Whether you're installing weld mesh, chicken wire netting, dog fencing, or security fencing, wire mesh is the perfect option for your boundary fence. It's also surprisingly easy to install even for a DIY-er.
For the basic steps on how to set your posts and unroll your mesh, see our How To Install A Wire Mesh Fence guide. This guide will take you through the different options available for fixing your wire mesh fencing to your posts and to other structures, including:
Tools & Materials Needed
- Posts (wooden, concrete, or metal)
- Protective Gloves
- Wire cutters
- Hammer (if using wooden posts)
- Staples (if using wooden posts)
- Staple tacker (unless using hammer-in staples)
- Wire grips or fence plier
- Cable ties
- Tie wire
How to fix wire mesh to wooden posts
To fix your wire mesh onto wooden posts you should use a hammer and a "U"-shaped hammer-in staple. The staples are galvanized to protect against rusting. Place the staple over the wire of the mesh, and tap it into the wooden post gently to begin with being careful to avoid hitting any fingers! Once the staple is positioned you can use more force to hammer the staple into the post. To securely fix your wire mesh to the post, we would recommend using several staples spaced approximately 10cm to 15cm apart. A 15mm staple will be suitable for lightweight welded mesh and chicken wire netting, and use a 20mm staple for heavier-duty wire mesh.
A great way to speed up the installation process is to use a heavy-duty staple tacker. Make sure you use staples specifically designed for the tool. The tacker will fire the staple into the wooden post and then automatically load the next one. Simply line up the jaws of the tacker with the wire making sure to hold the tacker flat against the post, and squeeze the handle to fire in a staple.
How to fix wire mesh to concrete or metal posts
If your posts are made of concrete or metal, then the best solution for fixing wire mesh is to use either cable ties or tie wire.
Cable ties are a simple way to fix your mesh onto the post, and they don't require any tools. Simply loop the cable tie through the mesh and around the outside of the post, thread the end of the cable tie through the tie head and pull the cable tie tight. You will hear a clicking sound, like fastening a zip, which confirms that the cable tie is locking into place. If you have a larger diameter post then you can either use a longer cable tie, or you can fix two or more cable ties together by threading them through each other to extend their overall length. You can use either a black plastic cable tie, or if you would like a metal tie you can use a stainless steel cable tie.
If you have a particularly wide post, then tie wire is also a great option for fixing your wire mesh fencing to your metal or concrete posts. Again, installation is very straight-forward. Simply snip off a section of wire long enough to easy fit around the post. Next, loop the wire through the mesh and around the outside of the post. Use a pair of wire grips or a fencing plier to twist the ends of the wire together. Continue to twist the ends until the wire has tightened sufficiently to secure the mesh to your post. Any excess wire can then be trimmed off with your wire cutters.
How to fix wire mesh to our metal Post System For Mesh
Our metal Post System For Mesh is designed with a spine running down the length of the post, enabling you to fix wire mesh directly onto the posts with a single clip tool and clips. Once the post has been buried and post-creted into the ground, you simply use the clip tool to snap off one of the metal clips. Position the jaws of the clip tool containing the clip over the fence wire and through the spine holes in the post, as shown in the image below. Then squeeze the clip tool closed, this will secure the clip and wire mesh to the post spine.
How to fix wire mesh to walls or structures
Sometimes it may be necessary to fix part of your wire mesh fencing to either a wall or a structure such as a garden shed. If the material you are fixing to is made from wood, then you can use either the hammer-in staples or a staple tacker as referred to above. If you are fixing your wire mesh onto a brick or concrete structure, then large washers and screws can be used to secure the mesh into place. Drill a hole into the wall or structure at the fixing point and insert a suitable wall plug. Then use a washer large enough to hold the mesh in place, and install a screw into the wall plug. Repeat the process down the width of the roll to secure the fencing.
Here at Mesh Direct, we can provide you with all the materials you need to install the perfect wire mesh fence, whether you're using wooden, concrete or metal posts. If you need any assistance, our experienced sales team will be more than happy to help so please get in touch.
