Sophie Bennett
Chicken wire is a versatile, cost-effective and practical way to fence in a garden. It is easy to assemble and affordable, making it a perfect DIY project for those who want to improve their curb appeal. Chicken wire is lightweight and easy to cut with wire cutters, and simple to secure using a staple gun, poultry staples, or zip ties. It is also flexible and can be attached to wooden posts, T-posts, or even a chain-link fence. Chicken wire can be used to enclose a chicken coop or run, protect landscaping or a garden fence, and keep out small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Low |
| Installation | Easy, suitable for beginners |
| Durability | PVC-coated or galvanized chicken wire is more durable and holds up well against weather and general wear |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Use case | Keeping out small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons, or containing chickens or pets |
| Materials | Chicken wire, posts (wooden or T-posts), staples, cable ties, tensioning wire, pegs, etc. |
| Tools | Wire cutter, tape measure, spirit level, spade, pliers, hammer, post driver, etc. |
| Time | A small garden fence can be installed in a few hours |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparing your materials
- Decide on the purpose of your fence: Are you fencing in a vegetable garden, building a chicken run, or trying to keep out pests? Knowing the purpose will help you determine the height, length, and specifications of your fence. For example, if you're keeping out small animals like rabbits, you'll need to ensure the fence extends underground to prevent them from digging underneath.
- Select the right type of chicken wire: Chicken wire comes in different varieties, such as PVC-coated or galvanized. PVC-coated netting is more aesthetically pleasing and suitable for decorative purposes, while galvanized chicken wire is more durable and holds up well against weather and wear.
- Determine the amount of chicken wire needed: Measure the perimeter of your garden or the area you want to fence in. Decide on the height of your fence, keeping in mind that taller fences might be necessary to keep out larger animals. Calculate the length and height to determine the total amount of chicken wire needed. It's better to overestimate and have some extra wire left over.
- Choose the type of posts: You can use wooden posts or metal T-posts. Wooden posts offer greater durability but require more effort to install, while T-posts are easier to install and are suitable for most applications. If you're attaching the chicken wire to an existing fence, you won't need additional posts.
- Gather the necessary tools and materials: Along with the chicken wire and posts, you'll need tools like protective gloves, wire cutters, a tape measure, a spade, string, pliers, a hammer (if using staples), and a post driver (if installing T-posts). You can use staples or cable ties to secure the chicken wire to the posts, depending on the type of post you choose.
- Prepare the posts: If you're installing posts, plan and mark the post positions. Space them about 2 to 2.5 meters apart, and dig holes 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 they are all the same height.
- Prepare the trench: If you're extending the chicken wire underground to prevent animals from burrowing, dig a trench along the fence line. The trench should be about 15-30 cm deep, and you can place the bottom edge of the chicken wire into it before backfilling with soil.
Once you have completed these planning and preparation steps, you'll be ready to start installing your chicken wire fence!
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Installing fence posts
Planning the Layout:
Before installing the posts, it is essential to plan the layout of your fence. Measure and mark the area where you will attach the chicken wire. Use spray paint or string to outline the perimeter. Decide on the number and placement of your posts, spacing them about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For increased stability, you can reduce the distance between the posts. Mark the positions of the posts within the outlined area.
Digging the Holes:
Once you have marked the post positions, it's time to dig the holes. The depth of the holes should be approximately one-third of the post's length. If you are using wooden posts, you may need to dig a trench about one foot deep from one post to the next, especially if you are creating a fence to house chickens or prevent burrowing animals from entering your garden. Ensure that the depth of the trench is sufficient to deter pests like moles or rabbits from digging under the fence.
Setting the Posts:
Place the posts in the holes or trench. Use a spirit level to ensure that the posts are straight and verify that they are all the same height. For T-posts, use a post driver or mallet to drive the end posts firmly into the ground, driving them about 50 cm deep. If you are using wooden posts, you can leave them above ground and attach the chicken wire to the sides.
Securing the Posts:
If you are using wooden posts, you can secure them with staples or nails. Drive the staples or nails into the posts at various points to ensure they are firmly anchored. For T-posts, the installation process may differ, and you may not need to secure them separately.
Attaching the Chicken Wire:
After installing the posts, you can attach the chicken wire. Pull the mesh taut but avoid overstretching, as it may weaken the wire. Use a staple gun, poultry staples, zip ties, or nails to secure the chicken wire to the posts. Ensure there are no gaps between the wire and the posts, and cut any excess wire with wire cutters.
Remember that installing fence posts is just one part of the process of building a chicken wire fence. You will also need to consider the type of chicken wire, any additional fencing materials, and the construction of any gates or entrances.
