Wood and chain link fence is a type of fencing combining wooden framework with chain link mesh. Also referred to as California fence.
This unique looking fence style combines attributes form wooden fences and chain link fences.
Wood fencing is very customizable. Chain link fences are long lasting and affordable.
Combining the two materials makes for a customizable fence design requiring very little maintenance.
Wood and chain link fence is commonly found in residential backyards, variations are also used in agricultural applications.
Wood & Chain Link Fence Options
Options of how “California Fences” are constructed are endless.
Choices for wood framework range from the type and size of posts, size of rails, number of rails per section, and the fence height.
The chain link component of the fence installation is the wire mesh, also known as fabric.
Chain link wire mesh materials have options on the size of the wire used to constructed the mesh, the size of the diamond, the coating on the chain link mesh and the color.
Green, black and brown are all popular colors for chain link fence mesh when building a wood and chain link fence.
How to Build a Wood and Chain Link Fence
Building wood and chain link fence is not complicated. It has far less components when compared to having a traditional chain link fence installed.
The only fence materials required are posts, rails, wire mesh or fabric and some nails or screws.
In many areas, concrete is also required for the fence posts.
Setting the Fence Posts for Wood and Chain Link Fence
Wood fences generally have posts installed 8′ on center. The reason is that 8′ long is the most common length of a 2×4 or 2×6 which are used for the rails.
Longer rails are available and would result in less posts per fence line. However, longer rails do not provide as much strength, are more prone to warping and also cost more.
The wood posts for California fence should be installed at a minimum depth of 24″. Although 36″ is preferred. The addition of concrete creates a solid foundation on which to assemble the rest of the fence materials.
It is ok to leave posts taller than needed when installing wood and chain link fence. Allowing for cutting after the rails are installed or left high so post caps can be installed.
How to Attach Chain Link Fence to Wood Posts
Unlike chain link fence installation where the rail is attached to the posts first, when building wooden fence with wire mesh, the chain link fabric is installed onto posts first.
Horseshoe nails or fence staples attach chain link mesh to wood posts. Start at the first post in the fence line by simply nailing the fence to the post. Use enough to hold the chain link fence securely when tension is applied.
Another method to attach chain link fence to wood posts is with a tension bar. Holes drilled into a tension bar allows attaching wire mesh to wood posts with screws instead of fence staples or horseshoe nail.
Next, the chain link fabric is rolled out on the same side of the posts that the rails will be attached. Stretch tightly, removing all slack from the mesh.
Once slack is removed, cut to length and attach to end post in the same fashion as before. Add horseshoe nails or fence staples to all of the remaining fence posts.
Attaching the Rails to the Posts
A minimum of one rail is required for wood and chain link fence styles. Installed at the top. However 2 rail installation including a top and bottom rail is more common.
On taller height chain link fence mesh, a third middle rail is installed for extra support.
Rails install overtop the wire mesh. Sandwiching the mesh between the posts. Long wood screws or nails attach the rails to posts.
The top of the rail should stick out above the chain link fence mesh slightly. The same holds true for the bottom rail.
Fence staples or horseshoe nails attach the chain link mesh to the wood fence framework between each post.
Sometimes trim boards are used to cover the opposing side of the mesh between posts.
Conclusion
Wood and chain link fences are unique in design. Wood framework removes the commercial look associated with chain link fence.
Vinyl coated chain link mesh helps wire fabric blend better with backyards and natural surroundings.
The combination of both provides for a new fence that will last for years without the need for constant upkeep.
