The most critical step to installing a chain link fence is getting the posts in the ground. However, you cannot haplessly dig a few holes and drop the posts in the ground. There are specific steps that you need to take to install a top notch chain link fence in your yard, and setting the posts are a primary concern.
Here is how to install chain link fence posts:
Chain Link Fence Install: First Things First…
Simply having chain link fencing to install isn’t enough to start the process. You also need to take the following preliminary steps before you can begin:
Avoid a fight with the neighbors
Find out where your property lines are and make sure that your fencing will be within those boundaries, because your neighbor may get angry if you start digging holes on their property. What’s more, they would be well within their rights to tear down the portion of your fence that sits on their property at any time.
Contact your city or town for additional requirements and permits
Sometimes a local government will require you to take special steps and have a permit to dig holes of any kind. Chain link fence post holes, which are several feet deep, are no exception, so make sure that you aren’t breaking any laws beforehand.
Contact the utility company to mark of sewer and power lines
Picture this: you are digging a hole for one of your chain link fence posts and a deluge of putrid sewage gushes out, covering you and your property in foul slush. This is just one possible negative outcome that can happen if you do not actively avoid sewer and power lines while installing your chain link fence posts.
Before you even think about touching a shovel, contact the local utility company and ask them to send somebody out who can point out where any underground sewer or power lines are located. Don’t assume that you will get this information when you go to get your permits from the city either.
How to install chain link fence posts
Now that we have gotten all of the preliminary steps out of the way, you can start digging. Here is how to install the chain link fence posts:
Dig and partially fill all of your terminal post holes
Install and secure the terminal posts
You can’t simply drop your posts in the ground and cover the hole with dirt. You need to secure the posts using clamps and a stand; next, you fill the holes with concrete to completely secure the posts. Don’t worry about the appearance, because you can cover the concrete filling with dirt, grass, gravel, mulch or anything else you would like to use.
Run a string around the terminal posts
Make sure that the string runs around the area in which you will be installing your line posts. It should be pulled taut for straightness. This string will serve as a guide to make sure that all of your line posts are properly aligned.
Install your line posts
The steps that you need to take for each line posts should mirror what you did to install your terminal posts.
If this sounds like a hassle, it is (but it’s worth it)! We are always happy to share our expertise, but if you decide that you’d rather have a professional install, please reach out. We’d love to be your fence dealer!
