How to Build a Chicken Wire Garden Fence

Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to build a chicken wire garden fence with different posts. 

• Experience Required: Medium
• Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutter, Tape measure, Spirit level, Spade, String, Plier, Hammer (if using staples), Post driver (if using T posts)
• Materials Required: Chicken wire or Chicken wire PVC, Staples (for wood) or Cable ties (for metal), Wooden or T posts, Tensioning wire, Radisseur, Pegs (optional)

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.

Choose the Right Coating

Galvanised steel

• Galvanised steel is durable, rust-resistant, and easy to work with, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use.
• For functional purposes like livestock fencing or security, galvanised steel is often preferred for its strength and cost-effectiveness.
• The metallic look of galvanised steel may not be ideal for residential or garden settings, and it can still rust over time, especially in harsh conditions.

PVC coated

• PVC coating offers extra protection against rust, enhances weather resistance, extends the netting’s lifespan, and makes it safer to handle by reducing the risk of injury from sharp edges.
• For decorative purposes or garden fencing where appearance matters, PVC-coated netting is a more visually appealing choice.
• PVC-coated mesh, while still strong, may be slightly less robust than uncoated galvanised steel.

 

Tips & Tricks

• While considering options on how to build a chicken wire garden fence, keep in mind that T posts are easier to install, but wooden posts offer greater durability.
• While putting chicken wire around a garden, make sure to pull the mesh taut but avoid overstretching, as this can weaken it and increase the risk of breaking under pressure.
• Select the hole size based on your needs: for example, smaller holes for smaller animals and larger holes for bigger ones.
• Bury the bottom edge of the mesh a few centimeters underground to prevent animals from digging underneath.

 

FURTHER READING

• How to Attach Chicken Wire to Posts and Different Materials – Step by step instructions on how to attach netting to different materials.
• How to Attach Chicken Wire to Bottom of Fence – A guide showing you how to attach netting to bottom of an existing mesh.
• Cutting Chicken Wire – Learn how to cut netting using different methods.
• T Post installation – Step by step instructions on how to install T post fence.