Pre-Installation: Planning & Materials
Layout and Measurement:
Terminology: Establish the fence line, locate property lines, and identify the locations for terminal posts (end, corner, and gate posts) and line posts.
Steps: Use stakes and string to mark the entire perimeter. Measure precisely to determine the total linear footage, which will dictate the amount of fabric (the mesh itself), top rail, and number of posts required.
Materials Checklist (Using Professional Terms):
Fabric: Galvanized or PVC-coated chain link mesh, defined by gauge (wire thickness), mesh size (distance between parallel wires), and height.
Posts: Terminal posts (typically larger diameter, schedule 40 steel pipe) for ends and corners; line posts (lighter schedule) for intermediate support.
Fittings: Post caps (for line posts), tension bands (for terminal posts), brace bands, rail ends (for attaching top rail to terminal posts), tension bars, and galvanized or aluminum tie wire (for securing fabric to rails and line posts).
Rail: Top rail (continuous pipe running through line posts).
Hardware: Loop caps or tension bars for fabric termination, gate hardware (hinges, latches), and all necessary nuts and bolts.
Concrete: For setting posts.
Tools Required:
Post hole digger (manual or auger), shovel, wheelbarrow (for mixing concrete), level (post level is ideal), tape measure, string line, wire cutters, fencing pliers, wrenches, safety equipment (gloves, goggles).
Professional Installation Procedure
Step 1: Setting the Posts
This is the most critical phase for structural integrity.
Digging Holes: Dig holes for terminal posts first. Diameter should be 3x the post diameter. Depth should be 1/3 of the post length plus 4 inches for a gravel base (e.g., a 6ft fence requires a minimum 2ft hole). Line post holes are typically shallower.
Placing and Bracing Terminal Posts: Place terminal posts. Use your string line and a level to ensure they are plumb (perfectly vertical). Temporarily brace them with lumber. For gate posts and end posts, install horizontal bracing (a truss system) if specified for high wind loads or heavy gates.
Mixing and Pouring Concrete: Prepare a fast-setting concrete mix. Pour into the hole, ensuring the post remains plumb. Slope the concrete at the top ("crowning") to shed water away from the post and prevent pooling. Allow concrete to cure fully (24-48 hours) before applying tension.
Step 2: Installing Line Posts and Top Rail
Aligning Line Posts: Stretch a string between set terminal posts at ground level and top level to guide line post alignment. Set line posts in their holes, check for plumb and alignment, and pour concrete.
Attaching the Top Rail: Once line post concrete is set, thread the top rail through the post caps on all line posts. Secure the top rail to terminal posts using rail end bands and bolts.
Step 3: Unrolling and Attaching the Chain Link Fabric
Positioning the Fabric: Unroll the fabric along the inside of the fence line. It is standard to install the fabric on the outside of line posts but inside the terminal posts and the property.
Securing to Terminal Post (Tensioning):
Tension Bar Insertion: Insert a tension bar vertically through the first row of mesh at the end of the roll.
Attaching Bands: Place tension bands around the terminal post (usually 3-4 bands spaced evenly). Slide the tension bar into the tension bands.
Tightening: Use a fence puller or come-along to stretch the fabric toward the next terminal post, removing all sag. Apply moderate, even tension – the fabric should be taut but not overstretched. Secure the tension bands around the post and bar tightly with nuts and bolts.
Step 4: Securing Fabric to Line Posts and Top Rail
Tying the Fabric: Use galvanized tie wire (or aluminum for PVC-coated fabric) and fencing pliers to securely tie the fabric to the top rail and each line post at intervals of approximately 12-18 inches. This prevents billowing.
Step 5: Finishing and Gate Installation
Terminating at Opposite End: Once fully tensioned and tied, repeat the tension bar and band procedure at the far terminal post. Trim excess fabric with wire cutters.
Installing Gates: Hang the gate using heavy-duty strap hinges or pivot hinges on the gate post. Ensure it is level and swings freely before fully tightening all hardware. Install the latch or gate bolt on the latch post.
Pro Tips from Pauleen's Factory Experts:
Tension is Key: Proper tension on the fabric is what gives a chain link fence its clean, professional appearance and rigidity. Avoid under- or over-tensioning.
Corrosion Protection: For coastal or high-moisture areas, specify hot-dip galvanized (HDG) fittings and consider zinc-aluminum coated fabric for superior corrosion resistance.
Post Alignment: A perfectly aligned fence line is achieved in the post-setting stage. Take your time here.