DIY Steel Fence

Plan for your fence. Obtain code requirements in your community that govern the size, style and specifications mandated by building officials and lawmakers for fences. Obtain easement parameters, permits, guidelines, statutes and utility line/cable locations from authorities before you select raw materials, equipment and supplies. Make a rudimentary sketch of the fence design once you choose your materials. Mark gate locations on the sketch.

Measure the perimeter of your property to determine how much chain-link fabric and top rail or how many prefabricated fence frames you’ll need to build the fence. Use stakes and string or another yard marking system to define fence boundaries. Clear away vegetation, rocks and other obstacles using a shovel and rake so nothing interferes with the operation of your posthole digging equipment or obstructs the positioning of the steel mesh fabrics along the fence line.

Rent a posthole digger or an auger to save time, energy and frustration. Mark the locations of the holes at the boundary line and then dig them at 4- or 8-foot intervals, depending upon the amount of fencing you plan to install between the posts. Break ground at each spot. Sink holes from 24 to 30 inches into the soil at the aforementioned distances. Situate the posts in the holes.

Use a wheelbarrow to mix and pour concrete into holes surrounding the steel posts so you anchor them firmly and reduce potential sway. Use a level to ensure posts are plumb. Allow the concrete to cure according to package directions.

Attach prefabricated steel frames or post railings to post anchors using standard bolt-on gate hardware that consists of metal brackets that slip over the tops to anchor the frames. Use bolts and hex nuts or carriage bolts to secure the junctions, methodically working around the perimeter to connect all of the frames or tops to the posts.

Unroll the chain-link fabric along the perimeter. Slide a tension bar through the first stack of chain-link openings and use heavy-duty bolts to secure it to the first fence post. Begin attaching the steel fabric to the frame or rail at the first post, tightening the sections between posts while leaving the unattached steel fabric slack so it doesn’t distort or stretch the mesh.

Use pliers to cut away excess steel fabric and then wrap the ends around the final post. Attach hinges to one or both terminal posts and your gate section. Insert a hinge pin into the hardware to control the gate’s swing. Fasten a latch to the gate with bolts. Tighten the bolts along the entire steel fence.