Double rod mat fence installation: DIY guide & important tips

Many property owners opt for the installation of a double rod mat fence because this type of fence offers numerous advantages. It is sturdy, low-maintenance, durable, and offers good value for money. Additionally, the double rod mat fence can be adapted to individual property conditions. This article provides information on material and installation costs. It illustrates, in a step-by-step guide, how you as an ambitious DIY enthusiast with some handyman skills can erect the fence yourself. We also address special installation conditions such as sloped terrains and fixings on walls. We supply you with all the information for a sound purchasing decision.

Double rod mat fence: Material costs

First, a small distinction: There are single rod and double rod mat fences. Both construction forms provide you with stable metal components. In the double rod mat, the horizontal rods are duplicated, which gives this fence type even greater robustness.

Double rod mats have a standardized width of 2510 mm. This means: With four fence elements, you enclose your property over a length of ten meters. Additionally, you need suitable fence posts. The rule is: Always order one more post than the number of fence elements. The fastening devices are included with the posts. Furthermore, if your double rod mat fence should protect you from prying eyes, you will need privacy strips. The material can be easily woven in and is delivered in 50-meter rolls. For an 80-centimeter-high, ten-meter-long double rod mat fence, you require two rolls.

The costs for the rod mat elements vary depending on the thickness, design, and height. There are light 6/5/6 and heavy 8/6/8 fences. The double numbers indicate the millimeter thickness of the horizontally running double rods, the single number for the millimeter diameter of the vertically standing single rods. The costs for classic designed elements at 630 mm height are between 40 and 60 euros each. Decorative fences with integrated ornaments or arches cost between 175 and 205 euros each. In addition, there are the expenses for the posts. Here we differentiate between posts to be concreted in - between 25 to 30 euros each - and posts to be bolted on - around 70 euros. Finally, if desired, the privacy strip: 130 to 145 euros per roll.

Example calculation: For a hot-dip galvanized double rod mat fence in a light, yet stable design and 830 mm height, you pay 200 euros per 10 meters length (4 x 50 euros). To this, add 5 posts at 25 euros each = 125 euros. Plus two rolls of privacy strip: 2 x 130 euros. That results in 585 euros for 10 meters of double rod mat fence. This example is an approximate calculation. The exact, current total costs for your project can be determined via the configurator.

Double rod mat fence: Installation costs

There is no flat rate for the installation of rod mat fences. Like every craft project, the total costs here are calculated based on the effort of the project - how high the fence elements are, whether there are decorative fences or gates, how the terrain is composed. Depending on the workload, the installation prices per running meter are between 30 and 70 euros.

Erecting a double rod mat fence: Procedure for concreted posts

Your new double rod mat fence should be founded directly in the ground, not on a concrete foundation or a wall. Then it is necessary to cast a concrete anchor for each post. For this, you need some additional tools and materials:

• Quick-drying concrete (40 kg per post)
• Drainage gravel
• Spade or auger
• Mason's bucket
• Drill with mixing attachment

In addition, regardless of whether you concrete the posts or bolt them on, other tools and aids should be part of your equipment:

• Tape measure/straight edge
• Mason's string and stakes
• Spirit level
• Hex key
• Possibly zinc paint
• Possibly angle grinder

Preparation and precise measuring is everything in fence construction. Define the exact course of the fence with the guide string and meticulously measure out where the posts need to stand. An important tip for the DIY novice: Never set all posts and then mount the double rod mats! The risk would be too great that small measurement inaccuracies make the fence unmountable. Rather work in the sequence post, fence field, post.

Erecting a double rod mat fence with concreted posts step by step

1. Dig a foundation hole at the location of the first post measuring 30 x 30 centimeters. Dig 80 centimeters deep. Fill the hole with about 10 centimeters of drainage gravel. This gravel layer makes the installation frost-proof. Place the fence post 45 centimeters deep into the excavated hole. Mix the screed concrete according to manufacturer's instructions in the mason's bucket to a damp consistency. Pour the mixture into the ground hole, leaving some space for a covering layer of soil. Align the post using a spirit level. Pay attention to the correct vertical position, adherence to the alignment, and the correct height.

2. After the screed concrete has dried (takes about three hours with quick-drying concrete), place the first rod mat element between the posts. The screws are included with the posts. Here, a hex key is sufficient as a tool. Please do not use a power screwdriver for this step, as the hex screws might get stripped. Now mark the next, third post and dig the foundation hole. Tip: A wooden slat, cut exactly to the distance between the two first, correctly set posts, simplifies the determination of the next post positions.

