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Answering Your Questions. Episode 1

Here at Fenceshop, we always pay close attention to our customers’ needs, and we’re pleased to launch this new series where we respond to the most frequently asked questions we receive in the comments under our video tutorials. We believe that sharing answers can help not only those who write to us directly but also anyone facing similar situations and looking for practical solutions to build or improve their own fence. In this first episode, we’ve selected five questions—plus a bonus “extra”—covering very common but fundamental topics for anyone starting out in the world of DIY fences.

1. How do you fix the brace arm to the base on a concrete kerb?

One of the most common questions concerns installing brace arms, particularly how to secure the lower end onto a concrete kerb or footing. The solution is very simple: just place the brace arm against the kerb or concrete threshold and fix it with an 8 mm anchor bolt. Using a larger anchor, like 10 mm, might not fit into the slot of the brace arm. Drill into the concrete, insert the anchor, tap it in, and tighten it: this will keep the brace arm firmly in place. The important thing is to ensure that it doesn't slip forward. This procedure also applies to concrete footings, and you do not need to cement the brace arm itself.

2. Does chain link mesh need to be tied to the top wire?

Many ask if chain link mesh, typical of fences with diamond-shaped mesh, has to be tied to the top tension wire. Actually, it isn’t necessary: chain link mesh comes with hooks that easily open and fasten onto the top tension wire. Just hook the mesh every one or two posts at first, then continue with a hook every two or three wires. Tying becomes necessary only if you’re using welded mesh, because it doesn’t have the typical chain link mesh hooks and therefore needs to be manually fixed both at the top and the bottom.

3. How do you install mesh in square enclosures?

When building a square enclosure, for example for pets, the question arises whether it's better to unroll the mesh along all four sides or cut and apply a separate piece to each side. Our advice is to finish each side separately, cutting the mesh at the end of each segment. This is particularly important with welded mesh: during tensioning and installation, you risk deforming the last stretch if you try to “wrap” the mesh around the corner. This approach produces a neater and more orderly result, preventing the mesh from sticking out at the corners or showing aesthetic and functional defects. With chain link mesh, this is even more crucial, as it tends to deform more easily at corners.

4. How can I set all my fence posts at the same height?

Getting the posts perfectly level is one of the main challenges for those new to installing fences. The most common method is visual: set the first, last, and center post along the fence line, then use the imaginary line connecting them to set all other posts at the same level. A simple trick is to use a clothespin as a visual reference on each post’s hole. Alternatively, tools like a laser level can be used, but keep in mind the fence needs to follow the terrain’s contour: if the ground is uneven, the line of the posts should adapt to avoid having posts that are too high or too low in places. The goal is to achieve a fence that harmoniously follows the shape of the terrain.

5. Which mesh should I choose for a fence on a slope?

A user asked which type of mesh is best for a fence on a rural road with a 2.20° gradient. For slight and regular slopes like this, you can freely choose between welded mesh and chain link mesh: both adapt well to the terrain. If the slope changes abruptly, we recommend chain link mesh, as its “accordion” structure can be widened or compressed easily, adapting better to uneven ground. Welded mesh, on the other hand, requires manual adjustment of the mesh to adjust to sudden variations in slope.

Bonus Question: The importance of greetings and dialogue

We’ll close with a lighthearted note: we always appreciate tips and comments from our users, but we want to make sure that dialogue remains polite and constructive. Our goal is to provide helpful content and clear answers while maintaining a friendly and respectful atmosphere.

Visit our sites for more information

Don’t forget to visit our official website www.reteplast.it and our e-commerce store www.fenceshop.eu, where you’ll find a wide range of fence products and everything you need for DIY projects. Stay tuned for more tips and tutorials from the world of fences!