If you have dogs or are planning to have livestock you are going to need fencing. This article will describe how to install a chain link fence enclosure. Click Here if you would like to learn about other fencing option.
The first step in any building project is to check local zoning laws and ordinances to be sure you can legally build. Also make sure you know where all underground utilities are running so you do not hit anything while digging. Most utility companies will come locate and mark where everything is running. Safety First! Also make sure you know where your property line is so don’t build on your neighbors land.
Now you can layout the perimeter of your fence. It can be in any shape you like but if you want to make sure that the corners are square we can use a very useful mathematical principle called the Pythagorean Theorem which i discuss here. Measure out the length of the perimeter to calculate materials needed. Chain link fences work with three different posts. The terminal post, the line post, and the top rail. The terminal post is the largest of the three and is used for the ends of runs, the corners, and the high and lows points of very uneven land. The line posts are set in between the terminal posts and are used to hold up and give rigidity to the chain fabric. The top rails run horizontally to the ground and rest on top of the line posts. This is where you attach the top of the chain link fabric.
Other hardware items you will need are tension bands, tension bars, rail end caps, brace bands, fence ties, post caps, tension wire, hog rings, lag bolts, as well as a gate and gate hardware if you are planning to install one. We will discuss these items as we come across them.
Now it’s time for everybody’s favorite part, digging the holes. Mark off every corner or bend as well as every high or low spot if there is a difference in ground level of more than about 18-20 inches or so. This will be where the terminal posts go and needs a hole about 8 to 10 inches in diameter and at least 18 inches deep, but 30 inches is preferable. Also if practical in your soil type try and undercut the bottom of the hole so it is a slightly larger diameter than the top. If installing a gate make sure that the terminal posts are spaced properly to give room for gate, male and female hinges, and the fork latch.
Now that the holes are dug it’s time to set the terminal posts. Mix concrete according to instructions on bag and, using a level to ensure it is perfectly vertical, fill the hole to just under ground height. I like to use a t-post driver and pound the post in a few inches first to make sure it stays put while pouring concrete. Let these cure for a couple days before moving on to next part.