Emily Carter
Chicken wire fences are a cost-effective and practical way to protect your property. They are easy to assemble and affordable, making them a perfect DIY project. Chicken wire fences are versatile and can be used in both urban and rural settings. They are also ideal for backyards, gardens, or as a trellis. When installing a chicken wire fence on a wooden fence, you will need protective gloves, wire cutters, a tape measure, a spirit level, a spade, pliers, a hammer, and staples. Measure the length of the location where you plan to attach the chicken wire, ensuring that the mesh remains straight and taut. Secure the chicken wire to the wooden fence using staples spaced 15 cm apart. For added security, you can also use wood screws to attach the wire mesh to the fence posts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Chicken wire fencing is significantly cheaper than many other types of fencing, like wood or vinyl. |
| Availability | Widely available at places like Home Depot or Amazon. |
| Installation | Easy to install and perfect for any DIY project. |
| Tools | Few tools and materials are needed for installation. |
| Affixing | Chicken wire can be affixed to wooden posts using staples, cable ties, or a staple gun. |
| Post Material | Wooden posts offer greater durability than metal T-posts, which are easier to install. |
| Post Installation | Posts should be placed about 2–2.5 meters apart. For increased stability, reduce the distance between posts. |
| Mesh Tautness | The mesh should be pulled taut to maintain stability, but should not be overstretched, as this can weaken it and increase the risk of breaking under pressure. |
| Mesh Size | Smaller holes are suitable for smaller animals, while larger holes are better for bigger animals. |
| Mesh Burial | The bottom edge of the mesh should be buried a few centimeters underground to prevent animals from digging underneath. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the wood fence posts
To prepare wood fence posts for chicken wire installation, start by positioning the posts in the desired locations. For added durability, you can pour concrete into the post holes before placing the posts and bracing them with temporary stakes for 24-48 hours while the concrete cures. Once the posts are secure, treat the wood with a weather-resistant stain or paint to protect it from the elements.
When selecting your wood fence posts, consider the spacing between them. For increased stability, reduce the distance between fence posts. As a general guideline, space the posts about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. However, you can adjust this distance based on your specific needs and preferences.
Before attaching the chicken wire, ensure that the posts are straight and level. Use a spirit level to verify that the posts are plumb and that they are all installed at the same height. This step is crucial to ensure the overall stability and aesthetics of your fence.
If your fence design includes a gate, now is the time to install it. You can purchase a ready-to-hang fence gate or build one yourself using wooden posts and leftover fencing materials. Ensure that the gate swings freely without rubbing against the ground. You may need to make adjustments by trimming the bottom edge or changing the hinge spacing.
Once your wood fence posts are securely installed and treated, you can proceed to the next step of attaching the chicken wire.
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Gather tools and materials
Before you begin to attach chicken wire to your wooden fence, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Chicken wire fencing is a cost-effective and practical way to protect your property, and fortunately, it doesn't require many tools or materials to install.
The tools you will need include:
- Protective gloves: To shield your hands from sharp wire edges and avoid any injuries.
- Wire cutters: To cut the chicken wire to the desired length.
- Tape measure: To measure the length of the location where you plan to attach the chicken wire.
- Hammer: If you are using staples to attach the chicken wire, you will need a hammer to secure them in place.
- Spade: This tool will be useful for digging a trench along the fence line to bury the bottom edge of the chicken wire.
- Spirit level: To ensure that your fence posts are straight and level.
- Post driver: If you are using T-posts, you will need a post driver to drive them into the ground.
- Pliers: Pliers can be useful for holding staples and turning sharp wire edges.
- Staple gun: A staple gun can make the process of attaching the chicken wire much quicker and easier.
The materials you will need include:
- Chicken wire mesh: This is the main component of your fence. It is available in different grades and coatings, such as galvanised or PVC-coated.
- Staples: For attaching the chicken wire to wooden posts, you will need staples. It is recommended to space them about 15 cm apart.
- Wooden posts: These will serve as the structure for your chicken wire fence. They offer greater durability than metal T-posts.
- Pegs: Pegs are used to secure the bottom edge of the chicken wire into the trench.
