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Non-Dirt/Concrete Base for Chain Link Fence Post

10910 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  suncowiam
Hi All,

Not sure if construction is the right category for this post but I would like to build a chain link fence that does not root itself into the ground.

I need the base to of the post to be able to hold the fence up. The use for this is to move the fence to different positions as I need in the yard. What would be the best method of doing this?

Thanks!
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Chain link is very heavy
The posts could be sunk in 5g buckets of cement to allow them to be moved. You would need support going out to each side from the buckets to prevent the fence from tipping over.

Why chain link instead of something lighter?
I'm a complete newbie when it comes to all this stuff.

I basically just want some mobile fencing system to enclose certain areas away from my two 30 lb dogs. The mobile part means I could move the fence around to enclose new regions if needed.

I went to homedepot and saw the chain link fence section and it didn't seem to be so heavy. I would only need the height to be 4-5 ft and would use the thinnest poles to attach the chainlink. I didn't see any type of base to have the poles attached to other than those that you dig into dirt or attach to concrete.

Do you suggest any other types of fencing? I need it to be strong and durable like metal since my dogs chew away some of the wood.

Thanks.
Is this going to have to keep the dogs in the yard?
IE prevent them from going after another dog they see?
(2) 30 lb dogs hitting a portable fence can probably tip it over unless it is very fastended very securely to the ground
Most dogs will also dig under a fence

Chain link also has a pole that runs along the top of the fene
Then a wire that runs between poles at the bottom fo the fence
May not be the easiest thing to move around
It would do the following:
1) Enclose my outdoor furniture and bbq set when not in use.
2) Reinforce the current backyard wooden fence.

The dogs are chewing threw some of the wooden fence and have gotten into my neighbor's yard. I've had to patch with some extra wooden panels but some of the fencing is now ruined and looks very ugly.
how big of an area needs to be fenced in..you could always buy or build a dog kennel with top and bottom rail's they are free standing meant to be put on a concret pad,but could just sit on the grass,and could be secured to the ground with drive in tent spikes,good luck
Over the years I've had numerous dogs make a jail break. The thing is once they are successful they keep at it and the converse is true, if they fail often they eventually give up.
Some non traditional methods I've had success with, is a shorter fence 18 inches from the existing fence. Most dogs don't like the cramped quarters much and/or landing on their heads and front legs when they jump the shorter fence.
Something with thorns planted in front of the fence.
And my favorite is concrete reinforcing mesh. With about four inch squares and either 1/8" or 3/16" rod (depending on how stable you think it needs to be). I've had dogs bite through and tear up chain link, none have every had any success with concrete reinforcing mesh.
I even cleaned my mesh fence sections up (wiped the oil off with solvent) and painted them with a brush, using Hamerite paint. They even look reasonably good. More expensive than chain link, less expensive than the element type metal fencing you can buy.
In the long run the mesh may be cheaper than chain link, after you have to pay for repairs to the existing fence and having to deal with animal control or worse yet some sort of law suit.
I've also used the mesh to partially cover the bottom three feet of existing wooden fences. It might not save the existing fence completely, but it will likely keep them from ever having complete success and eventually may discourage them from even trying.
If four sections were tied together in a square, it may need little or no extra bracing. One 6 X 8 foot section is manageable by one person. Doubtful to be affected much by the wind. The sheets of mesh come in various sizes, 5' X 10' would likely be what you'd want. Explain to the metal wholesaler what you're after, have them cut the sections so you have as few as possible ends sticking out, except maybe on the base section (so you can push it into the ground a little). If you have to put a sun screen on a side, I'd use some sort of anchors or stakes (the wind and sail area is always a consideration with any fence). Delivery has never really cost me very much from the metal handler, they deliver all day long.
I've had good luck looking through the odds and ends at the metal handler. If it is a cut piece and excess, you can often pick it up by the pound and not have to pay for the finished product.
I've even used the mesh as tangle foot, laid it horizontally on 8" legs. Dogs don't much like having to pick there way through the squares to get where they want to go. I've also used it with longer legs (laid horizontally with a bit more ground clearance) to discourage Deer from visiting the garden.
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how big of an area needs to be fenced in..you could always buy or build a dog kennel with top and bottom rail's they are free standing meant to be put on a concret pad,but could just sit on the grass,and could be secured to the ground with drive in tent spikes,good luck
Yeah... My current house is secured at the time being, but I'm looking to buy another house so I want to be prepared. The kennel might be a good idea depending on the new lot size.

To Bigfoot, I'll look into the mesh, but I think chain link will deter my dogs. The smaller one actually does all the chewing and I'm sure she doesn't like metal. Thanks!
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