How To Build A Garden Fence

If you're tired of seeing the muddy footprints of four-legged creatures in your yard, then I've got the perfect fix!

While I adore animals, I do not welcome their presence in my yard, owing to their destructive nature. For instance, last spring I found half-eaten cabbages and serrated leaves in my blooming garden. Sure enough, this was a sign of deers frequenting my yard. Similarly, I have often been troubled by rabbits nibbling on the berries and uprooting freshly planted bulbs.

I knew building a garden fence would solve all my problems. A quick trip to the local hardware store and rummaging around in the basement gave me all the tools needed for the construction project. Together with my neighbor, Andy, who is a skilled woodworker, I began working on a fence, and it has to date kept pesky animals at bay!

There are several advantages of garden fencing, and going the DIY route can save you a lot of money and open the room for customization.

Hey there! I'm Stacy Smith. And today, I'll take you through a step-by-step guide to building a garden fence.

So, without any delay, let's get started!

Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Set The Posts

First things first, mark the area you will build the fence around. Then, with the help of an auger, dig 3 feet deep trenches for the posts. I used 4 x 4 cedar posts even though it is slightly expensive since cedar is a non-toxic material, ideal for areas where food will grow.

Place the posts at the corners, upright into the soil, and carefully level them to ensure they have the same height. After doing this, I quickly realized that the corner posts need additional stability since the weight of the fence will pull them out of place. Therefore, to reinforce sturdiness, I placed some posts diagonally (at 45-degree angles).

Besides, the gate-posts will also be under stress whenever the gate is opened or shut, and adding braces to them will enhance the overall durability of your structure.

The best way to lend strength to the posts is by firmly setting them in concrete. Give enough time for the concrete to dry out and establish a firm grip on the posts. Once you have set the wooden posts, fill the in-between gaps with the help of metallic T-posts.

These are less costly and should be buried at least one foot into the ground. One metal T-post after every 8 feet distance adds optimal sturdiness to the fence. That being said, do make sure that they are all of the same height.

Step 2: Attach The Fence Wire

Now that the cedar posts and T-posts are in place, it is time to attach the fence wire to it. Different materials used for fencing include chicken wire, galvanized mesh, and vinyl netting. I recommend using galvanized steel mesh since it is highly durable.

Before moving on to anything else, dig a foot deep hole into the ground, where you'll bury the mesh to prevent burrowing animals like squirrels from digging under the fence. If you live in an area with a high squirrel or rabbit population, this step is of the utmost importance.

Attaching the wire fence can be slightly tricky, so feel free to ask for a helping hand. Keep the mesh taut, and with the help of poultry fence staples and zip ties, attach it to the wooden posts and T-posts. Once they are in place, tighten the wire with the use of pliers.

Remember that the mesh wire shouldn't face the inside of the wooden posts; otherwise, there are chances of animals pushing through it.

An important consideration for garden fencing is how tall it should be. Ideally, 6-feet fencing would suffice for keeping out deers and other wild animals.

Step 3: Add The Gate

Now, comes the last step in building a garden fence. You'll need more cedar boards for this, but in case you run out of them, solid wood does the job just as well.

Form a rectangular door frame by bolting four wooden boards together and placing hinges on them. You can attach a wood beam diagonally or at the door base to prevent the entry of squirrels, rats, and other furry creatures.

Lastly, attach a standard latch to lock the door, and you're all set!

Tips On Building A Garden Fence

Now that you know how to build a garden fence, you must be eager to start with the job. To simplify things further, I have got some important points to consider right here.

1. Ensure Proper Fence Height

Your fence should have an optimal height. It shouldn't be so high that it obscures the beauty of your garden. Similarly, it shouldn't be close to the ground, or else deers and other animals can easily jump over it.

2. Obtain Construction Permission

It is essential to get the permission of your local authorities before construction to avoid disputes and fines later. You need to submit the building plan and can only proceed once they have approved it. Without proper approval, you might have to pull down the fence.

3. Stick To The Budget

There's no reason why you should stretch your budget when it comes to garden fencing. It is a cost-effective solution, and a lot of materials needed for its construction is budget-friendly or will be found in your yard.

Conclusion