How to Install Chicken Wire Fencing (Posts, Rails & Fixings Explained)
Chicken wire fencing is one of the most versatile and cost-effective ways to create boundaries, protect gardens, or build poultry enclosures. Whether you’re fencing off a vegetable patch, creating a chicken run, or marking out land, the basic system remains the same:
Posts, optional rails, wire netting, and fixings.
In this guide, we walk through each component and explain how they work together to form a strong, practical wire fencing system.
Step 1: Setting Your Posts
Every good fence starts with solid foundations.
Machine round pointed stakes or posts are commonly used because they’re quick to install and provide reliable support for wire fencing systems. The pointed ends allow posts to be driven directly into softer ground, while larger diameter posts offer greater stability for longer runs or taller fences.
A popular choice for chicken wire fencing is a 1.8m × 75mm machine round pointed post, driven or set to a recommended depth of 600mm (2ft). This leaves approximately 1.2m above ground, which provides a good balance of stability and fence height for poultry enclosures.
For longer service life, applying post saver sleeves to ground-contact posts is strongly recommended, as this helps resist rot at soil level.
Recommended post spacing for Chicken Wire Fencing
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Typically 1.8m (6ft) centres
Corner and end posts take the most load, so ensure these are installed firmly. Posts can either be driven in or dug and set with postmix depending on ground conditions and fence strength requirements.
Step 2 (Optional): Adding Wooden Fence Rails
Once posts are in place, you can choose to add wooden fencing rails. Rails act as fixing points for your wire netting and help distribute tension evenly along the fence line.
For a common chicken fence height of around 1.2m, rails are usually fitted at the top and bottom, depending on the height of netting being used.
Popular options include:
Rails significantly improve rigidity, especially on longer runs, and provide multiple fixing points for staples. For fences over 900mm (3ft), adding a middle rail spaced evenly between top and bottom is recommended.
Using rails makes installation easier and results in a stronger, neater finish.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Wire Netting
Chicken wire comes in different mesh sizes depending on what you’re fencing, The most common and standard mesh size for chicken fencing is 25mm (1 Inch) Hexagonal Wire Netting
Smaller meshes are ideal for poultry and small animals, while larger meshes suit garden boundaries and general-purpose fencing. Often referred to as chicken wire or poultry netting, pre-galvanised hexagonal wire netting is flexible, easy to handle, and suitable for a wide range of outdoor projects.
Roll the netting out along your fence line, pull it tight against the rails or posts, and prepare to fix it in place.
How to Cut Chicken Wire guide.
Step 4: Fixing with Galvanised Netting Staples
Galvanised netting staples are used to secure wire netting directly to timber posts and rails.
Staples are hammered over the wire and into the wood, holding everything firmly in position. Using galvanised fixings helps protect against rust and ensures your fence lasts longer outdoors.
Staples are available in various sizes and bag weights, allowing you to choose the right option depending on rail thickness and project size.
Work methodically along each rail, spacing staples evenly to prevent sagging and keep tension consistent.
Fixing Chicken Wire Direct to Posts vs Using Rails
Option 1: Fix wire directly to posts
For lighter-duty fencing or shorter runs, wire netting can be fixed straight to the posts using galvanised cut point staples. This is quicker and uses fewer materials but provides less rigidity.
Option 2: Fix rails first, then attach wire
For stronger, longer-lasting fences, install wooden rails between posts and fix the wire to the rails instead. This spreads tension across the fence line, reduces movement, and gives a cleaner, more professional finish.
Rails are especially recommended for:
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Longer fence runs
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Taller fencing
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Permanent installations
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Areas exposed to wind or livestock pressure
Typical Uses for Wire Fencing
Chicken Wire Stapled on to Half Round Rails
Wire Mesh Fencing with Machine Round Posts
This type of fencing system is widely used for:
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Garden boundaries and plant protection
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Chicken runs and poultry enclosures
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Light agricultural fencing
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Landscaping projects
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General outdoor and DIY applications
Its flexibility makes it ideal for both trade and domestic customers.
Final Thoughts
A strong wire netting fence isn’t about one product, it’s about using the right combination:
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Machine round pointed posts for support
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Treated wooden fence rails for structure
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Wire netting for containment
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Galvanised staples for secure fixing
When installed correctly, this simple system creates a durable, practical fence suitable for countless outdoor applications.
If you’re planning a project, make sure you have all components ready before starting. It saves time on site and ensures a cleaner, stronger result.
You can also read our guide on how to cut chicken wire for clean edges and easier installation.
