How to Build a Mesh Fence

Print this information in PDF. Check out the Coalition to Unchain Dogs for fencing building videos and more information.

Watch a short video about building a mesh fence:


You can purchase all materials at farm supply stores such as Tractor Supply Company or home improvement stores such as  Home Depot.

Try asking for donations to buy supplies or pay a fence company. Take pics of the needy dog and post to social media or a crowdfunding site such as gofundme.com. Your friends may be very willing to pitch in time, money, or supplies!

Supplies

1. Posts. Choose metal T-posts or wooden posts. You can get wooden posts cut to specifications. Place posts 6-8 feet apart.
2. Mesh cloth. It comes in rolls, in different strengths. Your fence will be stronger if you get a strong mesh (such as the welded wire below.)
3. Baling wire or wire ties to attach the mesh to the posts. Baling wire comes in a roll and can be cut into pieces. A heavy duty staple gun can be used to attach mesh fencing to wooden posts.

4. Concrete if setting wooden posts (such as for a gate). Usually one 40-lb bag of concrete can be used to
   set two posts.
5. Shovel or post hole digger if setting posts in concrete.

 Thin mesh and T-post

Strong mesh fencing

Instructions

Watch my short video to see the below steps in action.

• Decide where you want your fence to go. Mark the lines with spray paint or push wooden stakes into the ground and tie string from stake to stake

• Lay posts next to your lines, where you plan to stand them up.
   
  • The closer you place the posts to each other, the stronger the fence will be. 6-8 feet apart is good.

• Pound metal T-posts into the ground with a sledgehammer or post driver.

• T-posts should be put in the ground until the "V"  is covered. W

• Attach mesh to T-posts with wire ties or baling wire. Attach mesh at the top of the post, in the middle of
  the post, and at the bottom of the post.
   
  • Stretch the fencing as tightly as possible against the posts. One person should pull the mesh very tightly to the edge of the post while someone else attaches the mesh to the post.
  • Be sure the mesh is all the way to the ground. If the dog digs, you may need to bury a few inches of fencing.
• A gate will work best if attached to a post set in concrete. You can buy a gate or make one from wood and mesh fencing.

This gate was made with a wooden frame. Mesh fencing was stapled to the frame.

The wooden gate is attached to the wood post with a door hinge. A slide lock was also added to help keep the fence shut. A bike lock can also be used.