DIY Chain Link Fence Installation Guide

So you decided to buy a DIY kit to get your fencing project started in Alberta. These kits are a great alternative for those who are thinking about installing fences themselves to save money on labour costs. But how exactly can you set up your new DIY kit? In this blog, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to properly install your new chain link fence. Let’s dive into it.

Check Your Local Building Codes and Regulations

 Before you get started with your project, it is fundamental to check your local building codes. Different cities often have different regulations in terms of how high your fence can be and even how deep you can dig the holes for your posts. Factors include whether you are installing the fence in your backyard or front yard, as well as the material of the fence.

How to Prepare

Before starting, take these steps:

• Call 1-800-242-3447 or email info@albertaonecall.com to have someone check and mark the buried utility lines on your property.

• Use string and batter boards to lay out your fence.

• Mark fencepost locations 60 to 90 centimetres apart with spray paint.

• Measure for chain link mesh and decide on the height; chain link mesh rolls are available in a range of heights from 3-feet to 12-feet.

The Materials You Need

To get started with the installation of your new chain link fence, you will need specific materials, including:

• Chain-link fabric

• Fence, end and corner posts

• Post caps: one line-post cap for each line post, one end-post cap for each end post

• Top rails: enough to cover the entire length of fencing

• Rail ends: one for each end or gate post, two for each corner post

• Tension bar

• Tension bands: three for each end or gate post, plus six for each corner post on a 1.2-metre fence, eight each for a 1.5-metre fence, and 10 each for a 1.8-metre fence

• Tension wire

• Tie wire

You may also need:

• Top rail sleeves if multiple top rails are required to span the fence length

• Brace bands to hold the rail ends

• Gate materials: pre-assembled gate, or two to create a double opening, gate-post and gate-frame hinges

DIY Fence Installation Steps

Prepare the Layout

The first thing to do when installing a chain-link fence is mark the layout of where you want your new fence to be. This can be done by putting stakes in the area and tying string lines around them. If you want to make sure you have a perfect square corner, you can use the 3-4-5 method, where you measure three feet along one line and four feet along the adjacent line. You should imagine a triangle formed by the diagonal line between the marks and the lines that meet in the corner. If you come up with a 5 feet diagonal, you have made a perfect square corner.

Dig the Holes and Set the Posts

Once you have marked where your posts are going to be installed, you can start digging the holes. The diameter of each hole should be three times the width of the post that is going to be installed. The depth of the hole will depend on your local regulations. Additionally, you might want to verify if your region bylaws allow you to dig below the frostline (where underground water freezes during the winter) as posts that are installed above the frostline can be pushed up on colder days.

To set the posts, it is recommended that you mark them according to how deep they are going to be. Terminal posts should be installed before line posts. This will help you make sure your line posts are straight, properly aligned and installed at the right height. You can also use a line between terminal posts to make it easier for you to verify the height of your line posts.

Once everything is placed, you can pour concrete into the holes, making sure the posts are aligned and straight.

Install Bands and Rails         

Once the concrete is dry and the posts are installed, you can set an end brace and tension bands at each terminal post. Corner posts will get a tension band for each direction. Finally, add the offset loops and install the fence rails on the line posts, making sure to add tension wire two inches above the ground and on the same side you are going to place your fence fabric.

Set the Fence Fabric

To get your fence fabric installed, we recommend getting the help of a friend as the job is considerably easier if done by two people. Unroll the fabric and slide the tension bars through the first diamonds, where the fabric is going to be attached to the terminal posts. You can use tension bars three feet from the end of the fabric to secure the other end as you attach the fence. Once the fabric is attached, remove any excess that goes over the height of your end post.

Attach the Gate

This is the last step on the installation process of your chain link fence. Attach the hinges to the posts and the frame hinges to the gate. To make sure your gate is being installed at the right height, you can use blocks on the bottom to lift the gate about 2 inches from the ground. Once all the structural parts are installed, you can attach the latch.

Chain Link Fencing Supplies in Edmonton and Throughout Alberta

Duraguard Fence Ltd. manufactures and supplies all the materials you need for your DIY chain link fence in ready-to-install kits, including posts, fittings, pipes and mesh. Pickup is available at our Edmonton office. Contact us to place an order and get started on your chain link fence installation.