How to Install Rolled Garden Fencing Stakes

Installing the stakes for rolled garden fencing isn't difficult, as long as you take the time to plan ahead and make sure they're evenly spaced. Whether using decorative stakes, wooden stakes or plain metal ones, the procedure is the same: measure, mark and pound.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mallet
• Measuring tape
• Chalk

1. Measure the area you plan to fence. Begin by marking the four corners where you plan to put the fence. Use small stones, landscaping flags or even sticks pushed into the ground to mark the spots where you want the corners to be. Measure the distance between each corner and write it down. Decide where you want the gate or entrance to be located and mark that as well. Measure from each side of the entrance to the nearest corner and write it down.

2. Calculate the placement of the stakes. Depending on the type of rolled fencing used, the stakes should be placed every 2 to 4 feet. For heavier-duty fencing, the stakes can be farther apart. For lighter fencing, they should be closer together. Using the measurements you took, calculate where the stakes should be placed in relation to the corners. For example, if there are 12 feet between the corners and you're placing the stakes 3 feet apart, the stakes should be placed 3, 6 and 9 feet away from the corner. If the numbers are uneven and would place a stake too close to a corner, subtract a small amount of space from each stake placement so they remain evenly placed from the corners. For example, subtract 6 inches from the distance between each stake so that they are 2 1/2 feet apart rather than 3 feet apart and more evenly spaced. The placement doesn't have to be exact, but you want the stakes as evenly spaced as possible to keep the rolled fencing stable. When your calculations are complete, mark the places on the ground where you'll place the stakes.

3. Mark the stakes. To ensure that you drive the stakes into the ground at an even height, make a chalk mark at the same spot on each stake to identify the depth you will drive it into the ground. About 1/4 to 1/3 of the stake should be placed in the ground, depending on the length of the stake. For example, if you're working with a 3-foot stake, measure and mark the 12-inch point on each stake.

4. Pound the stakes into the ground. Holding the stake straight up and down in one hand, use a mallet to begin gently pounding the stake into the ground at a point that you marked in Step 2. Work slowly at first, making sure to keep the stake straight up and down. Once the stake is firmly held by the ground, you can release your hand and begin pounding harder, forcing the stake into the ground. Keep an eye on the chalk mark you made in Step 3. When the chalk mark reaches the ground, you have driven the stake far enough. Repeat this process with the remaining stakes.

Tips & Warnings

• If the ground is especially hard, soak it with water a few hours before driving in the stakes. Don't work in muddy ground, which might allow the stakes to shift, but moist ground will make the job easier.
• Be careful not to bend the stakes or drive them in at an angle. If you find that a stake has been bent, remove it and use another stake. If you find you've driven the stake in at an angle, remove it, move it over slightly and begin again.