Mesh fencing, often referred to as woven wire, field fence, or netting, is a highly versatile and effective solution for containing various types of livestock, protecting gardens from pests, or establishing property boundaries. When combined with the robust and easy-to-install Y post, a mesh fence becomes a durable, cost-effective, and relatively straightforward project for landowners. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for successfully installing a mesh fence using Y posts.
1. Planning and Site Preparation
Thorough planning is the foundation of a successful fence installation.
- Define Your Fence Line: Clearly mark the exact path of your fence using string, flags, or spray paint. Identify the locations for all corner posts, end posts, and gate posts, as these will require extra reinforcement.
- Measure and Calculate Materials: Measure the total length of your fence line. For mesh fencing, common Y post spacing ranges from 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.6 meters). Calculate the number of Y posts needed, the total length of mesh, and the quantity of wire clips or ties.
- Choose Your Mesh Type: Select mesh based on your purpose:
- Field Fence (Hinge Joint/Fixed Knot): Ideal for livestock like sheep, goats, or cattle. Fixed knot is stronger.
- Poultry Netting (Chicken Wire): For chickens or light garden protection.
- Hardware Cloth: For small burrowing animals in gardens, often buried partially.
- Deer Netting: Taller, often plastic mesh for deer exclusion.
- Gather Tools: You’ll need Y posts, the chosen mesh, a post driver, wire cutters, wire clips/ties, a measuring tape, a level, and safety gear (gloves, eye protection). For tensioning, a come-along or fence stretcher will be needed. For corner/end posts, bracing materials (e.g., brace posts, brace wire) are essential.
- Clear the Area: Remove any debris, large rocks, or vegetation along the fence line that could interfere with post installation or mesh attachment.
2. Installing Corner, End, and Gate Posts
These are the critical anchor points that will bear the most tension.
- Drive Posts Deeply: Using the post driver, firmly drive the Y posts for corners, ends, and gates into the ground. Aim for at least one-third to half of the post’s length to be buried, ensuring they are perfectly plumb with a level. These posts often need to be longer than line posts to accommodate deeper burial and bracing.
- Install Bracing: For mesh fences, which are typically tensioned, robust bracing is crucial for corner, end, and gate posts. An “H-brace” (two vertical posts with a horizontal rail and diagonal tension wire) or a strong “N-brace” (a single diagonal brace post) will prevent these posts from leaning inward under tension. Use heavier-gauge Y posts or dedicated timber for bracing components.
3. Installing Line Posts
Once the anchor posts are secure, proceed with the intermediate line posts.
- Mark Spacing: Stretch a string line taut between your corner/end posts at the desired height of the bottom of your mesh. Use this as a guide to mark the exact locations for each line post, maintaining consistent spacing (e.g., 8-12 feet).
- Drive Line Posts: Drive each Y post into the ground at the marked locations, ensuring they are plumb and aligned with the string line. Drive them to a consistent depth so the top of your mesh will be level along the fence line.
4. Attaching and Tensioning the Mesh
This step requires careful handling to ensure a taut and effective fence.
- Start at an End Post: Securely fasten one end of the mesh to an end or corner post. You can use heavy-duty wire clips, wraps of plain wire, or specialized mesh fasteners. Ensure it’s firmly attached to the post’s studs or through its holes.
- Unroll and Attach Loosely: Unroll the mesh along the fence line, attaching it loosely to each Y post as you go. Use wire clips or ties, ensuring the mesh is at the correct height and snug against the post. Do not tension yet.
- Apply Tension: Once the mesh is loosely attached along a section (e.g., between two corner posts), use a fence stretcher or come-along tool to apply tension. Attach the stretcher to the mesh at the far end and pull until the mesh is taut and the “crimps” or “knots” in the mesh are partially straightened (but not pulled completely flat). Apply tension evenly across the height of the mesh.
- Secure Tightly: Once tensioned, securely fasten the mesh to the final end or corner post, ensuring it holds the tension.
- Repeat for Sections: Continue this process for each section of the fence, tensioning one section at a time.
5. Final Touches and Inspection
- Trim Excess: Trim any excess mesh or wire, ensuring there are no sharp edges.
- Secure Bottom: For animal exclusion, ensure the bottom of the mesh is tight to the ground. You may need to use ground staples, rocks, or bury the bottom edge to prevent animals from crawling or digging under.
- Install Gates: If your fence includes gates, install them according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring they are sturdy, open smoothly, and latch securely.
- Inspect Thoroughly: Walk the entire fence line, checking for any loose spots, sagging, or areas where animals could squeeze through. Make adjustments as needed.
By following these steps, you can successfully install a durable and effective mesh fence using Y posts, providing reliable containment or protection for your property.
