DIY Chain Link Fence Mesh Installation

Chain link is one of the most affordable and effective choices for your new fence. With enough determination, you could even forego the added cost of a professional setup and turn it into a DIY project. However, this route requires a lot of planning and preparation, and many factors must be considered. For instance, how deep into the ground should your fence posts be, and how wide do you need to make the hole? Another consideration you must make is whether you want your fence’s mesh touching the ground. Of course, while there are other factors to consider, these are some of the more important questions you must ask yourself before you begin. Lucky for you, we have our answers to those questions right here!

Planning Your Chain Link Fence Installation

Before setting your fence posts, check any local guidelines or rules associated with fencings, such as local zoning laws and homeowner’s association rules. You don’t want to go through the trouble of putting up a fence you’ll only have to take down again! And this is not to mention safety hazards or potential damage, such as hitting buried utility lines or pipes.

You had better check with local utility companies, who will often survey your property for free and mark where these items might be buried anywhere on your lawn. And, of course, it is always a common courtesy to inform your neighbors of your installation plans. Once you’re cleared on all those fronts, it’s time to measure your location and dig! Feel free to use our Grid Layout template to map your chain link fence before you begin.

Proper Spacing & Layout for Home Chain Link Fences

You should place your fence at least 4 inches away from the property line to avoid future altercations. Make sure that each fence post location is evenly spaced throughout your area of choice, and before you begin, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast and make sure it is not going to rain for the next several days. This way, you will not have to worry about the rain causing the ground to soften around the poles as they set. You’ll want your holes to be three times wider than the diameter of your post and at least two feet deep. Remember to mind the frost line, as this is where the ground will shift as it freezes during the winter. Because of this, you’ll want to make the base of the hole a little wider to accommodate more concrete, thus assuring that your pole will not be knocked out of place during seasonal changes.

Chain Link Fence Mesh Installation

As for whether your mesh should be touching the ground, that depends on the intended purpose of your fence. You will want it to touch the ground if it’s meant to keep pets in and pests out. Nothing can squeeze its way underneath if your mesh is nice and taut. Of course, some smaller dog breeds may dig their way underneath, but that’s nothing a few tent stakes or a bottom rail won’t fix! You can also use tension wire to ensure no give would allow animals to push their way under. For all other purposes, however, it is recommended that your fence rests at least 2 inches above the ground since being closer makes the mesh more susceptible to corrosion. Not to mention: it makes yard work that much harder!

Other Resources

Learn the Chain Link Fence Components and how they are installed: Installing A Chain Link Fence

Learn how to measure your fence posts to ensure you have the right gate components: How To Measure Your Post

Learn about Chain Link Mesh Fabric Selvage and how it's assembled: Residential Chain Link Fence Selvage Styles