- Paint or stain: Before attaching any wire, treat wooden posts with a weather-resistant stain or paint to protect them from the elements.
With these tools and materials gathered, you will be well-prepared to begin installing your chicken wire fence.
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Measure and cut the chicken wire
To measure and cut the chicken wire, first, measure the length of the location where you plan to attach the netting. Be sure to measure the height as well, including a few extra centimetres to allow for overlap with the existing fence. Use a tape measure and mark the length of the area with spray paint or string. Mark the post positions, spacing them about 2 to 2.5 metres apart. For increased stability, reduce the distance between fence posts.
Next, cut the chicken wire to the measured length using wire cutters. Wear protective gloves when handling the cut edges of the wire as they can be sharp. You can use tin snips or wire cutters to cut the mesh fencing to size. Cut the netting with a few extra centimetres of overlap to ensure a secure fit when attaching the netting to your existing mesh.
After cutting the chicken wire to size, you can attach it to the wood fence. Start by holding the mesh firmly against the fence where you want it positioned.
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Attach the chicken wire to the fence
Attaching chicken wire to a wooden fence is a straightforward process, even for beginners. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to attach chicken wire to a wooden fence:
Prepare the Materials and Fence
Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary materials, including protective gloves, a wire cutter, tape measure, hammer, staples, and chicken wire mesh. Measure the length of the fence where you plan to attach the chicken wire, adding a few extra centimetres to allow for overlap with the existing fence. Use wire cutters to cut the chicken wire to the measured length, again leaving a little extra for overlap.
Attach the Chicken Wire
Place the chicken wire mesh against the fence, ensuring it remains straight and taut. Start attaching the mesh at one end post, using staples and a staple gun or hammer to secure the mesh to the wooden post. Space the staples about 15 cm apart, ensuring the mesh is tight across the length of the fence.
Secure the Bottom
To prevent animals from burrowing underneath, dig a trench along the fence line, approximately 15-30 cm deep. Place the bottom edge of the chicken wire mesh into the trench and backfill it with soil, tightly packing it down. Alternatively, you can bend any excess wire mesh at the bottom back onto itself to create a tighter edge and hammer this down flat against the fence.
Finish and Check
Once the chicken wire is attached to the fence and bottom edge secured, finish by cutting off any excess wire. Check that the mesh is taut and straight, with no sagging sections. Ensure all staples are secure and consider adding extra staples or wood screws for added durability.
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Finish and inspect
Once you have attached the chicken wire to the fence, there are a few finishing touches you can add. If desired, use wire or metal flashing to wrap and secure the edges of the mesh around the fence posts for a cleaner finish. At the bottom of the fence, bend any excess wire mesh back onto itself to create a tighter edge. Hammer this folded edge down flat against the wood fence and use a staple gun to tack this folded mesh in place about every 6 inches.
Finally, cut off any excess wire. You can use a staple gun if you find hammering the staples challenging. It is important to turn the edges of the wire inwards, as they can otherwise cause injury. Needle-nose pliers are perfect for turning the sharp wires. Always wear protective gloves when working with chicken wire to avoid injury.
After completing the installation, it is important to inspect your work. Walk the perimeter and look for loose mesh, gaps at corners, and sagging sections. In high-stress areas, consider adding reinforcements, such as a length of hog wire or welded wire fence for extra durability. Routinely inspect your fence for rusted staples or corroded wire and replace any worn fasteners promptly to prevent breaches.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need protective gloves, wire cutters, a tape measure, a hammer, staples, and chicken wire mesh. You can also use cable ties and pegs if you are attaching the chicken wire to the bottom of the fence.
First, measure the length of the location where you plan to attach the chicken wire, leaving a few extra centimetres for overlap. Cut the chicken wire to size. Next, hold the mesh firmly against the fence and staple it to the wooden posts at 15cm intervals. Ensure that the staples are pushed in firmly with a hammer.
Start by pulling the chicken wire netting taut against the barrier. Secure the netting to the ground by inserting pegs into the ground, ensuring that the hook catches the bottom of the netting. Dig a trench along the fence line and place the bottom edge of the netting into the trench. Backfill the trench with soil, tightly pressing it down.
