By constructing a do-it-yourself garden fence, you can keep pests like deer and rabbits out of your garden and guarantee a bountiful harvest for all of your labors. So that you can be inspired to make something similar with little work and basic materials while still appearing lovely, we decided to design a simple and affordable fence with a variety of possibilities when we opened up a new field.
Steps to Build a Garden Fence with Chicken Wire
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
Method A – Step 1 | Mark Area & Post Location: Use spray paint or string to measure and mark the length of the area where you’ll attach the netting. Additionally, mark the post positions, spacing them about 2 – 2.5 meters apart. For increased stability, reduce the distance between your fence posts. |
Method A – Step 2 | Dig Holes & Insert Posts: Dig a hole for your posts, making sure the depth is approximately one-third of the post’s length. |
Method A – Step 3 | Check for Post Height & Straightness: Use a spirit level to ensure the posts are straight and verify that they are all the same height. |
Method A – Step 4 | Install Tensioning Line: Mark the line location in multiple rows and wrap it around the first post 4-5 times. Then, use a separate piece to attach a radisseur to the last post. Weave the line through the radisseur’s middle hole and twist the pin clockwise with pliers. |
Method A – Step 5 | Secure Wire to Middle Posts: Fasten the tensioning line to the middle posts with staples. |
Method A – Step 6 | Staple Mesh to First Post: Attach the chicken wire to the wooden posts using staples spaced 15 cm apart. Ensure the mesh remains straight and taut throughout the process. |
Method A – Step 7 | Pull Mesh Tight & Continue Attaching: Make sure to pull the mesh taut without overstretching it to maintain stability, as overstretching can weaken it and increase the risk of breaking under pressure. Continue attaching the mesh by securing it to the remaining posts with staples. |
Method A – Step 8 | Secure Remaining Netting: Finish attaching the remaining mesh by following steps 6 and 7 to complete your chicken fence design. |
Method A – Step 9 | Secure Mesh to Tension Line: If you installed tensioning line, secure it to the fencing in multiple spots with cable ties to help maintain tension. Finally, check the netting and cut any excess wire as part of the process of how to build a chicken wire garden fence. |
Method A – Step 10 | Optional: Dig a Trench and Bury Mesh: Additionally, 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. |
Method B – Step 1 | Mark Area & T Post Location: Use spray paint or string to measure and mark the area for your DIY chicken fence. Also, mark the locations for the T posts, spacing them approximately 2 – 2.5 meters apart. For better stability, you may want to reduce the spacing between the posts. |
Method B – Step 2 | Install T Posts: Install the T posts in the locations you marked in step 1. Use a post driver or mallet to drive the end posts 50 cm into the ground. |
Method B – Step 3 | Check for T Post Height & Straightness: Secure a length of string between the end posts and check their height with a tape measure. Ensure the post holes face each other for alignment. Use a spirit level to confirm the posts are straight and oriented consistently in the same direction at the same height. |
Method B – Step 4 | Install Tensioning Line: Wrap the tensioning line around the hole of the first post and secure it by twisting the wire’s end with pliers. Then, thread the line through the pre-drilled holes in the middle posts and fasten it at the last post by twisting it with pliers. |
Method B – Step 5 | Complete Tension Line Installation: Finish installing the tensioning line in multiple rows by following the procedure outlined in the previous step. |
Method B – Step 6 | Attach Mesh to First T Post: Secure the mesh to the first post using cable ties threaded through the pre-drilled holes in the T post. Ensure the mesh remains straight and taut during the process. You can add more cable ties to completely encircle the post. |
Method B – Step 7 | Pull Mesh Tight & Continue Attaching: Firmly stretch the mesh and secure it to the second post with cable ties, being careful not to pull it too tightly. |
Method B – Step 8 | Secure Remaining Mesh: Continue attaching the netting to all the T posts until you reach the final end post, following the procedures outlined in steps 6 and 7. |
Method B – Step 9 | Secure Mesh to Tensioning Line: If you installed a tensioning line, attach the mesh to it using cable ties, spacing them approximately 30-45 cm apart. Then, inspect the netting and trim any excess wire. |
Method B – Step 10 | Optional: Bury Mesh into a Trench: Dig a trench along the fence line, approximately 15-30 cm deep. Position the bottom edge of the netting into the trench and anchor it with pegs every 60 cm. Finally, fill the trench with soil to deter animals from digging underneath. |
Coating Options |
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Tips &Tricks |
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How Deep Should Chicken Wire Be Buried?
Using galvanized chicken netting, often known as rabbit wire in the trade, is the traditional method. This must be at least six feet high. I say this because I once discovered a fox within one of my runs, and he leaped up and scrambled over the top of a five-foot-tall chicken run fence. To be really safe, wire should be buried 8 to 12 inches deep, but if you bend it out, you can typically bury it 6 inches deep with a 6-inch overlap. I would think about making your chicken fencing deeper if you are on sandy soil that is easier to dig.
Conclusion
In this piece, you learned how to build a garden fence with chicken wire using two effective methods. From marking the area and installing posts to securing mesh and burying it for added protection, each step ensures a functional and durable barrier. You also explored coating options and smart tips for getting the best results. For more DIY project inspiration, stay connected to Buildersviller.