3. Not always does the property border match the uniformly large double rod mat elements. You may have to shorten the last fence element to fit everything. But this is not a problem. Cut off the excess with an angle grinder. Then, seal the cut surfaces with zinc paint to prevent rust.

Mounting a double rod mat fence on a wall

Want something even simpler? If there is already a supportive concrete foundation, the laborious foundation work for fence erection is not needed. In this case, choose posts for your double rod mat fence that are designed for bolting on. Here's how to proceed:

1. As with the concreted fence, first define the course of the fence and meticulously measure out the locations of the first two posts. Take your time with the measuring work, be pedantic! A miscalculated post distance means a lot of extra work.

2. The base of your fence posts has four holes for the fastenings. Clearly mark these holes with a carpenter's pencil on the wall. Here you need to set your drill holes.

3. Drill the four holes for the post fastening with a stone or concrete drill bit. Now fill the drill holes with a mounting mortar from a cartridge gun. Then, without hesitation, place the post on it and embed the screws in it. Screw on the nuts and check with the spirit level whether the post is vertically aligned before finally securing it. Corrections can be made by inserting washers.

4. With this mounting variant, it is of course possible to shorten the last element with the angle grinder to fit.

5. Finally, when everything is in place, retighten the screws and cover them with plastic caps.

In addition to the already mentioned tools such as spirit level and angle grinder, you will need the following additional equipment for mounting a double rod mat fence on a wall:

• Drill with stone or concrete drill bit
• Wrench for M8 stainless steel screws
• Cartridge gun with mounting mortar

Mounting a double rod mat fence on a slope

Installing a double rod mat fence on a slope requires higher craftsmanship skills. And you must allow for more time. The goal is to avoid creating too large gaps under the fence. Therefore, you work with shorter elements and accordingly more posts. The fastening and measuring work is the same as for the previously presented methods. Here are the additional steps:

1. The steeper the slope, the more the fence elements must be shortened. You can do this work with an angle grinder. Don't forget the corrosion protection afterward.

2. On the slope, you place the shortened double rod mats step-like between the posts. This is very time-consuming because you have to cast concrete foundations for a much larger number of posts. Also, it requires greater precision in measuring to ensure everything remains level on uneven slope terrain.

Further questions about double rod mat fence installation

As with all craft projects, there are also some myths about "double rod mat fence installation." For example, that a double rod mat fence cannot be cut to exact size (not true, it's possible with an angle grinder). Or that the installation is too difficult for amateurs (not true, with an exception for double rod mat fences on slopes). Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions.

The double rod mat is completely transparent as a fence element. For commercial properties, for whose perimeter fencing this solid fence type is often used, this is not an issue. For private homes, it is. However, adding privacy protection to a double rod mat fence is not difficult. The material is precisely matched to the mesh size of the fence, is stored on practical rolls, and can be effortlessly woven between the metal rods. Here you have a choice of different colors and weaving patterns.

Double rod mat fences can be ordered in many heights and have a standard width of 2.5 meters. An element of 1 meter height weighs 20 kilograms. Doesn't it take a whole team of fence builders to erect such a work? - The clear answer is: No. The most important step is the measuring and setting of the fence posts. And this is done in concentrated individual work. Once the two posts are precisely erected, the assembly can be easily carried out by a single craftsman.

Double rod mats are rigid, non-flexible elements. Those who aspire to create a curve with them must execute this with significantly shortened elements. There is no set top and bottom for the double rod mat. Both the open and the closed edge can be positioned upwards.

How long a fence construction project with double rod mats takes cannot be answered universally. The simplest execution is a straight stretch mounted on an already existing foundation. Plan for two to three working days for this. Concreted fences take considerably longer because of the drying time. You should at least plan two to three weekends for this.

Conclusion: Every double rod mat fence is durable and easy to maintain

There is no "best" double rod mat fence. Because the products from quality manufacturers are stable and long-lasting in every version, whether 6/5/6 or 8/6/8. Hot-dip galvanized rod mats withstand the weather for at least 30 years. An even better and more durable conservation is through hot-dip galvanizing and powder coating. A double rod mat fence does not require elaborate care. Just cover all cut surfaces well with zinc paint and refresh the conservation occasionally. Otherwise, it is enough to clean the double rod mat fence with a hose or carefully with a high-pressure cleaner.

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