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, 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

Before considering options on how to build a chicken wire garden fence, it’s important to plan carefully. The points below are based on our team’s experience designing and installing gabion structures.

• 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.

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Written By

This blog was created by our Technical Illustrator Timi and reviewed by our Technical Consultant, Erno.

Below you’ll find images of our real-life fence builds and chicken wire attachment options, along with customer projects. We’ve opted for technical illustrations for the instructions found in this blog because they provide better clarity on mesh placement and structural details that can get lost in real-life photography.