DIY Dog Kennels

Fencing can be an expensive or complicated project, but if what you really need is fast, functional fencing for your dog, you can build it in a few hours with minimal expense. The fence posts will need to be set in concrete at least two days in advance, but then the fence will go together in a half-day.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 bags of concrete
  • 5 4-by-4 posts
  • 5- or 6-foot chain-link or welded wire fencing
  • Metal T-posts
  • Wire fencing ties
  • Chain-link gate with frame hinges
  • 2 lag hinges
  • Gate latch
  • Fence staples
  • Post-pounder
  • Shovel
  • Fence-stretcher
  • Come-along
  • Post-hole digger
  • Heavy-duty wire cutters or bolt cutter
  • Post level
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Choose your fence location. Measure and mark the perimeter. If the dog will spend most of its time in the fenced area, a space of at least 25-by-25 feet provides enough room to play. Choose where your gate will go.

    • 2

      Dig post holes. You will place a 4-by-4 post at each corner of your fenced area. Set a post in each hole, level it and pour in a few inches of concrete mix. Add water and stir. Continue adding concrete and water until the hole is filled.

    • 3

      Set your gate post. Your gate will hang between the fifth post and one of your corner posts. Measure the width of your gate and add 4 inches. For example, if your gate is 38 inches wide, you will want 42 inches between the corner post and the gate post. Dig a post hole. Level the post and confirm your measurement. Add the concrete. Allow the posts to set undisturbed for at least 48 hours.

    Install Fencing

    • 4

      Use a string or garden hose to mark a straight line along your fence perimeter. Pound T-posts into the ground, spacing them 5 feet apart and five feet from each corner post. You can use another T-post to brace each corner post. To do that, set the bottom of a T-post on the ground where the first T-post is hammered in, rest its top end against the wooden 4-by-4 and hammer it slightly into the wood to hold it in place.

    • 5

      Use fence staples to attach the end of your fencing to a corner post. Use the fence-stretcher and come-along to pull it taught and staple the fencing to the next corner post. Continue along the perimeter of the fence.

    • 6

      Use wire ties to secure the fencing to the T-posts. Wire the angled T-posts to the fencing as well.

    • 7

      Hang your gate. Drill pilot holes for your lag hinges. Install the hinges in the wooden 4-by-4 post, Hang your gate and tighten down the bolts on the gate's frame hinges. Next, drill a pilot hole for your gate latch. Attach latch to 4-by-4 post.