What's the trick with putting up straight welded wire fence?

To achieve a perfectly straight welded wire fence, one must understand and follow some crucial steps and expert tips. let's delve into advice from various experts in this field to help you put up a straight welded wire fence without a hitch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Straight Welded Wire Fence

Preparation and Planning

The first step towards a successful welded wire fence installation is thorough preparation. According to Jack Daniels, a landscape architect with over 15 years of experience, "Understanding the terrain and measuring your space accurately are crucial. Mark out your boundary first using stakes and string to ensure the line is straight.” 1. **Measure and Plan**: Start by measuring your area accurately. Mark the boundaries with gardening stakes and run a taut string between them. This string will serve as your guide, ensuring the fencing is straight. 2. **Select Quality Materials**: Douglas Greene, a fencing contractor, emphasizes the importance of quality materials. He suggests using a durable material like the 2x2" galvanized welded wire mesh roll for long-lasting results.

Installing Fence Posts

The fence posts form the backbone of your welded wire fence, and their accurate placement is fundamental to maintaining a straight fence line. 3. **Dig Post Holes**: Using a post-hole digger, create holes at regular intervals along your marked line. Expert gardener Sarah Thompson advises, “Make sure holes are deep enough to support the height of your fence, usually about 1/3rd of the post's height should be underground.” 4. **Set the Posts**: Place posts in the holes and fill them with concrete for stability. Ensure the posts are level and aligned precisely with your string guideline. Allow the concrete to cure for about 24 hours before proceeding.

Attaching the Welded Wire Mesh

Once your posts are securely in place, the next step is attaching the wire mesh. 5. **Unroll and Attach**: Unroll your welded wire mesh, starting from one end and secure it to the first post using staples or clips. Ensure the mesh is taut as you proceed to prevent sagging. For better results, consider using a robust type like the Electro galvanized welded wire mesh. 6. **Tension the Fence**: Mike O'Neill, a fencing expert, suggests, "Use a come-along tool to tension the wire, which helps in maintaining the mesh straight and taut." Secure the mesh to each post as you go, ensuring it remains straight and level.

Finishing Touches

With your welded wire mesh in place, it’s time to finish off the installation neatly. 7. **Check Alignment**: Walk along the fence line checking for any inconsistencies. Tighten any loose sections and ensure everything is secured properly. 8. **Cut Excess Mesh**: Trim any excess wire mesh using wire cutters, ensuring clean and precise cuts along the bottom and top edges. 9. **Secure the Bottom Edge**: To prevent animals from crawling under, secure the bottom edge of the mesh. Daniel Baker, an agricultural fencing specialist, recommends, “Bury the bottom 2 inches of the fence or use a galvanized steel grating to anchor it firmly.” By following these expert insights, you can ensure your welded wire fence is installed straight and stands the test of time. Remember, precise planning, high-quality materials, and diligent installation practices are the keys to success. Happy fencing!