Woven Wire Fence Construction

HOW TO BUILD A WOVEN WIRE FENCE

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Timber :

End Posts : 125 x 125mm (5" x 5")
Intermediate Posts : 125 x 75mm (5" x 3")
Top Rail : 100 x 50mm (4" x 2")
Plinth : 150 x 38mm (6" x 1")

Step 1 - The Plan

Select position for your gates
Measure distance between gates and boundaries
Divide into even panels, not exceeding 2.4mt.
This will determine how many intermediate posts and the length of top rail and plinth required.

Step 2 - Posts

Clear the fence boundaries of overhanging tree branches, shrubs etc to avoid obstructing your string line.
Dig a hole at each end of the boundary, keeping holes as narrow as possible.
Paint the bottom 600mm of the posts with creosote or sump oil and put the posts into the holes.
Push a mix of soil and concrete back into the holes and ram tight with the blunt end of the crow bar, keeping the post straight(use spirit level); repeat until hole is full.

Tip : It is only necessary to use a concrete mix around gate posts.
Having selected position for your gates, set these posts, using the above procedure, and use a string line as a guide.
Pour wet concrete or use rapid set concrete around posts to ground level.
Repeat the above for intermediate posts using the string line and set back 25mm from the end post face.

Step 3 -Top Rail
Rails should be long enough to span 2 panels if possible.
Slide rails through mortices and into end posts.
Mark the rail halfway through the mortice and cut.
Use a spirit level to make sure the post is straight and re-pack soil or concrete around it.
Repeat until completely railed.

Step 4 - Plinth
Plinth should be set in 25mm from the edge of the end posts and across the face of intermediate posts.
Round or bevel edge to taste

Step 5 - Fixing Wire
Place adjacent to the end post or gate post prior to fixing and mark position of cross wires 25mm back from front of the post.
Drill 6mm (1/4") holes to suit and push wire in Fix with screws or spiral nails.
Staple wire onto top rail alternating from top to bottom cross wire.
Fix bottom of wire to the back of the plinth board and cut around intermediate posts.

Step 6 - Fitting Gates

Once the fence is completed un pack gate fittings and position bottom gudgeon as close to the base of the post
Drill pilot hole and fix gudgeon.
Then drop gate onto gudgeon and mark position of top strap. Remove gate and set aside. Pre drill pilot holes for the strap.
Refit gate and attach strap and attachment.
Tighten screws until firm.Do not over tighten as the powder coating will crack.
Check for smooth operation.
Select position of locking catch and fit into place.
If fitting double gates drill hole to suit drop bolt(s).
Check for smooth operation.

Finishing touches
Use a spirit level to check that all posts are straight.
Pour water onto concrete where necessary and remove and fill any nail holes from holding string line.

Painting
To ensure you obtain maximum life form your fence we recommend you pre paint all timber with a good oil based primer and enamel top coat.
Paint in all mortices prior to fixing rails.
When the fence is finished touch up marked areas.

Maintenance Tips
Keep the base of the posts clear of grass, weeds, stones, etc.
If your fence is painted initially with great care, it should only be necessary to wash the fence and gates down with warm soapy water every few years to bring it back to its sparkling best.
McLure Garden & Fencing accepts no liability for these instructions as they are provided as a guide only.

McLure Garden and Fencing Products
9 Capital Links Drive Campbellfield, Vic, 3061
Free Call (1800) 065 849
Free Fax (1800) 807 024