HOW TO ERECT A CHAIN LINK FENCE – Here we have a 2 Part Video, part 1 above and part 2 below, which will show you, along with the written instructions below, how to erect a chain link fence.
Erecting a chain link fence is a fairly quick and easy way to enclose your garden. Chain link fences don’t provide much in the way of privacy, because you can see straight through them, but it does provide a way to keep your pets in and your neighbors pets out.
To successfully complete this DIY job it’s best if you have a friend or two to help you. One interesting aspect of a this type of fencing is that it is very useful if you intend to grow climbing plants as you won’t need trellis or netting to help the plants, they will easily grow up and around your chain link fencing.
How to Erect a Chain Link Fence – Part 1
Step 1
Determine how high you want your chain link fence to be. Remember in certain areas building regulations impose a maximum height for a fence. If in doubt call your local authority to find out.
Step 2
Chain link fencing is supplied in rolls of a certain length and height, so measure the length of where you are going to erect the fence and then add approximately 10% to allow for any cut-off wastage.
Because chain link fencing is not rigid, like wood or panel fencing, you will need to consider how many posts you will need. For example, a panel fence normally comes in standard sizes of 8′ x 6′. That’s 8′ in length, and this is fine because it’s rigid. However, it is advisable to insert a supporting timber fence post of 4″ x 4″ every 4′, or steel tubular post, for a chain link fence.
Once you have measured the entire length of the fence you are going to erect, take that number and divide it by 4 – this will then give you the number of posts required. Depending on the height of the fence you should by posts that are long enough to bury 18″ into the ground and rise above the chain link by 6″.
Step 3
Once you have all your materials on-site you can start work. It’s advisable to have a chat with your neighbors before you start. Putting up a fence invariably means having to work from the other side, and therefore in the neighbor’s garden. Do ask them for permission.
Step 4
At either end of the intended fence insert a wooden stake into the ground and run a line between each one. This will give you your straight line of where the fence will go. Now mark, along the line with wooden stakes, at 4′ intervals, the position of each fence post.
Step 5
Once you have marked all the fence posts you can dig out the holes. You need to dig down to approximately 18″.
Step 6
When you have finished digging your post hole insert the post and make sure it is upright using a spirit level. Also make sure that the post is against the line to ensure you have a straight fence. This is where a friend to help comes in handy. You really do need someone to hold the posts while you make any adjustments.
To support the post before and after adding concrete you can nail wood slats at a 90 degree to each other on the post at the bottom. This will stop the post from moving about when you are concreting them in.
Step 7
You can buy concrete Post Mix from any good DIY store. Post mix dries rapidly so you’ll need to work fast. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging for the best results. A tip here is that once you have concreted in the post, take a trowel and create a concrete mound around the post, with the highest point of the post and then sloping towards the ground. This will help rain water run off and away from the timber post and will help prevent the post from rotting prematurely. Once you have completed installing all the posts leave the concrete to fully cure for about 24 hours or as recommended by the manufacturer on the Post Mix package.
Step 8
Now that the fence posts are securely in place you can attach the chain link fence. Take your roll of chain link and stand it against the first post. Depending on the type of chain link you choose, plastic coated or galvanized, you can make a furrow in the ground along the entire length of the fence so that the chain link has no gap where pets can crawl under.
Step 9
Wrap 6″ of the chain link around the end post and secure it along the length using galvanized ‘U’ nails or suitable nylon ties if using steel posts. Note that some steel post come with hooks that are welded onto the post to allow for the attachment of chain link fencing.
Step 10
Do not unroll the entire length of the chain link from the roll. It is much easier to unroll it as you go. Again, now is the time a friend comes in handy as you work along the fence posts.
Step 11
As you come to each fence post, stretch the chain link so that it is taught and then secure using galvanized ‘U’ nails or nylon ties, if using steel posts, to the post. Repeat this along the entire length of the fence and for each post.
Step 12
At the last post wrap the chain link fencing around the post by about 6″ and secure it along the entire length using galvanized ‘U’ nails or nylon ties if you have fitted steel posts.
Step 13
Important – carefully check each section between each post as you work. You need to make sure that the chain link fence is taught and rigid between each post.
