or rectangular frame, and a fifth piece to be placed diagonally as a cross brace to support the gate and prevent it from collapsing. Cut the lumber pieces to the desired length and angle-cut the ends so they fit together neatly.

Now you are ready to staple the chicken wire to the frame. Begin stapling at one corner, using two to three staples to secure the chicken wire at the top and side. Staple each corner before moving along the top and sides, making sure the chicken wire is properly aligned and taut. Holding the wire taut while stapling each corner will help keep your gate square and reinforce the frame, ensuring that your chicken wire gate is sturdy and long-lasting. Finally, trim the chicken wire ends or bend them away from the edge of the gate frame for a smooth finish.

Build a wooden frame for the gate

Building a wooden frame for a garden gate with chicken wire is a simple process that can be completed within an hour. First, measure the doorway width of the gate area to determine the amount of chicken wire you will need and the length of your boards. Mark four 1x1 inch boards according to the measurements of your gate area. Cut the boards to the desired length, leaving a little space to spare. Then, angle-cut the ends so that they fit together like a picture frame.

Next, you will need to assemble the frame. Screw the wood frame together with small, fine screws to ensure that the screws do not split the wood. You can paint the frame if desired and let it dry. Once the frame is dry, you can add a diagonal cross brace to support the gate and prevent it from collapsing. Cut a fifth lumber piece to the desired length and place it diagonally, preferably from left to right. Screw the diagonal piece in place, creating a square or rectangular frame with a diagonal crossbeam.

Now that the wooden frame is assembled, you can move on to attaching the chicken wire and hanging the gate.

Attach the gate to the fence with hinges

Attaching the gate to the fence with hinges is a crucial step in the process of building a garden gate with chicken wire. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

First, ensure that you have two T-hinges ready for installation. These hinges will provide a sturdy attachment for your gate. Place one hinge at the top and the other at the bottom of one side of the gate. It is important to position the hinges accurately to ensure smooth operation of the gate. Drill holes through the hinges to attach them securely to the post.

When installing the hinges, consider the placement of any diagonal cross brace present in your gate design. As mentioned earlier, the lower part of the diagonal support should be on the hinge side. This placement will enhance the stability and functionality of your gate.

Once the hinges are securely attached to the gate, you can proceed to hang the gate on the fence. Position the gate between the fence posts, ensuring it is level and aligned with the opening. Carefully attach the hinged side of the gate to one of the posts, using screws or other appropriate fasteners.

After attaching the hinges to the gate and positioning it within the fence opening, you may need to make final adjustments to ensure proper alignment and smooth operation. Check that the gate swings open and closed without obstruction and make any necessary adjustments to the hinges or the gate itself.

By following these steps, you will successfully attach your chicken wire garden gate to the fence with hinges. This process is a crucial step in the construction of your gate, ensuring it functions as intended and provides a durable barrier for your garden.

Dig wire into the ground to keep out wildlife

To build a garden gate with chicken wire, you can include a step that involves digging wire into the ground to keep out wildlife. This method is known as an L-shaped footer and can be an effective barrier to prevent wild animals from entering your garden or burrowing under sheds and decks.

First, prepare the ground by marking the area you need to dig. Measure 1.5 feet away from the structure you are protecting and spray paint the digging lines. Then, lay plastic on the ground to make cleanup easier later.

Next, dig a trench following the marked lines. The depth and width of the trench should comply with local regulations and consider the type of wildlife you want to keep out. A typical depth is 1 foot (12 inches), and a width of 4 inches is usually sufficient.

Place the wire mesh, such as chicken wire or hardware cloth, in the trench, ensuring it is installed as an L-shaped barrier. The wire mesh should be positioned against the structure you are protecting and extend outward at a 90-degree angle. Make sure the outer edge of the buried wire does not angle up, as this will provide an opportunity for animals to dig under it.

Finally, backfill the trench with soil, completely covering the wire mesh. You can also use concrete to secure the wire mesh in place, especially in rocky or challenging terrain. Remember to check local regulations and consult with professionals when dealing with underground utilities.

Frequently asked questions