How to Build a Vinyl Coated Wire Mesh Fence Dog Run

Vinyl coated wire mesh is ideal for dog runs, as the dog has a full view of its surroundings. The wire is strong and long-lasting, and the vinyl coating not only improves the appearance but also protects it from sunlight degradation, water and rust. It also provides a softer exterior in case the dog tries to chew on it, as coated wire is less likely to injure the dog’s mouth. You can use vinyl coated mesh in a chain link form or a flat form, although chain link has superior strength.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Spade
Cement, sand and gravel or pre-mixed cement
Terminal posts
Line posts (thinner)
Tension bands
Brace bars
Top rail

Wire mesh
Tension bars
Wire ties
Bolts
Gate
Hinges
Latch

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the area for the run. Mark the location of the terminal or corner posts as well as the intermediate line posts. All posts should be positioned with approximately 10 feet between them, whether they are corner or line posts. Leave a space between the two terminal posts for the gate into the run.
- 2
  Dig the holes for the posts a minimum of 12 inches deep and wider at the bottom of the hole. Fill the holes with pre-mixed cement, or make your own mix using one part cement, two parts sand and four parts gravel. Position the posts in the center of the cement in the holes, using a level to ensure that they are straight.
- 3
  Fit the tension bands and brace bars on the terminal posts on either side of the gateway. Make sure that the bars are positioned correctly with the flat section pointed towards the outside of the fence. Place the caps on the terminal posts.
- 4
  Connect the top rail of the fence by placing the metal loop caps on the line posts and sliding the rail through the loops from one terminal post to the next. Secure the loop caps with the bolts. Fit the ends of the top rail on each side to the opposing terminal post.
- 5
  Slide the first tension bar into the last row of links at the edge of the wire mesh. Place the tension bar in the tension bands against the first terminal post in the gateway of the run, and then tighten the bolts.
- 6
  Wrap the wire mesh around the entire run. Insert the second tension bar to the other end, and fasten to the other terminal post at the gateway. Tighten the bolts on the tension bar until the wire mesh fence is sufficiently taught.
- 7
  Tie the vinyl wire mesh to the top rail at intervals of 6 inches using wire ties. Tie it around the line posts and terminal posts as well to prevent the wire mesh from sagging over time. Pay particular attention to tying the mesh securely at the base of the fence to avoid the dog digging underneath it.
- 8
  Install the gate in the space allowed for it. Attach the hinges to one gatepost and the latch to the other, ensuring that you can open and close the gate without hindrance. Ensure that the clearance space at the base of the gate is too small to enable the dog to slip through.

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