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Attaching chicken wire
Planning and Preparation
First, plan out the path of your fence and install your fence posts. Mark the area where you will attach the chicken wire netting using spray paint or string. Mark the locations for the posts, spacing them about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For better stability, reduce the distance between the posts.
Digging a Trench
Next, dig a trench along the fence line. The trench should be about 15-30 cm deep. If you are building a chicken coop, the trench should be about one foot deep. Place the bottom edge of the netting into the trench. This will prevent small animals from digging underneath the fence.
Securing the Netting
Secure the netting to the posts using staples, nails, or cable ties. Use a staple gun or hammer to secure the netting to wooden posts. If you are attaching the netting to metal posts, use cable ties. Space the staples or nails about 8 inches apart.
Adding Tension
If you are installing a tensioning line, secure it to the fencing in multiple spots with cable ties to maintain tension.
Backfilling the Trench
Backfill the trench with soil to prevent animals from burrowing underneath. You can also use pegs to secure the netting in place every 60 centimeters, then backfill the trench.
Cutting Excess Wire
Finally, cut any excess wire from the netting.
Your chicken wire fence is now complete! This type of fence is an easy and affordable way to protect your garden, and it can be easily adapted to different layouts and designs.
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Adding a gate
Planning and Materials
Begin by measuring the desired width and height of your gate opening. This will determine the dimensions of your gate frame. Common gate widths range from 36 to 48 inches, but you can customise it based on your needs. The height should be chosen such that it maintains proportionality and allows for easy access.
For materials, you will need:
- Wooden boards for the frame
- Chicken wire mesh
- Staples or nails
- Tools such as a hammer, wire cutters, and a tape measure
Constructing the Gate Frame
Cut the wooden boards to size, ensuring they match the dimensions you decided on. Assemble the frame by joining the boards securely. You can use nails or staples for this step, making sure to fasten them at regular intervals for a sturdy hold.
Attaching the Chicken Wire
Cut a piece of chicken wire mesh to size, ensuring it is slightly larger than the gate frame to allow for secure attachment. Wrap the mesh around the frame, pulling it taut to avoid sagging. Secure the mesh to the frame using staples or nails, spaced closely together to prevent any gaps.
Installing the Gate
Choose the desired location for your gate along the fence line. Dig holes for your gate posts, ensuring they are deep enough for stability (approximately one-third of the post's length). Insert the gate posts into the holes and use a spirit level to ensure they are straight and plumb. Backfill the holes with soil or concrete for added stability.
Finally, attach the gate to the posts using hinges or other hardware. You can add a latch or simple closure mechanism to keep the gate closed when needed.
Customisations and Considerations
You can customise your gate by painting or staining the wooden frame to match your fence or garden aesthetic. Additionally, consider the height of your gate in relation to the overall fence height to maintain a cohesive look.
Remember that chicken wire is most effective at deterring small animals. If larger critters are a concern, consider reinforcing the gate with welded wire or opting for a taller fence and gate design.
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Maintenance and upkeep
Chicken wire fences are generally low-maintenance, but regular upkeep is essential to keep your fence in good condition and to ensure it remains effective at protecting your garden.
Firstly, you should conduct routine inspections of your fence. Check for any signs of wear, damage, or sagging. Pay particular attention to any rusted wire, holes, tears, or loose wire. If you notice any issues, repair them immediately to maintain the security of your fence. You can use pliers to fix loose wires or replace damaged sections of the chicken wire.
It is also important to inspect the stability of the posts. Ensure that they are firmly anchored in the ground, without leaning or wobbling. If any posts are unstable, reinforce them by adding support, such as stakes driven into the ground or concrete for added stability.
Keep the area around your fence clear of debris, vegetation, and weeds, as these can attract pests and weaken the structure over time. Burying the bottom edge of the netting a few centimetres underground will also help prevent animals from digging underneath.
If you are using chicken wire to keep out burrowing animals, you may need to extend the wire below ground level for at least one foot. This added depth will prevent animals from digging under the fence.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken wire is a cost-effective and practical way to protect your garden. It is cheaper than many other types of fencing, lightweight, and easy to cut and secure. It is also versatile and can be used in both urban and rural settings.
You will need protective gloves, a wire cutter, tape measure, spirit level, 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).
Mark the length of the area where you will attach the netting using spray paint or string. Mark the post positions, spacing them about 2-2.5 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.
You can attach chicken wire to wooden posts using staples or a staple gun. For metal posts, use cable ties. Pull the mesh taut but avoid overstretching, as this can weaken it and increase the risk of breaking under pressure. Cut any excess wire.
