How to add a fence in a rental?

CaseyE

Hi there! 

I am moving in to a new rental that doesn't have a fence on one side of the house. We have two small dogs so a fence is definitely needed. I am looking for semi-permanent fence suggestions that are cost effective, easy to install ourselves (DIY newbies), and can be done relatively quickly. The dogs are respectful of fences, and will not jump or test a fences integrity. 

I was thinking of building a fence out of these https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-matrix-2410-x-1205-x-5mm-charcoal-plastic-reeded-diamond-lattice_p0056908 and attaching them directly to wooden stakes however I am not sure how to allow for the expansion/contraction. We are also needing to attach mouse mesh, as this area can get snakes coming through (closeish to a reserve. 

Any suggestions are much appreciated! 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @CaseyE. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a fence.

That is a very sensible approach for a rental, and you are on the right track with the Jack Matrix panels. In this kind of application, expansion and contraction is generally not a concern. Because the panels are relatively thin and flexible, fixing them to timber posts allows them enough natural movement, provided they are not over-tightened. You do not need to engineer floating fixings or slotted holes for something like this.

Rather than fixing the panels directly to individual stakes only, I would suggest adding a simple top and bottom rail using 70 x 35 treated pine. This gives you something solid and continuous to screw the top and bottom edges of the panels into, which keeps everything straight and much more rigid. The rails can be fixed between your timber posts, then the panels screwed off to the rails using galvanised screws with washers. Just nip the screws up firm, not hard, and the panels will cope with temperature changes without issue.

Having a bottom rail also makes attaching your mouse and snake mesh much easier and more effective. You can run the mesh along the inside face of the fence, staple it neatly to the bottom rail and posts, and then pin or bury the bottom edge slightly into the ground to stop anything from pushing underneath. This keeps the mesh hidden, protected, and far more secure than trying to fix it directly to plastic panels alone.

Overall, this setup is very DIY friendly, cost-effective, and quick to install with basic tools. It is also easy to remove later if needed, which is ideal for a rental. With respectful dogs, this type of fence will do the job nicely without needing anything heavy-duty or permanent.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell