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10 January 2021

Installation of stock fencing is a step that many people decide to take to fence a construction site, large agricultural area or any different plot. The installation of such a fence is simple and the fence itself is characterized by low purchase costs. Here are a few easy steps to successfully install stock fencing.

The process of stock fence installation is quite simple, but it is easy to make unnecessary mistakes. It is worth remembering that this type of a fence is installed in a different way than a wire mesh fence. Easier installation does not mean that it can be installed with less attention to detail – in case of any inaccuracy the fence may get damaged faster.

The necessary preparation

There are a few things you should establish before starting the installation process: dimensions of the fence and perimeter of the chosen area. Measuring both of these will help you decide on the fence length and amount of posts that should be purchased.

Stock fencing installation – materials and equipment

After establishing the area you want to fence, it is time to buy necessary equipment. The basic assembly materials are:

  • wooden or steel posts
  • stock fence – depending on the usage, you can choose from a variety of different mesh sizes .To find the right size for you, check out our online store
  • string – it will come in handy for establishing the line of the fence and position of the posts
  • hammer – preferably one that weighs about 1 kg. Working with a smaller hammer, like 0.3 kg, will require more of your time and energy
  • tape measure – used to measure distances between posts
  • wooden stakes – needed to mark out the holes for the posts
  • spade – needed to dig holes for the posts
  • fencing staples
  • construction nails

Choosing the rights posts

The biggest issue when installing a stock fence is the proper installation of the posts that will hold the fence. What material should they be made out of? It depends on whether the fence should be permanent or temporary. It is also worth considering the aesthetics of the fence. You can choose from two types of posts:

  • WOODEN POSTS – the most popular are those made of affordable pine wood. If you decide to use wooden posts, remember to impregnate them properly. Wood is a material that is extremely susceptible to the effects of weather conditions, such as rains, strong winds or sun. Wood that is not impregnated will quickly deteriorate and rot.

You can also choose acacia or oak wood. It is more expensive, but it is characterized by exceptional hardness, thanks to which, without additional impregnation, it can withstand unfavorable weather conditions without rotting quickly.

  • STEEL POSTS – they are more durable but also more expensive. You can choose posts used to install the wire mesh fence or special posts intended for stock fencing. In order to maintain the aesthetics of the fence, depending on whether you chose galvanized or coated stock fence, posts with the same features should be purchased.

Regardless of the type of posts, they should be digged into the ground. In the case of metal posts, it is advisable to put them in concrete, although it is not necessary. The situation is different in the case of wooden posts – such posts can only be digged into the ground.

If you plan on setting up permanent fencing, it will be more beneficial to use steel posts, which if covered with additional galvanization, will ensure long-term stability, will not corrode or disintegrate. However, wood is not a bad solution and has its benefits, like a more rustic appearance.

Arrangement of the posts

Positioning of the posts should always start with the corner posts. Drive in the wooden stakes in all corners of the plot. Stretch a string between the stakes, preferably near the ground and tie it to the stakes. Beginning with the first stake, measure 3 meters and insert the next stake – the distance between all the stakes should be 3 – 5 meters. That way, you established the holes for posts.

Then you can dig holes for all the posts. The hole should be approx. 30 cm deep so that the posts are stable. Do not spread the soil over the whole plot, you will need it in a moment to bury the posts.

You then put the posts into the holes. When using wooden posts, if you want the fence to be durable for a longer period of time, like a year or two, coat the ends of the posts that you will put into the ground with some kind of water-resistant chemical. Alternatively, the ends can be burnt, but this requires additional work. If you want to extend durability of steel posts, you can set them in concrete instead of putting them directly into the ground.

Cover the holes with soil – it is worth putting a few stones in – that way the posts will stand firmer. Trample the ground with your shoes so as to compact it.

Installation of wooden posts

When using wooden posts, the next step is to attach the struts to the corner posts that will support your structure. The method of mounting the struts is quite simple. They can be made out of half or 1/3 of the post. Cut the tip of one of them at an angle of 45 degrees. It is also worth cutting a “groove” to better fit the oval form of the corner post. Put the prepared strut to the post and mark the place where it connects to the ground. Then, in the marked place, dig a hole about 20-30 cm deep. You can gently treat it with a hammer several times. Bury the end of the strut and screw a few construction nails in the place where the post is connected to the strut.

Stretching the mesh when using wooden posts

Install the mesh with staples – nail them to the posts. You can nail every second or third wire. Don’t  put the staples all the way into the post, the mesh has to have some space to move. The idea is for the staples to support it freely instead of being aggressively hammered into the wood structure.

After nailing the mesh to the first post, unfold it to the next one and nail it with staples. Before nailing, stretch the mesh with the upper and lower wires. You do not want it to hang inert, you want a tight fence. After finishing the roll, trim the excess with pliers.

Stretching the mesh when using steel posts

When mounting the mesh to steel poles, always start with the corner post, remembering that the mesh must be carefully tightened during installation. If you use posts intended for stock fencing, the mesh is hung on special holders. In the case of ordinary posts, it should be fastened – for example – with the use of wires intended for chain link fencing. Attach the beginning of the mesh to the metal pole on special hooks. The rest of the mesh should be stretched along its entire length and rested vertically on the intermediate posts. The net can be temporarily fixed with galvanized wires, which will make it easier to attach to intermediate posts.

On intermediate posts, you attach the mesh to galvanized hooks. It is necessary to remember that the wires must be able to move horizontally, therefore the mesh cannot be fully attached to the posts. Otherwise, it may break.

As you can see stock fences are not only very versatile and durable but also easy to install.

If you need more information about the art of fencing check out our blog.